Equality is an integrated principle of the Michigan Bankers Association (MBA).
The MBA promotes a culture of respect for all individuals, believing the keys to empowerment for our members and the communities they serve are:
- Celebrating diversity
- Promoting inclusiveness
- Advancing access to financial services
The MBA is determined to be intentional in practice and providing resources to our members to grow in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Diversity: Includes race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious affiliation, age, (dis)ability status and political perspective.
Equity: Respond to bias, harassment, and discrimination. Equal opportunity for all persons and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, (dis)ability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.
Inclusion: Cultivate a place where differences are welcomed, different perspectives are respectfully heard and where every individual feels a sense of belonging and inclusion.
The MBA has resources available to encourage banks in these areas and to assist where we can. Along with monthly posted webinars, a link to free resources available from the American Bankers Association is available on the MBA website.
As an industry, we are uniquely positioned to help the unbanked, underbanked, children, students, and seniors learn more about financial literacy. With programs such as Bank On Certified Accounts and the MBA’s - internship program, we can help people from all groups enjoy the benefit of a banking relationship and healthy finances. Diversity, equity, and inclusion matter because the more they are obtained in the workplace and society, the closer we'll get to a state of true acceptance of one another.
Tell Your Story
Chelsea State Bank Raises Money for Veteran Focused Group Who Rescues Shelter Dogs - Chelsea State Bank donated $1,618.16 to Blue Star Service Dogs, a veteran focused, non-profit group who rescues dogs from shelters, provides training to assist veterans who are in combat with invisible wounds after discharge, while creating a long lasting bond between each other. The dollars raised for this donation came from Chelsea State Bank (CSB) employees as part of their ongoing Blue Jean for Charity Fund.
Horizon Bank Diversity Counsel - We firmly believe every person has unique talents and perspectives that are invaluable to the growth of our Company. That's why we’re committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion for all: Advisors, customers, vendors, and the entirety of each community we serve.
Let's Discuss
Everyone is welcome! We’re always growing our network of participants, programs and tools all designed to help bankers manage their careers. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative learning and work environment that delivers better results. Our programs have grown to meet the educational needs of our membership, as they strive to serve their diverse customer base, whether in an urban environment or a rural community. From women in banking to emerging leaders – we have a commitment to help our members learn, grow, collaborate and connect. - Stephanie Fisher, SVP Education
The framing of a DEI conversation around the concept of processes and outcomes was particularly striking. The example of equity and inclusion as a process that can be implemented organization wide for the stated goal/outcome of achieving robust diversity provides a concrete starting point for intentional changes. - Alex Morris, AVP Advocacy
Fear. Fear drives so much. When we consider conversations and actions surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion, conquering our fear, as individuals, as well as collective groups is essential. We must have difficult discussions. We must address deficiencies. We must provide safe forums for open, candid conversations of sharing and learning. - Rann Paynter, President & CEO
Team Picks
MBA team members have enjoyed the following media and would like to share with you. Are there any books, movies or podcasts you would like to recommend?
Why BIPOC Employees Are Burning Out - and What People Leaders Can Do About It - Kelli Washington, Spring Health Provider
Man Enough, Jason Baldoni. Fascinating Read on how perceptions of masculinity are shaped.
Some of my Best Friends are Black¸ Tanner Colby. Details housing, worship and education integration, focusing in Louisiana.
Caste, The Origins of our Discontents, Isabelle Wilkerson. Discussion and comparison of class/caste in the US, India and Germany. Tough read, really makes you think and question what you know.
Faith, Race and the Lost Cause, Confessions of a Southern Church, Christopher Graham. The reconciliation journey of the congregation of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia, known as the Cathedral of the Confederacy.
This Book is Gay, Juno Dawson. Great read, lots of definitions…gives a good baseline education of the LGBTQ community.
Gender Queer, Maia Kobabe. Presented in a comic book format, details the trans journey of Maia. Gives a personal perspective of their journey.
Wilmington’s Lie, David Zucchino. Gives historical perspective of the racial strife of the late 1890s in Wilmington NC. Interesting how elections played a pivotal role in this.
EVENT
New York Fed Web Series on Culture: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion