Thanksgiving is a special time of year when we gather with loved ones to share a meal and reflect on the things we're grateful for. It's a holiday that goes beyond the turkey, pumpkin pie, and football games; it's an opportunity to cultivate gratitude and appreciate the abundance in our lives. Thanksgiving invites us to pause from our busy routines and reconnect with what truly matters.

We invite you to join us as we bring people together across distances to explore the deeper significance of this cherished holiday through our virtual program. Whether you're celebrating with family at your table or joining us from afar, this gathering offers a space to reflect on the blessings in our lives, honor diverse cultural perspectives on gratitude and harvest celebrations, and create new connections with others who are seeking deeper meaning during this season of thanks.

Our esteemed panelists are:

• Amanda Antonio, Mortgage Manager, First Financial Credit Union
• Damaris Carroll, Lead DEI & Employee Experience Partner, Velera
• Jimese Harkley, Senior Vice President - Chief Community Engagement Officer, Harborstone Credit Union
• Hazelmae Overturf, Vice President of Impact, Harborstone Credit Union
• Espy Poblano, Director of Programs & Training, AACUC

Ms. Renée Sattiewhite, President/CEO of AACUC will moderate this conversation.

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Keep reading to learn more about our panelists and moderator. 

Amanda Antonio
Mortgage Manager
First Financial Credit Union

Amanda Antonio has been with First Financial Credit Union for 15 years. She began her career as a Document Imaging Specialist, responsible for scanning and managing documents. Afterward, she transitioned to the ACH department, before moving to the Mortgage department—an area of long-standing interest for her.

In 2022, she was promoted to Mortgage Operations Manager, and effective October 28, 2024, her title was updated to Mortgage Manager. She currently leads a team of eight professionals and am actively involved in developing and launching new loan products, including down payment assistance programs and adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) options, to enhance their lending pipeline.

Although she did not attend college due to starting a family at a young age, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to growth and excellence throughout her career. She also prioritizes maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Outside of work, her husband and her enjoy spending time with their three adult children, their significant others, and their four beautiful grandchildren. Additionally, she is an avid runner and regularly participates in half-marathon events.

Damaris Carroll
Lead DEI & Employee Experience Partner
Velera

Damaris Carroll is a visionary senior leader with over two decades of experience driving Workplace Equity & Experience (WEX) and Inclusive Leadership & Engagement (ILE) strategies for Fortune 50 companies. A recognized thought leader and strategic advisor, she integrates equity, access, and belonging into core business operations, fostering high-performing, inclusive and engaged workplaces that drive innovation and growth.

With deep expertise in navigating complex, global organizations, Damaris is known for influencing C-suite leaders, shaping Equitable Business Practices (EBP), and leveraging data-driven insights to drive measurable impact. She collaborates across functions to equip leaders with strategies that attract, retain, and develop diverse talent while ensuring business decisions reflect a broad range of perspectives.

A champion of Authentic Leadership & Belonging (ALB), Damaris leads initiatives that align global frameworks with localized execution, embedding fairness, access, and opportunity into learning, talent development, and employee experience. She establishes key performance metrics to assess progress, transparently reporting outcomes to executive stakeholders and boards. Her expertise, vision, and commitment to fostering workplace cultures that prioritize People, Purpose & Progress (P3) have positioned her as an industry leader, driving systemic change and advancing inclusive leadership as a business imperative.

Jimese Harkley
Senior Vice President -- Chief Community Engagement Officer
Harborstone Credit Union

Jimese Harkley has a history of success in leading community engagement efforts. She served as VP of Membership for CUES and has over 15 years of industry experience. She began her career as a teller for America's First Federal Credit Union and progressed to serve as the credit union's Philanthropy and Community Relations Manager. Harkley also previously served in various roles at Filene Research Institute.

Harkley earned her Juris Doctorate from Birmingham School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies from Jacksonville State University. She's been married for two decades and has a young-adult son and teenage daughter. In her free time, Harkley enjoys being a dance mom, supporting college football, fundraising, and attending concerts. 

