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Diversity
Valuing people with different voices, different backgrounds, different life experiences.
- Committed to our members, employees, and suppliers.
A commitment to a diverse, inclusive workforce and membership base
The credit union movement was founded on the principle of people helping people. At 7 17 Credit Union, we believe that means all people. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
For many decades, various practices in our society, whether intended or due to unconscious bias, have created social injustices. These have limited access to equitable education, healthcare, employment opportunity, and financial services for many Black Americans and other minority groups. At 7 17 Credit Union, we strive to be part of the solution in righting these wrongs.
Our brand is built on mutual respect for our coworkers, credit union members, and the broader communities we serve. While we feel it is important to state our beliefs, it is even more imperative that our actions speak to our commitment.
We have been on a journey to increase individuals’ access to 7 17 by evaluating products, services, policies, and procedures to avoid unintended access limitations to qualifying members and potential members.
We are educating our employees on the value that diversity and inclusion bring to our organization. We established cross-functional project teams to seek out opportunities that reinforce our commitment to inclusion and the richness of different perspectives and experiences. To attract future employees, our recruitment process elevates awareness to open positions and ensures a diverse pool of candidates have access to the application process.
These efforts, are not short-term projects, but part of an ongoing process to make sure all qualifying consumers have access to financial services that can help them improve their lives. It is our desire, that 7 17 Credit Union will serve as an example for others. It is our ultimate hope that we see a day where equality truly reigns; racism, injustice and hate are eliminated; and all members of our community are treated with the dignity and respect that comes with the undeniable fact that all people are created equal.
7 17 is proud to serve Members of all backgrounds. Membership is available to all individuals that qualify, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, or other characteristics. Credit is available to all credit-worthy Members. This commitment to a diverse Membership extends beyond individuals to business Members and our Business Partner organizations which affiliate with 7 17 to provide credit union access to their employees.
7 17 Credit Union’s employees are our most valuable asset. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of our reputation and achievement. 7 17 management embraces and encourages our employees' differences.
7 17 supports and provides Equal Employment Opportunity. In addition to being the law, it is simply the right thing to do. Selection for employment, promotion, and training is based on meeting the qualifications of the position. It is our belief that every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. Further, the commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality in the workplace is good management practice and makes good business sense.
The policy of 7 17 Credit Union supports and encourages business relationships with Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) as well as other recognized diverse businesses that meet or exceed our requirements for products and services that meet the need of the organization and our membership. Therefore, we are committed to pursuing business relationships with such enterprises, and using commercially reasonable approaches designed to continually improve business opportunities.
7 17 Credit Union is an innovative leader in the region. We strive to set ourselves apart from other local financial institutions, while encouraging our members to see the difference in the service and solutions that we offer.
The credit union has always been connected to the communities we serve. As the world rapidly changes around us, we understand the importance of leading by example. We understand that change begins with us and starts within our own walls. As a result, we are pleased to announce our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Put plainly, 7 17 is embracing our differences, ensuring that we are equal in opportunity and that we are creating an environment where all members and employees feel included and respected. Overall, this committee will help the credit union create and sustain lasting change throughout our organization.
As the committee evolves, we hope to continue to nurture a culture that inspires our members, employees and the community for years to come.
Committee members from the left (sitting) is Vickie Paisley, Angelo LoCastro, Sherri Ramsey, Alexis Austin and David Kovacs. Standing from left to right is Tia Taylor, Stephanie Cunningham, Elvis Boateng, Shane McGee, Amanda Campbell and Daniele Harris.
