California’s Credit Unions was invited to attend Congresswoman Linda Sánchez’s inaugural Women’s History Summit on Thursday of this week. A proud member of multiple credit unions, Sánchez aligns herself with the credit union mission of “people helping people” by supporting working families.
As the first Latina to serve on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in Congress, she shared some unique experiences about her time in Congress.
When Congresswoman Sánchez began her tenure in 2003, she was the only woman under 40 to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was shocked to learn that a women’s bathroom did not exist on the same floor where votes take place.
After she had her son, the congresswoman found that rooms for nursing women were non-existent in the U.S. Capitol. Sánchez leveraged these experiences as motivation to fight for policies that she believes support women and working families. Only 10 days after delivering her son, she returned to the House Ways and Means Committee to work on policies that provided equitable access to health care for women and families.
She also fought for policies that ensured women could not be charged higher premiums to access health care services. Today, she continues to work in the committee to reduce drug prices, maintain affordable health care costs, and develop resources for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
A panel of community leaders followed remarks from the congresswoman. The panel included Cassandra Chase, president of the League of California Cities Women’s Caucus, Xochitl Medrano, Southern California political coordinator for the District Council of Iron Workers of the State of California, and Giovanna Martinez, executive director for the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Center.
Before and after the speaking portion of the event, attendees had an opportunity to meet with community leaders from across the San Gabriel Valley and Gateway region in Los Angeles County. Representatives from school districts, city councils, water districts, labor unions, and more were in attendance.
California’s Credit Unions Legislative Advocate Irma Gorrocino and Vice President of Federal Advocacy Stephanie Cuevas shared the credit union difference with community leaders, highlighting the movement’s success with hosting 250-plus financial literacy workshops and raising money for nonprofits across the state. These conversations highlighted the vital role credit unions play in supporting local communities and advancing financial wellbeing for all.