Hazelmae Overturf
Vice President of Impact
Harborstone Credit Union

Hazelmae Overturf is a second generation Filipina-American and a 15-year veteran of credit unions. She first started her credit union career in the Pacific Northwest and recently named  Vice President of Impact at Haborstone Credit Union.

Hazelmae is also a certified CU Development Educator, CanadaDE, Vice-President of the West Coast chapter of the AACUC, co-chair for the Coop2Coop Council at NCBA/CLUSA, and is a co-founder of HAPICUP (Hawaiian Asian Pacific Islander Credit Union Professionals).

Hazelmae was also a GAC Crasher and i3 alumni with Filene Research Institute. Prior to her credit union career, Hazelmae taught English in South Korea, after completing her undergraduate degree in Sociology. She also earned her MBA in December 2020. For fun, Hazelmae enjoys spending time with her husband and two cats. She is obsessed with keeping her daily practice streak on her language learning app, learning to play the ukelele, and cooking and baking foods from across the world. Another fun tidbit, she has a credit union tattoo!

Espy Poblano
Director of Programs & Training
AACUC

Esperanza Poblano is Director of Programs and Training  with over 10 years of experience in the financial industry. She is passionate about continued education, people development and is committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives industry wide. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated effective leadership skills and communication skills while working with a remote team.

Espy is responsible for training consultations, training development, member communication and social media content creation. She is particularly proud of her work on the AACUC DEI Leadership Academy for Financial Professionals and is passionate about inviting young professionals into the industry and working with boards and executives on succession planning.

Renée Sattiewhite
President/CEO
AACUC

Renée Sattiewhite serves as the President/CEO of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). With her unique vitality and forward-looking vision, she has created one of the most dynamic organizations in the credit union movement. Her high energy, high expectations and high touch approach for leading the 501c3 nonprofit has created a momentum for growth, change and a compelling commitment towards eradicating racism. Her leadership has successfully propelled the organization forward to offer a credible voice that addresses today’s dialogue on race, equity, and inclusion for all, making AACUC the leading influencer on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the credit union movement.

While the country galvanized against racial injustice in 2020 after the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor and with the growing visibility of the Black Lives Matter movement, Renée became one of the most notable social justice catalysts, encouraging the credit union industry to become more aware of the urgent need for change toward true racial equality and economic justice, resulting in launching AACUC’s Commitment to Change: Credit Unions Unite Against Racism initiative. This consequential, hallmark initiative spurred conversation and action, served as the groundwork for AACUC’s signature programming including the creation of the DEI Academy for Financial Professionals, and was recognized by the National Credit Union Foundation with the rare and prestigious 2022 Anchor Award, which is considered the Nobel Peace Prize of the credit union movement.

In recent years, Renée has been recognized for her leadership and industry contributions. In September 2022, Renée was inducted to America’s Credit Union Museum’s newest display “Credit Union Women Making History….Herstory,” an interactive exhibit highlighting incredible women’s achievements that have made history in the credit union industry and showcasing women’s stories never heard before.

In 2023, she was named one of the Top 10 Admired Leaders by Industry Era Magazine, America’s leading premium business and luxury publication. During the CU Leadership Convention in July 2023, Renée was awarded the inaugural Neoteric Changemaker Award, a national award recognizing an individual who has demonstrated personal perseverance, advanced the cause of “people helping people,” advocated for relevant ideation, and created positive programming for leaders. Also in July 2023, Renée was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the African Cooperative Development Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Association, for her global efforts and commitment to credit union development on the continent of Africa.

Renée is a certified diversity professional, a credit union development educator, a motivational speaker, an executive coach, a mentoring trainer, a Master Trainer for the United Way of Atlanta’s VIP Board Development Program, and a recognized expert on marketing and branding. She currently serves as a Board Member of: Climate United, ACCOSCA Foundation, America’s Credit Union Museum, and CU4Kids.