April 28, 2026

How One Credit Union’s Mission to Serve Latino Communities Just Won Major Recognition

When Unitus Community Credit Union picked up the Inclusion and Belonging Corporate Impact Award at Portland Business Journal’s Philanthropy Summit and Impact Awards on April 21, it wasn’t just another trophy for the shelf.

It was recognition of something much bigger: a genuine, boots-on-the-ground commitment to serving Latino and immigrant communities in the Pacific Northwest.

The award celebrates organizations that aren’t just writing checks but actually reimagining how they give back. And Unitus earned theirs through Juntos Avanzamos—which translates to “Together We Advance” and represents way more than a catchy slogan.

What Juntos Avanzamos Actually Means

Back in 2021, Unitus earned their Juntos Avanzamos designation, a recognition given to credit unions that walk the walk when it comes to serving Latino and immigrant communities. We’re talking affordable financial services, bilingual support that actually works, and financial solutions that make sense for the people using them.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t a “mission accomplished” situation. For Unitus, the designation marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment to building real trust and lasting relationships.

“This honor reflects the commitment by our Board and staff to empower and improve the financial lives of the Latino and immigrant communities,” explained Megan Snyder, Chief Impact Officer at Unitus. “Seeing the impact we’re making keeps us focused on our goal of financial inclusion for all.”

Turning Recognition Into Action

Since getting the designation, Unitus hasn’t been resting on their laurels. They’ve launched two major initiatives that complement each other perfectly:

The NW Juntos Avanzamos Roundtable

2025 marked the third year Unitus brought together the people doing this work. Picture this: more than 40 people from 11 different credit unions, nonprofits, and partner organizations, all in one room focused on solving real problems. This year’s roundtable tackled three critical areas:

International Remittances: Because sending money across borders shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg
Small Business Lending: Creating pathways and partnerships that actually help Latino small businesses grow
Cuenta Avanzamos Checking Accounts: Banking options designed specifically for members with ITINs, developed through BankOn

The Juntos Avanzamos Community Celebration

While the roundtable focuses on strategy and solutions, the annual Celebration does something equally important: it’s Unitus’ way of publicly recommitting to the designation and the communities they serve. Think of it as renewing your vows, but for financial inclusion.

The Credit Union Difference

Steven Stapp, CEO of Unitus, put it perfectly: “Our members and our staff know the work we do is stronger when we work together. We model a cooperative spirit that reflects the credit union difference and our people helping people philosophy.”

And there it is. While big banks are busy maximizing shareholder value, credit unions like Unitus are proving that financial institutions can—and should—put people first. It’s not rocket science, but in today’s world, it’s refreshingly rare.