Ziquora Banks

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT ZIQUORA BANKS

As the youngest Black woman on Verity Credit Union\'s executive management track, I\'m passionate about building equity and shifting power to historically disadvantaged communities. I lead the Community Impact and Marketing Team, providing community fund grants, driving community impact projects, promoting financial well-being, and related initiatives to accomplish Verity’s Community Impact Agenda. I am committed to helping communities heal their relationship with money and establish an abundance mindset to create measurably improved lives. My career journey in the credit union industry has included serving in executive roles focused on DEI. I have created strategic partnerships with BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, and LGBTQIA+ communities to further opportunities for accessing inclusive financial products and programs.My leadership centers on humanity and promotes a culture of inclusivity and empathy. I believe in fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where diversity is valued and innovation thrives. My team and I push boundaries, developing solutions that disrupt traditional norms and activate Verity\'s purpose. This understanding of interconnectedness extends to my community development work. Here, I co-lead the reimagining of Verity\'s DEIB efforts to ensure a thriving and inclusive future for all.Under my leadership, Verity Credit Union: Became a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)Received over $2.4 million in pandemic relief grants to support individuals and businesses.Revamped and expanded the Verity Microgrant Program, increasing the grant amount from $2,500 to in 2023, providing more non-profit organizations with opportunities to benefit and fund growth.Forged impactful partnerships with organizations new to Verity, including Friends of Waterfront Seattle, Acts on Stage, and the Black Homeownership Initiative, prioritizing support for those most impacted by systemic inequities.My dedication to Verity\'s mission has been recognized by institutions like Credit Union Times, awarding me the Luminaries Rising Star honors in 2023. These recognitions fuel my passion for creating customized, sustainable solutions for Verity\'s members, particularly those in historically marginalized communities. I have also been a guest on the podcast, Behind the Vault, “Organizing to Address Gaps in Affordable Housing”.Looking for innovative solutions for underserved communities? Connect with me!