ALPHARETTA, Ga.–Nearly 450 credit union professionals, volunteers and others attended the African-American CU Coalition’s annual conference this week, which used the theme, “Not Like Us: We Are Bold, Mindful, and Brave.”
“This year’s gathering showcased innovative approaches to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the credit union movement, with a strong emphasis on what it means to boldly, mindfully, and bravely live out the people helping people philosophy for communities of color and other marginalized groups in today’s complex political and socioeconomic climate,” AACUC said.
‘Collective Charge Forward’
“This conference felt like a collective charge forward,” Renée Sattiewhite, AACUC president/CEO, said in a statement. “Our theme was more than aspirational — it became the standard. AACUC continues to lead with vision, heart, and conviction.”
The event included keynotes and immersive workshops, and attendees explored the intersections of culture, strategy, and leadership, AACUC said.
According to AACUC, the week included:
- Nearly 16 professional development sessions from making AI a strategic advantage to building communities through investing in small businesses and the United Way’s ALICE program
- A dedicated track for young professionals with an emphasis on developing inclusive, next-generation leaders
- Global perspectives from the Africa Confederation of Co-operative Savings & Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), the African Cooperative Development Foundation, the World Council of Credit Unions and the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions
- A series of panel discussions led by the industry’s largest asset size credit unions, women of color in the C-Suite and advocacy experts
Unwavering Commitment
“AACUC’s unwavering commitment to career development, inclusive leadership, and industry transformation is what sets us apart,” Board Chair Whitney Anderson said in a statement. “We are intentional about creating spaces where every voice is heard, every leader is valued, and every community is empowered.”
The organization said a major highlight of the conference was the 2025 Maurice R. Smith DEI Leadership Awards dinner and celebration.
The CU Daily earlier featured comments from three of the winners, which can be found here.
“This year’s six honorees exemplify the bold, mindful, and brave leadership that defines AACUC’s mission,” AACUC said.
The Honorees
The recipients were:
- Carlos Calderon, president and CEO, OAS Federal Credit Union
- Ronaldo Hardy, president/CEO, Balance
- Susan Mitchell, CEO, Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates
- Jim Morrell, CEO, Peninsula Credit Union
- George Ombado, executive director/CEO, ACCOSCA
- Joe Thomas, Executive President, Apple Federal Credit Union
‘Challenge & Uplift’
“Every element of this conference was designed to challenge and uplift,” Sattiewhite said in a statement. “We leaned into what makes us unique — our voices, our values, and our vision. And we left with a renewed sense of purpose to keep pushing the movement forward.”
TruStage serving as conference title sponsor and Awards title sponsor.