As the National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals (NLCUP) concluded its 2026 Conference in Long Beach, CA, one of the week’s discussions centered on the intersection of cultural identity and legislative influence.
The panel — “Advancing Equity: A Latino Lens on Credit Union Advocacy” — brought together experts to discuss the unique role Latinos play in the credit union advocacy model. The session focused on how credit unions can serve as the primary engine for financial inclusion within immigrant communities, with panelists sharing insights into the barriers underserved populations experience and what advancing financial equity looks like.
Representing California and Nevada’s Credit Unions, Senior Vice President of Federal Advocacy Stephanie Cuevas and Legislative Advocate Irma Gorrocino led the conversation. Drawing from their backgrounds as former staffers for members of U.S. Congress, Cuevas and Gorrocino gave a look into how legislative processes can be navigated to benefit Latino members.
The duo emphasized that advocacy is about policy and representation, highlighting how Latino professionals are positioned to articulate the “people helping people” philosophy to lawmakers. They also discussed facts from a Pew Research Center study that spotlights how Latinos are the largest growing consumer market, pointing out that if credit unions do not capture this growth, it could hinder return on investment for the industry.
The conversation was enriched by others on the panel, including Adrian Velazquez, chief advocacy officer for the Cooperative Credit Union Association, and Anthony Ware II, senior director of legislative advocacy for Luminate. Together, the group explored how collaborative efforts within the credit union system can create a unified voice in Washington D.C. and state capitals.
NLCUP is a mission-driven organization dedicated to advancing Latino leadership and representation in the credit union industry. The panel took place as NLCUP celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of advancing leadership in the movement.
