Diversity is head of the line at Westoba Credit Union

Jackie Shoemaker has successfully put herself through the paces to become a branch manager with Westoba Credit Union Ltd. (WCU). She is also a proud Métis.

“I am a Métis citizen and member of the Pembina River local with roots to the Anishnaabeg Treaty 1 territory,” says Shoemaker. “I started my career as a member service representative.”

She moved through the financial consultant path and became a member services supervisor, then an assistant branch manager. Shoemaker is now manager of both the Pilot Mound and Swan Lake branches.

“I feel fortunate to have been able to learn all roles before starting in a leadership position because that experience has helped me be a better coach for my team,” Shoemaker says.

Westoba Credit Union is headquartered in Brandon with 13 branches across Manitoba. Its virtual services department provides digital support from anywhere to assist members with banking and lending needs.

“Westoba is committed to ensuring fair access to all employment opportunities for everyone, regardless of diversity or difference,” says president and CEO Jim Rediger. “Diversity and inclusion to Westoba means celebrating the differences in the makeup of our employees and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate equitably.”

The credit union’s new purpose, mission, vision and value statements all recognize diversity as an organization, with its members, employees and in its communities. “We value leading with integrity and are committed to treating all people with respect,” Rediger says.

There is a strong diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) resource group, he adds.

“Our DEI working group, led by our employees, serves as a resource that seeks out, curates, manages and shares knowledge about theories and practices that encourage DEI within WCU,” says Rediger. “We promote an environment that supports and creates effective DEI practices by developing frameworks and raising awareness for the implementation of a range of initiatives to encourage a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion at WCU.”

Diversity and inclusion are a very important part of Shoemaker’s life both personally and professionally.

“Being a diverse and inclusive organization means committing ourselves to treating all employees and members with the same level of respect and having transparent communication,” Shoemaker says. “I am committed to fostering a positive work environment where we can celebrate all our differences and learn from them.”

Westoba’s DEI working group has helped Shoemaker with training opportunities and in the workplace.

“As a member of a marginalized community myself, I am grateful to be able to serve and give back to my community,” says Shoemaker. “I work alongside many different people with a variety of backgrounds and it’s empowering to see my colleagues embrace the opportunity to learn about our differences and how inclusive we have become as a team and as an organization.”

Shoemaker’s enthusiasm is infectious. “I love the excitement and engagement that the DEI working group has brought to our staff and that they feel safe and open about discussing cultural differences and challenges.”

Members of the DEI working group, managers and senior leadership completed training on unconscious bias and mindful communications. All employees were given the opportunity to complete a self-led course on celebrating diversity and 4 Seasons of Reconciliation.

“Most recently we have implemented a company-wide multicultural calendar to recognize important days of all major religions, cultural or heritage days and independence days of different countries,” Rediger says.

Shoemaker offers sage advice. “Using your lessons to educate one another and bring awareness is what needs to happen in our society and I am proud to work for an organization where that is encouraged.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing the winners of this year's Manitoba Top Employers competition, published March 19, 2024 in the Winnipeg Free Press. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, who did not write or review the content.