Minnesota Credit Union Forms Inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Council
SPIRE CU employees look to advance the conversation for all regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and age.
After several months of planning, the $1.2 billion SPIRE Credit Union in Falcon Heights, Minn., recently announced the formation of its inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Council (DIC).
Made up of seven SPIRE staff members representing various departments and branches, the DIC will provide a voice for the credit union’s growing staff and serve as resource for the senior leadership team.
One of the DIC’s members is Bishop Ofei, a business systems analyst, who hopes to advance the conversation on opportunities for all regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability or age.
Another DIC member, Financial Services Officer Nili Verma, is hoping that the council’s experience and multiple perspectives will inspire novel thinking to develop ways of building on the credit union’s cultural heritage that facilitates an inclusive work culture.
“The inaugural committee members have the opportunity to set the foundation, structure and future path of SPIRE’s Diversity and Inclusion Council,” SPIRE’s SVP/COO, Justin Burleson, said. “This is a critical council that will be able to provide recommendations for continued organizational enhancements to the key decision making bodies of SPIRE.”
The DIC held its first meeting in June and will continue to meet on a quarterly basis with members holding a one-year term.
The DIC is one of many new initiatives that have been taking shape among credit unions and industry organizations to address equality disparities and issues following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.