Golden 1 Credit Union’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives align with their core value of inclusion that fosters belonging, equity and respect within their workforce and the community.
“We celebrate and embrace differences, fostering an inclusive environment for our diverse members, employees, and communities,” confirms Desiree Thompson, vice president of DEI, Culture and Talent.
Although Golden 1 has long been committed to fostering an inclusive culture, the credit union officially established its DEI team in 2021. By 2022, Golden 1 developed a roadmap to help cultivate a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Today, Thompson oversees the program that focuses on creating a culture of belonging where employees can be their authentic selves and free to do their best work.
“Our DEI strategy is a deliberate journey and we are intentional with every step,” says Thompson. “We know that diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives make us stronger as a credit union and community.”
“We celebrate and embrace differences, fostering an inclusive environment for our diverse members, employees, and communities.” — Desiree Thompson, Vice President of DEI, Culture and Talent
Last year, Golden 1 launched its employee resource groups (ERGs) to enable individuals with shared interests and backgrounds, along with their allies to connect, empower, uplift, build a sense of belonging, and support personal and professional development. With the support of DEI Program Managers Sergio Valenzuela and Garrett Kiesz as well as newly appointed director of talent acquisition and DEI Tara Reese, ERGs established to date include LGBTQ+, Women, AAPI, Black Heritage, Latinx and Caregivers. Later this year, additional ERGs will also be launched.
“Our DEI work has garnered an annual engagement score of 91% and we continue to earn various awards and accolades, including recently being honored as one of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024 by Forbes,” says Reese.
By late 2023, women comprised 65% of Golden 1’s workforce and in middle management, 64% were women, closely aligning with the company’s overall employee demographics. Intentional hiring and promotion initiatives at VP and higher levels have increased diversity in senior leadership as well.
Thompson concludes, “Our vision is to continue to be an employer of choice in California, fostering a dynamic, inclusive and high-performing workforce where employees can belong and bring their best selves to work.”
Golden 1 welcomes anyone looking to build a career to visit golden1.com/careers.
