TUSTIN, Calif.– Redwood Credit Union in Northern California and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in Southern California hosted more than 40 credit union leaders from across Africa to their respective headquarters for a multi-day “Learn & Share Visit” that focused on collaboration, community impact and cultural exchange.
The visit was part of a U.S. tour organized by the African Confederation of Co-operative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), a Pan-African confederation representing national associations of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), peer institutions to credit unions in the U.S. The delegation included the executive directors of the ACCOSCA and the African Cooperative Development Foundation — the philanthropic arm of ACCOSCA, the credit unions said.
‘Powerful Reminder’
“Welcoming these visionary leaders from across the African continent was both an honor and a powerful reminder of our shared purpose,” SchoolsFirst President and CEO Bill Cheney said in a statement. “Credit unions exist to create financial inclusion and ensure our Members have equitable access to financial resources — a commitment that transcends borders and unites us globally.”
According to the credit unions, leaders from Redwood Credit Union and SchoolsFirst FCU shared insights into their unique financial model, strong culture of engagement, unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service to Members and communities, as well as disaster response and community resiliency.
The exchange also included discussions around social impact, product and service innovation, financial literacy and education programs, and implications of cybersecurity, fraud and AI.
ACU CEO on Hand
At the start of the week, RCU welcomed America’s Credit Unions President and CEO Scott Simpson, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, and California State Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, who participated as panelists to discuss the importance of advocacy and how credit unions can effectively engage with elected officials.
Robert Wilson, SVP/State Government Affairs from the California Credit Union League, also attended to help deepen connections, the credit unions said.
“It was an honor to engage with the delegation and share how Redwood Credit Union’s purpose — to inspire hope and elevate financial well-being — guides everything we do,” RCU President and CEO Brett Martinez said in a statement. “These opportunities to foster international collaboration and share best practices strengthen the industry as a whole and help drive positive change on a global scale.”
Additional Exchanges
Last year, Martinez and Cheney were among the speakers at the Savings and Credit Cooperatives Associations Congress in Kenya. Africa’s largest annual financial cooperative event brought together credit union leaders to deliberate on issues affecting the industry and encourage sustainable development in regions worldwide.
The program also included networking and cultural exchanges, reinforcing the global spirit of cooperation that defines the credit union movement, the CUs added.
