Embracing Diversity, Empowering Unity
At the League, we embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as part of our core value: Stronger Together. We believe that recognizing and celebrating our unique perspectives makes us stronger as a team and enhances our ability to support credit unions across the Carolinas.
Living Our Core Values Through DEI
We’re united not just by our mission, but by our diverse backgrounds and the valuable perspectives they bring to the table. These differences strengthen us in governance, leadership, skills, and expertise.
Progress starts with listening. By understanding the needs of our community and the challenges faced by those impacted by DEI gaps, we can act inclusively and lead change with purpose.
We’re committed to improving ourselves and our organization through DEI. By collaborating with experts, assessing our practices, and sharing what we learn, we help credit unions build stronger, more inclusive cultures.
Our DEI journey isn’t just a project, it’s who we are. By walking the talk, we inspire credit unions to join us in a continued commitment to inclusion and equity.
Thinking BIG means embracing new ideas and perspectives. The diversity of thought within our organization helps us find fresh ways to bring our DEI commitment to life.
A Shared Journey for Greater Impact
We’re committed to continuous growth, both within our League and in helping credit unions achieve their DEI goals. Credit unions have always been about financial inclusion and serving the underserved. While progress has been made, we know there’s always room to expand access and empower all communities—especially communities of color.
The credit union movement is uniquely positioned to address systemic financial disparities. With a solid foundation in cooperative principles, credit unions have the strength and resolve to tackle these challenges and make a meaningful impact.
By integrating DEI at every level—whether in leadership, services, or community engagement—credit unions can ensure they continue to serve generations to come.
Join Us on This Journey
We’re excited to be part of this ongoing DEI journey. Explore valuable resources, organizations, and events below to learn how we can move forward together.
The League’s DEI Working Group, created in June 2020, exists to help centralize the organization’s ideas and focus to develop and advance its DEI strategy and ongoing goals. Members of this volunteer committee include:
- Dan Schline, President and CEO
- Lauren Whaley, Carolinas Credit Union Foundation President
- Lauren DeAngelis, Chief Learning Officer
- Hannah Broome, HR Consulting Specialist
- Brittani Champlin, Director of Professional Development
- Courtney Jackson, Director, Integrated Communications
- Kirshunda King, Auditor II
- Andrea Williams, Director of Human Resources
Make the Commitment to Change
As part of its commitment to DEI and to encourage other credit unions in the Carolinas to follow, the League Board voted to sign the CU DEI Collective Pledge and most recently passed a resolution to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as the 8th Cooperative Principle.
First introduced by Maurice Smith, now retired CEO of Local Government FCU and Civic FCU, the 8th Cooperative Principle not only brings more light to the importance of DEI but also highlight the credit union industry’s dedication to its communities.
Credit unions can download and complete the resolution template and learn more about the 8th Cooperative at deitalks.com.
For more on the CU DEI Collective including how to pledge, visit CUDEICollective.org.
Upcoming DEI Events
Check out these notable DEI events hosted by the League, member credit unions, and affiliates.
LAUNCH 2025
2025 Governmental Affairs Conference
“Credit unions have long held the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion as part of their DNA, and credit union leaders in the Carolinas have been advocating for DEI initiatives at the highest levels of the movement nationwide.”