SAN JOSE, Calif.–Mirastar Federal Credit Union is commemorating its 75th birthday and, “celebrating a rich history of service, innovation, and community partnership.”

Originally founded in 1950 as Santa Clara County Employees Credit Union, seven Santa Clara County employees pooled together $103 to start a not-for-profit financial cooperative. 

“That small credit union has grown to serve nearly 50,000 members, evolving to meet the needs of a diverse and expanding community,” the $962-million Mirastar said. “From its first branch in Gilroy in 1970 to the recent opening of the West Tasman Campus branch in 2025, Mirastar’s journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and the financial well-being of its members. The credit union’s transformation from Santa Clara County Employees Credit Union to Mirastar reflects its enduring mission to create strong, vibrant communities where prosperity is within reach for everyone.”

“With our new name, Mirastar, we honor our legacy as Santa Clara County Employees Credit Union and embrace a future where prosperity is within reach for everyone,” President and CEO Rebecca Reynolds Lytle said in a statement. “’Mira’ means ‘to look’ in Spanish, and combined with ‘star,’ our name invites us all to look upward, to aspire, to dream, and to rise together. Our rebrand is more than a new logo or colors; it’s a renewed commitment to building strong, vibrant communities and providing equitable access to financial opportunities for all.”

‘Cornerstone of Impact’

According to Mirastar, a cornerstone of its impact is the Mirastar Community Impact Fund, which in 2024 provided more than $205,000 in support to nonprofit organizations across Santa Clara and San Benito counties. 

The fund focuses on four key areas, the credit union said:

• Children & Education
• Community Health & Well-Being
• Financial Wellness & Inclusion
• Community Partnership.

It said initiatives have included scholarships for local students, support for food distribution programs, and partnerships with organizations like Downtown Streets Team, Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, and Bill Wilson Center.

Staff Volunteerism

In addition, Mirastar said its employees and their families exemplify the credit union’s volunteer spirit, contributing more than 3,300 hours of service in 2024 alone. Volunteer efforts range from packing lunches for farm workers and assembling bicycles for underserved children to supporting classroom teachers and participating in community events like the annual Back-to-School Drive and Teddy Bears on Patrol, it added.

“For 75 years, Mirastar has been guided by the principle that we rise by lifting each other up,” Lytle added in a statemenbt. “Our legacy is built on trust, service, and a deep commitment to our members and communities. As we look to the future with a new name and expanded charter, we invite our members to share the gift of membership with friends and family. Together, we’re building a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.”