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MEDIA CENTRE

First West Credit Union Honored with Black Women Business Network Partnership Award for Leading Equity Initiatives in Finance Sector

LANGLEY, B.C. – First West Credit Union has been selected as the recipient of the Partnership Award from the Black Women Business Network (BWBN) at the 2025 Black Women Business Exhibit and Professional Convention (BWEPC 2025).

The Partnership Award recognizes organizations that showcase commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while strengthening partnership collaboration for long-term community outcomes. The award acknowledges First West Credit Union’s efforts to address representation issues affecting Black professionals in the finance sector and create pathways for deeper engagement that support inclusive economic development.

“Working alongside the Black Women Business Network has been truly transformative for our organization,” says Launi Skinner, CEO at First West Credit Union. “Their passionate commitment to creating real change has challenged us to look deeper at our own practices and find more meaningful ways to support Black professionals in our sector. This partnership has made us better – not just as a credit union, but as people committed to building a more equitable future.”

The Black Women Business Network advances opportunities for Black women in business through networking, mentorship, education, and advocacy. The Partnership Award specifically recognizes organizations that actively participate in BWBN initiatives, provide strategic feedback for workplace equity projects, demonstrate DEI commitment, and strengthen partnership collaboration for long-term community outcomes and inclusive economic development.

“First West Credit Union has demonstrated genuine partnership through their actions, not just their words,” says Pasima Sule, Director at the Black Women Business Network. “Their willingness to engage in difficult conversations about systemic barriers and their commitment to long-term solutions sets them apart. They understand that meaningful change requires sustained effort, and we’re excited to continue this important work together.”

First West Credit Union’s award-winning partnership initiatives have included:

  • Research & Programming Leadership: Provided detailed employer feedback for BWBN’s WORBE Project Research, strengthening tool relevance and usability
  • Fintech DEI Symposia Participation: Participated in both Calgary and Vancouver BWBN Fintech and DEI Symposia, bridging sector leadership and equity commitments
  • BWEPC 2025 Engagement: Engaged directly with Black women entrepreneurs and professionals through active booth participation and meaningful conversations
  • DEI Commitment: Took tangible actions to understand representation issues affecting Black professionals in finance and established partnership with BWBN to address systemic challenges

Long-term Partnership Collaboration: Created pathways for deeper engagement beyond events, supporting sustained community outcomes and inclusive economic development

To learn more about The Black Women Business Network, visit: https://blackwomencanada.org/

Company Information

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union brings together the best of both worlds, combining the scale, stability and solutions of a leading Canadian financial institution with the care and community leadership of a local cooperative. Powered by the leadership of Launi Skinner, First West is Canada’s premier multi-brand credit union, serving 283,000 members through four admired community brands: Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial. With approximately $20 billion in total assets and assets under administration, First West makes it easy for its members to get impactful, practical advice and personalized service that’s truly in their best interests, through 45 branches across B.C., a Member Advice Centre and leading digital tools.

Since 2010, First West has given back more than $41 million to its communities, while cultivating a culture with its 1,250 team members that is recognized nationally with Canada’s Most Admired Cultures Award, BC’s Top Employers Award, 5-Star Psychological Safety Award, and the Canadian Workplace Wellbeing Award. Learn more at firstwestcu.ca and see how we’re redefining banking to create a future where everyone can flourish.

About Black Women Business Network

BWBN seeks to address the factors that will contribute to black women in Canada having opportunities for economic security and prosperity, professional growth and diversity and a high quality of life in their communities. These factors fuel the vision of The BLACK WOMEN BUSINESS NETWORK (BWBN) and resides at the heart of our strategic plan and operations. Our aim is to implement programs and services that will have economic and generational impact in the lives of black women in Canada.

Media Contacts

Josh Juhlke

Communications Manager
First West Credit Union
jjuhlke@firstwestcu.ca