Unitus Community Credit Union to Host 4th Annual Juntos Avanzamos Celebration

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 19, 2024

Unitus Community Credit Union is excited to announce its fourth annual Juntos Avanzamos celebration, set to take place at the Unitus Business Center in Tigard, Ore., on Aug. 20. Initially a celebration of Unitus earning the Juntos Avanzamos (Together We Advance) designation from Inclusiv, the event has now grown to include Hispanic community partners and advocates, all working together to advance financial inclusion.

As part of Unitus’ Community Impact Fund, the credit union will present $100,000 to four local community partners in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the community: Latino Network, Oregon Human Development Corporation (OHDC), AWARE Food Bank, and Bienestar.

The Juntos Avanzamos designation is awarded to credit unions dedicated to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers. Over 140 credit unions across 33 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have earned this designation. In Oregon, Unitus Community Credit Union is one of five Juntos Avanzamos credit unions, alongside Point West Credit Union, Embold Federal Credit Union, HAPO Community Credit Union, and Wauna Federal Credit Union. This initiative benefits more than 10 million members, setting the standard for Hispanic financial inclusion.

Attendees of the Juntos Avanzamos celebration will enjoy live entertainment by Art Viloria, delicious food from Casa Lola and Churros Locos, exciting giveaways, and the chance to connect with community members, advocates, lawmakers, and industry leaders. Guest speakers include Carlos Quensel Melendez, lead counsel for the Consulate of Mexico in Portland, and José Cisneros, Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco.

In addition to the celebration, Unitus Community Credit Union, Point West Credit Union, Embold Federal Credit Union, and Inclusiv will host the second annual NW Juntos Avanzamos Roundtable. This event, taking place on Aug. 19, 20, and 21, will bring together industry leaders to discuss strategies for empowering and connecting Hispanic and immigrant communities to the financial mainstream. Topics will include ITIN Mortgages, Individual Development Accounts (IDA), Bank on Oregon, Remittances, and Cross Border Transfers.

“We are excited to collaborate with Embold, Point West, and Inclusiv to host this roundtable event,” said Steven Stapp, President and CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union. “This event offers a unique chance to celebrate our shared achievements and consider the significant impact we’re making as we connect with industry leaders, credit union professionals, community members, and organizations dedicated to promoting financial inclusion.”

Posted in Community Impact, Oregon, Regional Member News, Washington.