2026 Award Winner
Lansing, MI
LAFCU has been named the recipient of the 2026 John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award, an honor recognizing organizations that are leading the way in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across the credit union industry.
Formalizing its commitment in 2020, LAFCU has made belonging a cornerstone of its organizational identity by establishing a board-approved Chief Diversity Officer role, ensuring that inclusion is permanently embedded in its governance rather than resting on a single leader or campaign. Recognizing that inclusion enhances both employee engagement and the member experience, the credit union approaches DEI as a long-term commitment guided by the philosophy, "We're greater together when we're equal."
The initiative has driven impactful projects, including reducing overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees to 99 cents, launching the free Pathway to Financial Transformation education program, and creating the StableCommunities Foundation to fund local organizations and entrepreneurs.
Communication channels—including executive messaging, multi-week interactive campaigns, and storytelling videos—keep engagement strong, while an employee-led DEI Committee serves as an essential voice for ongoing feedback and cultural growth. The committee's guiding tagline, "Listening Allows For Cultural Understanding," helps embed empathy and inclusion into LAFCU's organizational practices.
LAFCU has successfully integrated belonging into its operations, values, and community services—creating a culture in which 84% of employees report that their unique backgrounds are valued, earning the credit union a 2026 Inclusive Workplace designation. This work exemplifies genuine commitment and demonstrates how intentional, strategic efforts lead to meaningful, positive change—serving as a powerful model for the credit union industry.
Previous Winners
Olympia, WA
Peak Credit Union has been named the recipient of the 2025 John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award, an honor that recognizes organizations leading the way in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the credit union industry.
Since its formation through a strategic merger in 2023, Peak Credit Union has made belonging a cornerstone of its organizational identity. Recognizing that inclusion enhances community, employee engagement, and member experience, the credit union launched its Belonging Initiative as one of its five strategic pillars.
Led by a dedicated DEI & Development team, with support from senior leadership, the initiative has driven impactful projects such as Employee Resource Groups, pay equity, efforts to serve Spanish-speaking communities, and investments in local DEI-focused literacy programs.
Communication channels—including intranet updates, employee training, and member impact reports—keep engagement strong, while a diverse Advisory Council and a variety of Employee Resource Groups serve as essential voices for ongoing feedback and improvement. Monthly updates and dedicated feedback channels help embed DEI deeply into organizational practices.
Within just two years, Peak Credit Union has successfully integrated belonging into its operations, values, and services—creating a culture where everyone feels valued and members experience truly inclusive financial service. This work exemplifies genuine commitment, demonstrating how intentional, strategic efforts lead to meaningful, positive change—serving as a powerful model for the credit union industry.
Tigard, Oregon
Unitus Community Credit Union has been named the recipient of the 2024 John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award, an honor that recognizes organizations leading the way in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the credit union industry.
Unitus has demonstrated exceptional leadership in embedding DEI principles throughout its operations. Their comprehensive DEI Action Plan serves as a cornerstone of their strategic planning, ensuring that DEI is not just an initiative, but a core value that drives the organization forward. What sets Unitus apart is the way their efforts were shaped by the feedback and commitment of their employees, who championed greater inclusivity and equity well before the events of 2020 brought national attention to these issues.
Through their continued focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, Unitus is creating lasting, positive change—not only within their credit union but also across the industry and in the broader community they serve. Their work stands as an inspiring example for others to follow, making them truly deserving of this honor. Congratulations to Unitus Community Credit Union!
Sacramento, California
Golden 1 Credit Union is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Their dedication to this mission is evident through a workforce that boasts diversity at all levels, featuring a strong representation of women and BIPOC employees, even within the executive leadership team. They've implemented quarterly performance reviews and bias training to ensure fair promotions and career advancement. Golden 1 also nurtures an inclusive culture by introducing employee resource groups and a DEI Council to promote an environment of belonging and equity. In addition, they celebrate their employees' unique experiences and perspectives through the 'In Our Own Words' podcast series, further reinforcing their dedication to diversity and inclusion.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
GreenState Credit Union is working to remove the barriers that communities of color encounter through its Community Investment and Emergent Bilingual Strategies.
Most Americans can build substantial wealth through home ownership. But minority groups and immigrant households are less likely to own homes.
As a leader in home mortgages in the Midwest, and #1 in Iowa, GreenState is in a unique position to lead this effort. In 2021 GreenState began a 10-year initiative to help close Iowa’s racial homeownership gap. The goal is to fund over $1 billion in mortgage loans to people of color in all communities its serve.
In 2020, GreenState established the Emergent Bilingual Strategy to address financial disparities and earn the trust of bilingual communities. The goal is to have at least one bilingual person in each department.
In the addition, the credit union translated into Spanish its website, mobile and online banking, marketing materials, and loan deposit applications.
In 2021, the credit union began to track the language preference of members. Retail staff had a goal of producing $10 million in loans to non-English speaking members.
The goal for 2022 goal is to lend $75 million to bilingual communities.
GreenState is making bold moves to address the racial disparities hindering communities from building wealth.
Credit unions across the nation are asking themselves how they can improve the financial lives of their consumers of color, and GreenState is paving the path to do it in a bold, yet strategic way.