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.
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