Notes from the Field:
MSUFCU Juntos Avanzamos Proclamation Ceremony
Juntos Avanzamos Proclamation Ceremonies are the pinnacle of the Juntos Avanzamos designation process and are a true celebration of diversity and inclusion. They bring community members together to commemorate their credit unions’ openness and commitment to serving and empowering the Hispanic and immigrant communities. Every Proclamation Ceremony is different and reflects the culture of the credit union that hosts it.
Recently, I visited Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) in East Lansing, Michigan, to celebrate their Proclamation Ceremony. MSUFCU is the largest university-based credit union in the world, the 42nd largest credit union in the United States, and the second largest credit union in Michigan. Founded in 1937 by Michigan State University (MSU) faculty and staff, MSUFCU has grown substantially but remains a safe place where members can borrow and save money. It has almost 6.9 billion in assets, more than 330,000 members, and 22 branches in Michigan. They are now the second Juntos Avanzamos credit union in the state.
I must confess, I was excited to visit MSUFCU. In another life, I worked at the University of Puerto Rico, and even though the nature of my work is different now, I still feel a strong connection to higher education. I was looking forward to visiting a university-based credit union for a Juntos Avanzamos Proclamation Ceremony. I was not disappointed.
| “The Juntos Avanzamos program has allowed us to demonstrate the work that our Credit Union has been doing for many years, but now we have a visible designation to let everyone in our communities know this is a safe space and that we welcome your business and the opportunity to help you learn how to navigate the financial system here in our community and the U.S.” |
 April Clobes, CEO, MSU FCU |
MSUFCU received its Juntos Avanzamos designation in 2021 but its commitment to DEI initiatives (diversity, equity and inclusion) has been a core value for many years. This commitment was validated by the numerous community leaders who spoke during the ceremony. Over 100 local leaders, elected government officials, community members and credit union staff came together to celebrate MSUFCU’s designation.
The presence of community leaders and government officials was central to the Proclamation Ceremony, as the mayors of the cities of Lansing and East Lansing joined representatives of the MSU Migrant Center, Cristo del Rey Church, the East Lansing School District, and others to offer remarks centered on MSUFCU’s commitment to serving everyone in the community through their DEI efforts.
Left to right: Amanda Denney, DEI Director, MSU FCU, April Clobes, CEO, MSU FCU, Patty Corker, CEO, Michigan Credit Union League, and René Vargas Martínez, Inclusiv
Amanda Denney, MSUFCU Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, led the ceremony with opening remarks that focused on the many initiatives the Credit Union has undertaken over the years to provide great service to everyone in the community. These include the expansion of bilingual capacity, a Spanish-language training program, covering the cost of Spanish classes for staff, the creation of a Hispanic affinity group and sponsorship of events with Hispanic community partners.
Patty Corkery, President/CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League presented the Juntos Avanzamos proclamation to April Clobes, MSUFCU President/CEO. Clobes noted the Credit Union’s historical commitment to the Hispanic community the designation highlights:
“The Juntos Avanzamos program has allowed us to demonstrate the work that our Credit Union has been doing for many years, but now we have a visible designation to let everyone in our communities know this is a safe space and that we welcome your business and the opportunity to help you learn how to navigate the financial system here in our community and the U.S.”
Juan Martínez, member at MSUFCU
In a very special moment toward the end of the ceremony, Mr. Juan Martínez, a proud member of MSUFCU for several decades, asked for the microphone and offered an impassioned speech addressing issues that affect the Hispanic community and congratulating MSUFCU for its work. Afterward, the Juntos Avanzamos flag was raised outside and now proudly flies at MSUFCU.
We extend our warmest welcome to MSUFCU in joining the Juntos Avanzamos Network and we look forward to continuing to work together for the financial empowerment of everyone who has been historically excluded from the financial system. To learn more about MSUFCU’s community impact, visit https://www.msufcu.org/organizationimpact.
Interested in learning more about Inclusiv and Juntos Avanzamos? Visit www.inclusiv.org.
René Vargas Martínez
Director, Juntos Avanzamos/Inclusiv Puerto Rico Network