Valuing every person and caring for our community are at the heart of our organization. And they’re why so many of our employees and members choose to be part of our credit union.
Advantis supports and fosters a safe, inclusive, and caring environment. We proudly celebrate the differences between and within every employee and member, including age, color, mental or physical abilities, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, or other characteristics.
We pledge to serve as allies for underrepresented communities, and support the dismantling of systemic barriers that exist for Black, Hispanic and Latine, Asian American, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
“Advantis is committed to serve as an ally, using our position to promote progress. We listen and learn to find meaningful ways to help underrepresented communities within our organization, within the way we do business, and within the credit union movement. It’s not simply good business, it’s the right thing to do.”
— Jason Werts, Advantis President & CEO
Read Jason’s column in the Portland Business Journal, outlining our commitment to DEI.
Culture
We strive to foster, cultivate, and preserve a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. We continually challenge ourselves to ensure that our employees and our members feel included, supported, and empowered.
DEI Council
Our employee-driven DEI Council was formed in May of 2021 to promote an inclusive culture that attracts the best talent, values diversity of life experiences and perspectives, and provides a safe and welcoming environment for all employees and members.
This volunteer team of empowered and passionate employees helps drive meaningful change at the credit union. Learn more and meet our DEI Council.
Advantis Belonging Communities
In 2022, with the support of the DEI Council, we are forming Advantis Belonging Communities (ABCs) that will unite employees with similar—and different—life experiences to advocate for specific needs in our workplace, building awareness beyond our own experiences and biases.
Awareness and Education
We believe the process of listening and learning never stops. In this vein, we’ve developed training and educational programs to support DEI in our workplace. Beyond the foundational training for all employees, the DEI Council shares resources and acknowledges holidays dedicated to diverse and underrepresented communities throughout the year. We honor Black History Month, Pride Month, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Women’s History Month, Juneteenth, and other significant dates.
Listening to Employees
Advantis surveys our employees annually for their thoughts, perceptions, and feelings related to DEI at the credit union. The results have been invaluable in setting direction and to evolve and drive our DEI strategy.
Dedicated Leadership
Andre Walcott AVP of DEI
In early 2022, Advantis created a department and leadership position to further DEI at the credit union. André Walcott, Ph.D., is our Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. André meets regularly with teams and employees across the organization and works with senior leadership in developing DEI programs, initiatives, and education.
Community
Advantis was built on the principle of “people helping people,” and since 1928, community giving and support have been at the heart of what we do.
Through our Allies for Good community giving program, we dedicate one-third of our philanthropy budget to supporting communities that have faced exclusion and underrepresentation.
We aim to lift the voices of these communities and create greater opportunity and representation. Foundational pieces include financial support of nonprofits dedicated to supporting these communities, education and resource initiatives, new products and services, and employee volunteer service. Learn more about Allies for Good.
Advantis members expect the best from your credit union. We feel the same way. Which is why we’re proud to share our new Be Kind: Advantis Community Standards. They’re what help us define and create the best experience for our entire Advantis community. Learn more about Be Kind.
Join Us
We invite our local community to join us as allies for Black, Hispanic/Latine, Asian American, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Become a member
Join Advantis and bank with a local financial co-op that supports and invests in historically excluded communities. The more our membership grows, the more meaningful change we can make.
Our Allies for Good community giving program seeks partners in supporting underrepresented communities. If you have thoughts on partnership or about nonprofits to support, please contact us.
We pledge to serve as allies for underrepresented communities, and support the dismantling of systemic barriers that exist for Black, Hispanic and Latine, Asian American, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
We strive to foster, cultivate, and preserve a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. We continually challenge ourselves to ensure that our employees and our members feel included, supported, and empowered.
Advantis was built on the principle of “people helping people,” and since 1928, community giving and support have been at the heart of what we do. 
