CUNA Mutual Group honored for diversity and inclusion efforts

At CUNA Mutual Group, diversity and inclusion aren’t just goals of the human resources department. They’re considered crucial to the company's success.

Cedric Ellis, executive vice president with the Madison-based provider of insurance and financial services for credit unions and their members, said diversity and inclusion efforts have “a direct impact on how our employees feel about our organization and how they contribute.”

A diverse and inclusive workforce culture not only makes the company a place where people want to work, but it also helps CUNA Mutual create and deliver the kinds of products its equally diverse customers and partners want, said Ellis, who is chief enterprise services officer.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion for us is a journey,” Ellis said. “While we’ve made amazing progress, you’re never really done because you can always do it better and improve it and tweak it."

For its efforts, CUNA Mutual is the 2018 recipient of the Deloitte Wisconsin 75  Distinguished Performer Diversity Award. The award recognizes an individual or company that optimizes the opportunities found in the intersection among cultures, values and perspectives.

FULL COVERAGE:Deloitte Wisconsin 75

When Robert N. Trunzo became chief executive officer of CUNA Mutual, he added  “inclusion” as one of the company’s core values. CUNA Mutual describes inclusion as respecting all individuals, celebrating authenticity and uniqueness, and leveraging each employee’s contributions to build stronger and more equitable communities and enhance business performance.

CUNA Mutual has about 1,700 workers in Madison and about 3,300 nationwide.

CUNA Mutual features a dozen employee resource groups, including African American, Allies for Disabilities, Amig@s (Hispanic and Latino), Asian American, Domestic Abuse Awareness, Estes Society (young professionals), Prism (LBGTQ and allies), Single Working Parents, Veterans, Women of Distinction (women financial advisers), Women Leadership Network and Women in Technology.

The company regularly brings in national speakers on diversity and inclusion topics, and makes sure that its recruiting and job posting processes include candidates from a diverse pipelines.

On annual employee surveys, diversity, equity and inclusion comprise one of the areas that employees consistently cite as a key part of their positive experience at CUNA Mutual Group.