Thank you for joining us for an Inspiring Event Celebrating National Women’s History Month, our March CTC Friday Conversation: "Two Generations - National Women's History Month."

Embrace the spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion with this empowering panel featuring remarkable women of color from diverse backgrounds and two distinct generations. In this celebration of National Women’s History Month, we explore the often-overlooked narratives of multicultural American women, guided by the principle that "Women must not be denied their own history." We will explore the dynamic discussions on our shared history, the evolving landscape of the credit union movement for women, and the vision for a more inclusive future. 

Let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of women across generations! Together, we shape a future where everyone's history is acknowledged and empowered!

Our esteemed panelists were:

• Nina de los Santos, Senior Administrative Assistant, Greylock Federal Credit Union
• Melisande Corlett, Communications Specialist, Chartway Credit Union
• Sheilah Montgomery, CEO, Florida A&M University Federal Credit Union
• Renée Sattiewhite, President/CEO, African-American Credit Union Coalition

Shellee Mitchell Founder & Principal Consultant of Sapphire Dimension moderated the conversation.

Keep reading to learn more about our panelists.

Nina de los Santos
Senior Administrative Assistant
Greylock Federal Credit Union

Nina Delos Santos joined the Greylock Federal Credit Union family in 2019, in a key administrative role supporting the CEO and Senior Leadership Team. Nina has earned her Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) certification through Credit Union National Association (CUNA) to help members achieve financial wellness via coaching. In the summer of 2023, Delos Santos joined Greylock’s PACEMaker mentor program designed for new employees, creating a safe space for them to connect. She enjoys spending time with new employees during the onboarding process while teaching Greylock’s Credit Union Difference class. Delos Santos is a member of Greylock’s Cultural Advisory Committee where strategic matters related to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility are discussed while embedding inclusion and being active advocates of inclusive practices and leadership behaviors. This committee provides insights that shape design making by the CEO and Senior Leadership Team. This past fall, Delos Santos graduated from the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) DEI Leadership Program; this certification meant so much and reminded her that there’s much work to be done. She also completed the impactful 1-to-1Woman Mentoring Program. Delos Santos is currently attending SNHU working toward her degree in Business Administration and is an active member and deacon of Becket Federated Church. A native of Berkshire County, she resides in her hometown of Dalton with her other half, Adam; son, Jayon; father, Lino; and new puppy, Mila.

Melisande Corlett
Communications Specialist
Chartway Credit Union

Melisande Corlett, Chartway’s Communications Specialist and Vice Chair of the African American Resource Group is an ambitious, disciplined, and dedicated professional committed to advancing credit union initiatives that support financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and investment in communities that need it most. Corlett was also the recipient of the Virginia Credit Union League’s 2023 Lynette Smith Scholarship to attend the 25th Annual African American Credit Union Coalition Conference. She is also a proud member of the AACUC. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Mass Communications from Norfolk State University.

Sheilah Montgomery
CEO
Florida A&M University Federal Credit Union

For over four decades, Sheilah Montgomery has advanced the credit union movement mission and financial well-being of members. She serves as CEO of FAMU Federal Credit Union and has served as President/CEO of 1st Choice Credit Union and Credit Union of Atlanta, where she directed mission-critical projects and developed organizational capacity strategies. She is the co-founder of the AACUC, is an African American Credit Union Hall of Fame Inductee, and Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. A Certified Chief Executive, Credit Union Development Educator, and International South Africa CUDE, she has dedicated her career to being a servant leader.  

Renée Sattiewhite
President/CEO
African-American Credit Union Coalition

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, motivational speaker, executive coach, mentoring trainer, and recognized expert on marketing and branding. She serves as a Board Member of the World Council of Credit Unions Foundation and a Master Trainer for the United Way of Atlanta’s VIP Board Development Program.

Shellee Mitchell
Founder & Principal Consultant
Sapphire Dimension

Shellee A. Mitchell is the founder and principal consultant for Sapphire Dimension. Sapphire Dimension provides tools and resources for women to be innovative in development. Sapphire Dimension examines limitations to strategically pursue uncommon possibility.

1-to-1Woman Mentoring is a proven methodology. In 1-to-1Woman, women from diverse backgrounds and professional levels come together to discuss and collaborate on gender and racial issues.

Shellee earned her bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University and her master’s degree in organizational communications from Bowie State University. She is also employed with National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS).