Credit unions must remain a safe place for Black women

• Key insight: In a climate where programs designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion are under constant attack, the credit union system should continue to adhere to the principles of fairness, equality, and community that have made credit unions a safe haven for so many Black women.
• Supporting data: CBS Mornings reported that more than 300,000 Black women lost their jobs in the first half of 2025.
• Expert quote: "At worst we are being targeted and at best our well-being isn't being considered at all. Either way, the impact is egregious and I am deeply concerned. Everyone should be." —Renée Sattiewhite

As a Black woman in America, I am no stranger to misogyny and anti-Blackness. I have been overlooked, underestimated, dismissed and demeaned. I have handled every slight and microaggression with poise and dignity just as my mother Cathy, Mama Gussie (my grandmother) and Little Mama (my great-grandmother) did. I have also remained unwavering in my purpose, unflinching in the face of challenges and continuously rooted in optimism.

Despite the disrespect, my resolve remained strong in large part because I believed Black women were making progress — albeit incremental. We have obtained degrees, demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication and continuously reached new milestones. We have risen through the ranks of corporations, nonprofits, universities, government agencies and financial institutions. The hurdles were high and the track was long, but we persevered.

However, I have recently been met with a barrage of information about the dire state of Black women in America. CBS Mornings reported that more than 300,000 Black women lost their jobs in the first half of 2025. Economist Katica Roy wrote that nearly 600,000 Black women were economically sidelined. Black women's unemployment jumped from 5.4% to 7.3% in a single year — a larger increase than any other group.

I find it difficult to believe that the diminishing state of Black women is by happenstance. At worst we are being targeted and at best our well-being isn't being considered at all. Either way, the impact is egregious and I am deeply concerned. Everyone should be.

While navigating corporate America as a young professional, credit unions became a safe space for me. When I entered the industry nearly 30 years ago, I was met with openness, warmth, and respect for my intelligence and talent. I knew that regardless of my current position at the credit union affiliated organization, a path existed for me to reach the C-suite. With grit, determination and a willingness to learn, anything was possible.

I had the honor of being mentored, coached and poured into by dynamic and brilliant Black women credit union leaders. I saw myself in them. Because I could see it, I knew I could achieve it. My road to president and CEO of the African-American Credit Union Coalition, or AACUC, was paved by the Black women of the credit union industry who came before me.

During my tenure as president and CEO of AACUC, I have met Black women from all over the world who have also found a safe place at credit unions. This is not surprising because the diverse, inclusive nature of credit unions are among their biggest strengths. Credit union members are from all walks of life.

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The diversity and inclusiveness attracted me to credit unions. Credit unions didn't advertise their diversity and inclusiveness — they just were. When I joined the movement, I saw that credit unions were for everyone regardless of race, color, creed, gender, religion or socioeconomic status. And the diversity and inclusion went beyond their members, it extended to their staff, leadership and boards.

I have marveled at Black women being a vital part of the credit union movement. From Maudelle Shirek, the former board chair of the Co-op Credit Union who was a highly respected civil rights leader, community advocate, and long-time Berkeley, California, council member to Sheilah Montgomery, longtime CEO of Credit Union of Atlanta, to Tonita Webb, president and CEO of Verity Credit Union, and so many others. Within credit unions, Black women have found a place to advance their careers and bolster their communities.

I must admit that organizations retreating from diversity and inclusion has been demoralizing. And I understand credit unions are not immune to the pressures the retreating organizations have experienced. While AACUC has not experienced the repercussions of the rollback of diversity and inclusion, some in our industry are feeling tensions. However, I implore the credit union system to hold the line and continue to adhere to the principles of fairness, equality and community that have made credit unions a safe haven for so many Black women.

Specifically, I am asking credit union leaders to continue to create pathways to leadership for underrepresented staff and remain committed to social responsibility and operating in a sustainable, ethical manner. It is also imperative that credit unions provide education and training for members, board members and employees, as well as engage with organizations like AACUC that are committed to diversifying the credit union movement.

I firmly believe that the credit union difference is real. So, at this time when Black women are being disproportionately laid off, pushed out and overlooked, it is critical that we show how different we truly are. 

Credit unions are built on fairness, dignity and people helping people. We do not turn a blind eye to injustice and inequality — we work to remedy it. I encourage the credit union industry to remain bold, mindful and brave as we continue this essential work.