Renée Sattiewhite discusses AACUC's Role in Closing the Racial Wealth Gap in all Financial Services

Everything Co-op with Vernon Oakes

March 21, 2024 In honor of the 2024 Women's History Month theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” Vernon interviews Renée Sattiewhite, President and CEO of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). Vernon and Renee discuss the role AACUC plays in creating bridges between community-based organizations and consumer-focused initiatives designed to close the extensive racial wealth gap. In addition to serving as President/CEO of the AACUC, Renée Sattiewhite is also a certified diversity professional, credit union development educator, motivational speaker, executive coach, mentoring trainer, and recognized expert on marketing and branding. Renee has brought both her unique vitality and forward-looking vision in order to create one of the most dynamic organizations in the credit union movement. She has successfully propelled the organization forward to offer a credible voice that addresses today's dialogue on race, equity, and inclusion for all. In September 2022, Renée was inducted to America’s Credit Union Museum’s newest display “Credit Union Women Making History....Herstory,” an interactive exhibit highlighting incredible women’s achievements that have made history in the credit union industry and showcasing women’s stories never heard before. In 2020, after the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and with the growing visibility of the Black Lives Matter movement, this momentum galvanized the country against racial injustice. Renee became one of the most notable catalysts, encouraging the credit union industry to become more aware of the urgent need for change toward true racial equality and economic justice, and launched the Commitment to Change: Credit Unions Unite Against Racism initiative. As a direct result of Renee's leadership AACUC received the 2022 Anchor Award from the National Credit Union Foundation which is the equivalent to the Nobel Peace Prize of the credit union movement. The African-American Credit Union Coalition is a 501c3 non-profit organization created in 1999 to increase diversity within the credit union community through advocacy and professional development. This award-winning organization is shaping diversity, equity, and inclusion in the movement to eliminate the racial wealth gap, and is considered a leader in the credit union industry.