Wescom Credit Union Expresses its Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through its long-standing #WescomKindness Initiative

#WescomKindness activities in 2023 supported minority-owned local SoCal businesses and cultural institutions through sales matching programs, donations and sponsorships

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wescom Credit Union, one of the largest community credit unions in California, has been dedicated to helping build better lives for members, team members and communities for nearly 90 years.

This dedication includes promoting and supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for all and is manifested in the Credit Union’s DEI Committee and Council which are comprised of volunteers throughout the organization from diverse levels, divisions, experiences, tenure, gender, ethnicities, and cultures. The DEI Committee and Council help set the foundation for an even more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture at the Credit Union.

Wescom’s diversity statement further reflects their commitment to DEI: “We believe that diversity makes us stronger. We strive to create equal opportunity for growth and advancement. Our culture values inclusivity and celebrates our differences because each individual's unique talents and experiences contribute to our purpose of building better lives for all.”

Wescom has also expressed its dedication to promoting DEI by supporting under-represented communities through #WescomKindness events and initiatives. The Credit Union allocated $18,500 to various partnerships and sponsorships in 2023. These included:

• Black History Month in February
  • Wescom matched $1,000 in sales at each of three Black-owned independent bookstores.
• AAPI Heritage Month in May
  • Through Wescom’s generous $3,000 donation in honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the USC Pacific Asia Museum was able to provide free admission to all patrons the entire month of May.
  • Wescom matched $1,000 in sales at each of three AAPI-owned neighborhood coffee and tea businesses.
• Pride Month in June
  • Wescom supported three LGBTQIA+-owned local businesses by matching $1,000 in sales for each.
• Hispanic Heritage Month in September/October
  • Wescom sponsored the Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech Center's First Sunday free admission event on October 1st through a donation of $2,000.
  • The Credit Union matched $1,000 in sales at three Hispanic and Latino-owned small businesses.
  • Wescom partnered with “LA In A Minute” to highlight Los Angeles’ Hispanic History in two videos.

“Our #WescomKindness events allow us to connect with people throughout the communities we serve and enrich their lives on a more personal, meaningful level,” reflected Tamar Atamian, Vice President of Marketing at Wescom. “Supporting minority-owned businesses and institutions that spotlight the diversity and rich heritage of under-represented Californians is important to Wescom and we will continue to look for opportunities to reflect our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

To learn more about the Wescom’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, please visit: wescom.org/diversity

About Wescom Credit Union

Since 1934, Wescom Credit Union has been dedicated to helping people throughout California build better lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, California, Wescom has 25 branches and offers advanced digital banking tools to provide essential banking solutions to more than 200,000 members. Benefits include free checking with eStatements, lower loan rates, higher savings yields, reduced fees, and a robust network of branches and ATMs. #WescomKindness is an extension of Wescom Credit Union’s nearly 90-year tradition of serving its community through such programs as The Wescom Foundation – the Credit Union’s employee-run charitable foundation. Wescom is federally insured by NCUA and an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. For more information, please visit wescom.org.