DALLAS–Laura Aguirre, president and CEO of Hawaii First FCU in Kamuela, Hawaii, has been named winner of the 2016 Annie Vamper Helping Hands Award by the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions.
This award is the highest honor given by the Federation to community development credit union staff and volunteers and was presented by the Federation during its 2016 Annual Conference here.
"Kindness costs nothing and can change a life. Every day I ask myself whose life did I change today?” said Aguirre.
According to the Federation, Aguirre’s upbringing included public assistance and homelessness. “As a result, Laura understands, perhaps more than most, how encouragement and kindness can change lives,” said the Federation. “After a successful career in banking, Laura moved to Hawaii in 1992. Everywhere she looked she saw people who reminded her of how she grew up. Laura was determined to help underserved, low-income, and native communities.”
The Federation said the $42-million Hawaii First received its CDFI certification in 2008 and the Hawaii First Community Resource Center opened shortly thereafter. The Center now has two locations and has helped 3,600 East and West Hawaii residents. Under Laura's Leadership, Hawaii First has received five CDFI awards totaling $3.3 million allowing further development of its unique loan and share programs, the Federation said.
Hawaii First is also a Federation secondary capital investee. The Federation has invested in Hawaii First to support the credit union's growth and mortgage services, as well as its Community and Homeownership Resource Centers.
“Laura consistently demonstrates the significant impact a smaller credit union can have on its community,” the Federation said in announcing the award. “From 2012 to 2016, the credit union's assets and loans have grown 21% and 23% respectively, and provided more than $60 million in loans to members.”
Added Diane Guidry, Hawaii First board chair: "Laura is one of the most caring people dedicated to helping the underserved that I know. It has been an honor to be a part of her team. We are always looking for better ways to help our community. Laura shares with her staff so that they all can make a difference, one person at a time, to be the best they can be and achieve their dreams."