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.
February 2023 Diversity and Inclusion Trends
February 1st 10AM EST
- Join the Michigan Chamber at this free, virtual event will explore how companies have had to rethink and reshape their DE&I strategies to create an inclusive workspace where employees free valued and appreciated.
January ABA DEI Open Forum
January 24th 3PM EST
- November's Guest Speaker: Ben Trockman, former banker and currently project manager with Change for Balance.
View OnDemand
Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace - Cost $279
1 in 5 workers have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment at work. In today's workplace environment, organizations need to face a reality gap and realize more work needs to be done in this area.
The Power of Perspective: Talk, Listen, Respect, Repeat
Michigan Chamber of Commerce brings you Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson, Detroit journalists and founders of the Civility Project, for this interactive event as they explore how a lack of civility and respect in the workplace can be harmful to the organization and how people of opposing viewpoints can come together for healthy disagreement, personal interactions and constructive conversations.
Tell Your Story
First State Bank Banksgiving - First State Banksgiving honors the charitable organizations who work so hard on a day-to-day basis to make change in our communities by awarding $30,000.
Corp! is thrilled to honor its 14th Annual Salute to Diversity winners - Corp! Magazine has recognized businesses, organizations and leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and achievements within their organization or the community. MBA members recognized within this article Ally Financial, First Independence Bank, First State Bank, Greenleaf Trust, Mercantile Bank of Michigan, and University Bank.
Hunting Bank Supports Local - Every day, small businesses are demonstrating not just their perseverance, but their role in our communities. Today and every day, we celebrate the Small Businesses that keep life moving.
Citizens National Bank - Hear what retired surgeon, Dr. Roger Lane, has to say about doing business with CNB since 1974.
Mercantile Bank - Every day, and in so many ways, Mercantile Bank employees give of themselves to better our communities.
Homestead Savings Bank - Jim and Staci Staurt with Stirling Albion on being rewarded with the 2021 Elevate Small Business Grant! Homestead is honored to be a part of your journey!
Union Bank - Union Bank is proud to support and give back to the communities it serves with volunteer time, donations and monetary support. “It's important to us to help develop business, educate our youth and uphold the safety and quality of life for local citizens.
First Indepenence Bank - Historic Detroit bank offers virtual financial wellness series for free
Highpoint Community Bank - KickStart to Career program provides local kindergarten students with a savings account designed to help students start saving money for their future college or career training expenses.
Michigan Bankers Association - The MBA congratulates our President and CEO, Rann Paynter, named to the 2021 Crain's Detroit Business Notable LGBTQ in Business. This award celebrates thirty-two LGBTQ professionals in Michigan who are making a major impact through their career accomplishments, their mentorship of others, and their involvement in community and industry organizations.
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?
📽️Loving : The story of Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple whose arrest for interracial marriage in 1960s Virginia began a legal battle that would end with the Supreme Court's historic 1967 decision.
🕮 Robert E. Lee and Me : A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause - In a forceful but humane narrative, former soldier and head of the West Point history department Ty Seidule challenges the myths and lies of the Confederate legacy―and explores why some of this country’s oldest wounds have never healed.
📽️ Black or White - When his wife dies in a car crash, Elliott Anderson (Kevin Costner) fields another blow: the realization that he must raise his biracial granddaughter, Eloise (Jillian Estell), alone.
📽️ The Banker - In the 1960s two African-American entrepreneurs hire a working-class white man to pretend to be the head of their business empire while they pose as a janitor and chauffeur.
🕮 The Kindest Lie - Powerful and revealing, The Kindest Lie captures the heartbreaking divide between Black and white communities and offers both an unflinching view of motherhood in contemporary America and the never-ending quest to achieve the American Dream.
🕮 Conscious Capitalism - At once a bold defense and reimagining of capitalism and a blueprint for a new system for doing business grounded in a more evolved ethical consciousness, this book provides a new lens for individuals and companies looking to build a more cooperative, humane, and positive future.
EVENT
New York Fed Web Series on Culture: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion