Juntos Avanzamos’ Designation Bolsters Inclusion at USC Credit Union

Read the original press release at: https://www.ccul.org/news/juntos-avanzamos-designation-bolsters-inclusion-at-usc-cu/ 

On Monday, USC Credit Union proudly hosted a proclamation ceremony that officially marked its designation as a Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) credit union. This national recognition, led by Inclusiv, highlights the credit union’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion, accessibility, and cultural services specifically for Latino and immigrant communities.

The ceremony featured remarks from USC Credit Union leadership, including CEO Gary Perez and Board Secretary Dr. Carolina Castillo — both of whom reaffirmed the credit union’s mission to promote financial access, build trust, and deliver community-driven financial solutions. The program commenced with a reflection by USC Credit Union Chief Social Impact Officer Dr. Rocio Flores, who shared her own family’s financial journey, emphasizing the importance of Juntos Avanzamos.

“We were honored to witness USC Credit Union receive the Juntos Avanzamos designation,” said Amanda Merz, vice president of education and community impact for the California Credit Union League and Nevada’s Credit Unions. “On behalf of the League, we want to thank the credit union and its leaders for their profound commitment to financial inclusion. It’s a milestone we are proud to celebrate alongside them.”

The Juntos Avanzamos designation embodies USC Credit Union’s commitment to financial empowerment and access to capital. Through its offerings of bilingual services, individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) lending programs, financial education initiatives, and community partnerships, the credit union actively works to dismantle financial barriers and build bridges for Latino and immigrant communities — not only in Los Angeles but across the broader region.

USC Credit Union leaders said they were honored to host the proclamation ceremony and celebrate the credit union’s official designation. They reiterated how this national recognition highlights their commitment to financial inclusion, a designation reaffirming the credit union’s mission to break down financial barriers.

The ceremony also garnered the support of partners and local officials, all of whom commended USC Credit Union’s role in uplifting underserved communities. In addition to Merz, who celebrated the milestone on behalf of the statewide credit union community, additional guests and speakers included:

• Jean Carlos, program officer for Inclusiv Network, who presented the symbolic Juntos Avanzamos flag, acknowledging USC Credit Union’s dedication.
• Official recognitions from various government offices, including: Ursula Parra, senior field representative from the office of California Assemblymember Sade Elhawary; Naomi Riley, outreach director from the office of Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove; Ambar Quintanilla, district representative from the office of California Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas; and Alfredo Rodriguez, east area representative from the office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Each shared their appreciation for the credit union’s impactful work in the community and presented certificates of recognition.
• Adding a community perspective, Jonathan A. Fein Proaño, integration manager at International Rescue Committee, highlighted the positive impact of USC Credit Union’s financial services for immigrant families as they navigate new and complex financial systems.

The Juntos Avanzamos initiative is a designation for credit unions explicitly committed to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers. Its purpose is to help populations navigate the U.S. financial system by providing safe, affordable, and culturally relevant financial services. Credit unions that earn this designation employ bilingual staff, accept alternative forms of identification such as foreign IDs or ITINs, and are dedicated to meeting the specific financial needs of immigrant members, regardless of their legal status.