Fortis Edge Capital Makes a Global Impact on Diversity and Inclusion

Seattle, WA (May 15, 2019) – In May, the World Council of Credit Unions (WCUC) announced its agenda for its annual conference, to be held on July 28th, 2019 at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. This year, the council will host a Diversity and Inclusion Program that is dedicated to advancing women and young leaders worldwide, while leveraging opportunities for professional development. Tonita Webb, Chief Operating Officer of Fortis Edge Capital, will be one of the programs key speakers, doing a Deep Dive into Diversity and Inclusion.

Fortis Edge Capital has been on a journey over the past few years to include financially underserved individuals and communities in its vision of being Seattle’s Partner in Growth and Prosperity. The credit union has done this by making changes to its policies, its products, its hiring practices, and its leadership. Virtually every corner of the organization has been scrutinized to build a more inclusive and diverse infrastructure from the inside out.

“Companies often think the solution is just about adding diversity to their workforce, the truth is that is just the beginning. The real work starts when you are comforted with unconscious biases and micro aggressions. Unfortunately, many give up at that point. Real change requires a commitment to breaking down established patterns, working through uncomfortable moments, and giving a voice to what needs to be different.” - Tonita

Fortis Edge Capital is seeking to change the narrative around prosperity to ensure that everyone is included in the right to prosper. The credit union actively seeks out opportunities to make changes by working with both individuals and communities to create new products and programming by being proactive innovators. Tonita says she hopes this engagement with the WCUC will help other credit unions take real action on diversity and inclusion within their organizations. “If we truly want to improve financial services as an industry, then we all have to work toward change.”