Have you heard about workplaces having Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) departments, but are unsure of their mission? Join us as we unpack DEI with the Credit Union’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Amanda Denney.

We decided it was important to begin our exploration of DEI with trying to get a better understanding of what it truly means. Amanda admits, “I think there is some misinformation about what these [terms] mean.” She explains how the terms include many more groups than what is commonly believed and how we can create “safe psychological spaces” to allow people to be their “true, authentic selves.”

Because so many people are affected by the mission of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Amanda also points out that this can present new considerations for the Credit Union. When discussing the Credit Union’s role in conjunction with DEI, she explains that her job is to be an advocate and recognize that, “everyone needs something a little bit different, so how do we meet them where they are?”

She discusses her role as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and her goals for influencing the Credit Union as we continue to engage in new initiatives. “Some of the things we are doing this year are taking a look at our projects that we’re doing and we’re saying, ‘Ok, how does this specifically relate to diversity, equity and inclusion, and what are the benefits?’” She then shares with the Wallet Watch team how DEI is impacting new branch layouts, print-materials, and how the mission is being supported by the Credit Union’s DEI Council and Employee Resource Groups. By looking through this lens at the Credit Union, she hopes that we will only continue to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive for our employees and our members.

To hear more about the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mission at the Credit Union, our DEI initiatives, and its impact, check out the full episode by going to Spotify, Podbean, or Apple Podcast.

Do you want transcripts for any of our episodes? Email us a request at [email protected] Transcripts offer an excellent way to have a copy of the tips and topics we cover in each episode.

Also, we have a contest! All you have to do is comment under one of our podcast-related posts. Be sure to tag a friend and include the title of this episode, “Defining Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”

Spotify: App and Web Player
Apple Podcast: App and iTunes
Podbean: App and Website

Chances of winning are based on the number of entries during the contest time period. Only one entry per participant, per episode will be accepted. MSU Federal Credit Union and OU Credit Union employees, board of directors, and their families are not eligible to win.

You may also enter by sending a 3-inch by 5-inch card with your first and last name, address, phone number, and email address to: MSU Federal Credit Union ATTN: Financial Education Department: Wallet Watch Contest Episode “Defining Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” 3777 West Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.

This contest runs from March 10, 2021 through August 27, 2021. The winner will be drawn on August 30, 2021, by the Financial Education department of MSU Federal Credit Union, whose decisions are final. The winner of the gift card must agree to sign a release form allowing MSU Federal Credit Union to use their name for promotional purposes for Financial 4.0 and any future MSUFCU promotional materials.

MSUFCU is not responsible for any damage caused to entrants' mobile device due to participation in the contest. MSUFCU reserves the right to cancel the online component of the contest should it become technically corrupted, and the winner will be chosen from all eligible entries received prior to that time.

Winner understands that prizes may not be substituted or assigned.

Entrants agree by entering that unless prohibited by law, MSU Federal Credit Union may use, if entrant is a winner, entrant's name, city and state of residence, photograph, and likeness for advertising trade and any other purposes in any media now or hereafter known without further compensation, permission, or notification. Entrants further agree that the aforementioned parties and all of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives, and agents will have no liability and will be held harmless by entrant for any claim, action, liability, loss, injury, or damage to entrant or any other person or entity, including, without limitation, personal injury or death to entrant or any other person or damage to personal or real property, due in whole or in part. MSUFCU maintains the right to change or modify these rules at any time without notice.