A passion for community building

Amanda Swan’s life experiences drive her service, regardless of whether it’s part of her role as vice president of community engagement and philanthropy at $3.5 billion asset Numerica Credit Union in Spokane, Wash.

“I was raised by a single mother,” she says. “I was supported by grandparents, aunts, and uncles who loved me, but I also know that lack of support can manifest in critical and disturbing ways. Being able to give back is important to me.”

Passionate about aiding survivors of domestic violence, Swan seeks to make a positive impact on children, women, and vulnerable households. Through the Numerica Charitable Fund, she has shifted part of the credit union’s event and sponsorship budget toward grant-based programs for vulnerable youth and families.

The result is Numerica’s domestic and family violence program, which offers one-on-one financial coaching to domestic survivors. 

Similarly, the Home for the Holidays program provides safe and stable housing for people experiencing homelessness. In 2020 and 2021, Numerica contributed $225,000 to regional nonprofits that transitioned more than 50 families into homes.

Swan took a personal approach to the program, welcoming a single mother and her two kids into their new home. “I’m connecting with this mom, and she has a daughter the same age as one of my daughters,” she says. “We’re helping people who could be me. Getting to see the sheer relief on that mother’s face showed that this is life changing.”

Those stories are only becoming more common at Numerica. When Swan joined the community engagement and philanthropy department, the credit union gave back about $500,000 annually. Now, it gives back more than $1 million per year.

In her personal life, Swan is treasurer for the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition and participates in organizations including Volunteers of America, Lutheran Community Services Leadership Council, and YWCA Spokane.