BOULDER CITY, Nev.–Visa has become a “Pioneer Ally” of CU Pride, the LGBTQ+ network association for credit unions.
The announcement comes after Visawas the Premier Sponsor of the CU Pride Leadership Conference (CUToday.info had coverage here) and the June BGHH Educational Happy Hour.
“We saw an opportunity to support an organization making real change within their industry,” said Jorge Esteban, Southeast vice president for community financial institutions at Visa. “Gen Z is far more diverse than any other generation in our history and they champion organizations with focus on equity, inclusion, and social impact. An organization like CU Pride can help credit unions reinvigorate relevance with this changing market.”
Series of Events
The sponsorship was announced as the organization announced a successful series of events held during June, which it said is “CU Pride Month,” during which it has held and is holding a series of educational, networking and celebratory events.
“When we discuss allies and allyship, it extends beyond the individual. Organizations have both the ability and responsibility to stand up and support communities that have been marginalized or left behind,” stated Zach Christensen, executive director of CU Pride and director at Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates. “Strong, effective organizational allies provide the opportunity to create change through sustainability, resources, and belief in the mission. We are pleased to have Visa as a CU Pride Pioneer Ally and look forward to building more opportunities for our LGBTQ+ credit union community.”
A Bridge to ‘Inclusion’
Union Professionals during #DEITuesday.
“The LGBTQ+ market has needs that are not unusual— savings, budgeting, loans,” added Celeste Schwitters, senior vice president and head of community accounts at Visa. “Serving these needs is in the DNA of credit unions and the partnership between Visa and CU Pride can help bridge financial inclusion for everyone, everywhere.”
At 12 p.m. ET today CU Pride is hosting its Third Annual Virtual CU Pride Event. To register, go here.