Miriam De Dios, CEO of Latino credit union marketing specialist Coopera in Des Moines, Iowa, has recently received two industry honors.

De Dios was awarded the World Council of Credit Union's Young Credit Union People scholarship at the World Council's conference in Poland in mid-July.

She also has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Network of Latino Credit Unions & Professionals.

De Dios was recognized by WYCUP for her continued work to help credit unions reach and serve the Hispanic market. Established in 2001, WYCUP is an annual scholarship program that honors five nominees under the age of 35 for contributions to the development of their own credit unions or credit union systems and their potential to do the same at the international level.

“There is tremendous opportunity for U.S. credit unions to serve our largely underserved Hispanic communities, and I am pleased that a renowned organization like WOCCU recognizes the growth opportunity that this presents for the U.S. credit union movement. I dedicate this award to Coopera's founder and late CEO, Warren Morrow, who turned his personal passion for serving the Hispanic community into the successful organization that Coopera is today,” De Dios said.

De Dios was vice president of Coopera when Morrow died at age 34 in February. She became CEO in May.

The NCLUP, meanwhile, works to develop professional Hispanic leadership and representation at all levels within the credit union system. Its 13 board members are elected to two-year terms.

Coopera is owned by Affiliates Management Co., a holding company of the Iowa Credit Union League.