DEI and YPs: Using Diversity to Ignite Change

As credit unions continue to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts into their organizational structure, there is always room for more growth and change. Whether you’re an avid trailblazer at your credit union or new to the industry, there is a great opportunity for credit union young professionals to advocate for change and bring about DEI initiatives into the heart of the industry.

This month, we continue our DEI series and discuss the concept of diversity. To understand diversity, let’s breakdown the components of this notion. Diversity refers to the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, ages, etc. Diversity honors what makes each of us unique such as our backgrounds, personality, life experiences, and beliefs, all of which make up who we are.

Diversity initiatives in the workplace can consist of task forces, diversity managers, and mentoring programs that help bring employees together. By bringing together complex and diverse individuals, organizations can thrive because more perspectives are brought to the forefront where critical conversations can take place. Through diversity in the workplace, employees have the power to use their voice and share ideas that may have not been previously explored. A truly diverse workforce is inherently stronger as it is highlighted by a multitude of important voices who can help ignite change and improve products, services, and operations. How can you use your voice as a credit union young professional to ignite change?