Summit Credit Union Celebrates Diversity, Advocates For Inclusion In Industry

July 21, 2020 undefined

Murals at financial cooperative’s headquarters, branches highlight commitment to racial equity

MADISON, Wisconsin— Summit Credit Union, a Madison-based financial cooperative, is committed to advancing causes of diversity and inclusion in its communities. This dedication is underscored by a statement made by Summit CEO & President Kim Sponem affirming the financial cooperative’s belief in a credit union industry based on equity and the recent unveiling of a series of murals advocating for the creation of more diverse communities.

“At Summit, we believe in the strength of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Summit Credit Union CEO & President Kim Sponem. “We’re committed to being an active participant in building communities where everyone can feel comfortable and supported, and that starts with the efforts we’re making as an organization and as an industry.”

Summit hired Mike Lroy, a Madison-based artist, to paint a mural on the windows of its State Street branch in downtown Madison. The mural, which features the phrase “Diversity Is Our Strength,” was adapted into a window cling displayed prominently across the fifth-floor windows of Summit’s Cottage Grove headquarters. The phrase has become an organization-wide message as Summit continues its commitment to inclusion internally and in its communities. Inspired by these murals, Summit branches across southeastern Wisconsin painted messages advocating for equity on their own windows.

Summit knows that the issues of racial inclusion and equity not only impact its employees, but also its members and the communities it serves. The murals serve as a visual representation of Summit’s commitment to supporting communities of color and encouraging others to take part as well.

The financial cooperative has supported organizations such as the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness and the Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM) through financial assistance, financial education, volunteer participation, internships and more. Summit’s Faust scholarship program in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, as well as the 21st Century Careers program in conjunction with ULGM, most directly impact local students of color.