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North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union is thrilled to announce that Louisiana Wright Sanders, a dedicated volunteer member of the Board of Directors, has been honored with the 2024 Advancing Equity Award by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. This prestigious award recognizes individuals, organizations, or community partners who embody the credit union industry’s eighth Cooperative Principle of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, making proactive efforts to cultivate a sense of belonging for all.

The Advancing Equity Award celebrates those who implement fair and equitable policies, products, and initiatives that enhance the well-being of employees, members, and surrounding communities. Mrs. Wright Sanders’ commitment to advancing these principles has made a lasting impact, both within SRP Federal Credit Union and in the broader community.

A trailblazer with a remarkable personal story of determination and inspiration, Mrs. Wright Sanders has devoted her career to championing equitable access and opportunities. Elected to SRP’s Board of Directors in 1992, she made history as the first person of color to serve on the Board. From the start, Mrs. Wright Sanders committed to advocating for fairness and working tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard and represented.

In addition to her work on the Board of Directors, Mrs. Wright Sanders has led several initiatives to foster equity within the credit union. She has strongly advocated for fair and equal pay for all SRP team members.  Shortly after being elected, she played a key role in securing funding to provide financial literacy programs for people of color, aiming to improve access to loan approvals. Furthermore, she has focused on continuing to diversify representation in leadership by actively recruiting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to serve on boards and in leadership roles, ensuring more voices are included in decision-making processes.

Beyond her contributions to SRP, Mrs. Wright Sanders has long been an advocate for social justice and inclusivity in the community. She is a founding member of the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), has served as the Second Vice President of NAACP’s Aiken Branch, and as the Secretary of the Internal Affairs Committee for the NAACP’s South Carolina Conference of Branches.  Currently, she serves on the University of South Carolina Aiken’s Inclusion Advisory Council, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to creating more inclusive spaces for all.

“Louisiana’s passion for advancing equity and inclusion shines through in everything she does,” said Eric Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Her leadership and tireless advocacy inspire us all to do better, be better, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are incredibly proud of her and all that she continues to achieve.”

SRP Federal Credit Union congratulates Mrs. Wright Sanders on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to her continued leadership in promoting equity and inclusion within the organization and the community.

Rated one of only twenty-two credit unions nationwide with a top rating by Weiss Financial Ratings, SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, SC, and provides financial services to more than 197,000 members. For more information on SRP Federal Credit Union, visit www.srpfcu.org.