Credit Union Brings Panel Discussion, Financial Support to Developing Men of Color at VCU

Virginia Credit Union employees and volunteers were part of a powerful panel discussion before a group of approximately 90 students at VCU on Oct. 20.

The program was organized by the VCU Developing Men of Color initiative.

Facilitated by Vice President for Financial Education Cherry Dale, the panel included Ken Ampy, chief executive officer for Richmond-based Astyra Corporation and a member of the Board for Virginia Credit Union; Mike Brunson, executive vice president and chief audit executive for Virginia Credit Union; Christopher Sledge, quality assurance analyst in Virginia Credit Union’s Information Technology Department; and Jason Swann, branch operations manager for the Short Pump Branch.

The four shared personal stories and wisdom from their professional journeys as African American men.

At the conclusion of the panel, the credit union provided $7,500 to support the program’s goal of creating a close community of minority men enrolled at VCU and equipping them with the means and resources to thrive in the college setting.

Developing Men of Color is supported by Carlton Goode, discovery advisor at VCU in the department of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success. The program’s officers include students Thomas Chatman and Adam Haidari. Chris Saneda, Virginia Credit Union’s senior executive vice president and chief operating officer, also offered opening remarks.

A financial cooperative serving more than 300,000 members, Virginia Credit Union offers a variety of affordable banking services, loans, mortgages, and free financial education resources, with a focus on helping people feel more confident about their finances. Virginia Credit Union is an equal housing opportunity lender and is federally insured by NCUA.