Renée Sattiewhite serves as the President/CEO of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). With her unique vitality and forward-looking vision, she has created one of the most dynamic organizations in the credit union movement. Her high energy, high expectations and high touch approach for leading the 501c3 nonprofit has created a momentum for growth, change and a compelling commitment towards eradicating racism. Her leadership has successfully propelled the organization forward to offer a credible voice that addresses today’s dialogue on race, equity, and inclusion for all, making AACUC the leading influencer on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the credit union movement. While the country galvanized against racial injustice in 2020 after the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor and with the growing visibility of the Black Lives Matter movement, Renée became one of the most notable social justice catalysts, encouraging the credit union industry to become more aware of the urgent need for change toward true racial equality and economic justice, resulting in launching AACUC’s Commitment to Change: Credit Unions Unite Against Racism initiative. This consequential, hallmark initiative spurred conversation and action, served as the groundwork for AACUC’s signature programming including the creation of the DEI Academy for Financial Professionals, and was recognized by the National Credit Union Foundation with the rare and prestigious 2022 Anchor Award, which is considered the Nobel Peace Prize of the credit union movement. In recent years, Renée has been recognized for her leadership and industry contributions. In September 2022, Renée was inducted to America’s Credit Union Museum’s newest display “Credit Union Women Making History….Herstory,” an interactive exhibit highlighting incredible women’s achievements that have made history in the credit union industry and showcasing women’s stories never heard before. In 2023, she was named one of the Top 10 Admired Leaders by Industry Era Magazine, America’s leading premium business and luxury publication. During the CU Leadership Convention in July 2023, Renée was awarded the inaugural Neoteric Changemaker Award, a national award recognizing an individual who has demonstrated personal perseverance, advanced the cause of “people helping people,” advocated for relevant ideation, and created positive programming for leaders. Also in July 2023, Renée was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the African Cooperative Development Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Association, for her global efforts and commitment to credit union development on the continent of Africa and in October 2023 she was awarded the Impact Award by the California Credit Union Collectors Council (CCUCC), which is given to someone in the industry who has made a significant impact the in credit union movement. Renée is a certified diversity professional, a credit union development educator, a motivational speaker, an executive coach, a mentoring trainer, a Master Trainer for the United Way of Atlanta’s VIP Board Development Program, and a recognized expert on marketing and branding. She currently serves as a Board Member of: Climate United, ACCOSCA Foundation, America’s Credit Union Museum, World Wide Foundation for Credit Unions, and CU4Kids.