June 2024 Edition

Our Voice, Our Stories Series

By: Amy Neal

Throughout the Our Voices, Our Stores Series, employees from MSU Federal Credit Union will be sharing their personal and professional experiences, highlighting their impact to the Credit Union’s collective diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) work. We are thrilled to welcome Amy Neal as this month’s guest writer. 

My name is Amy Neal, and I am a Korean adoptee, raised by White parents. My DEIB journey truly began in 2021 when I joined the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Council. To be completely honest, I had never really thought about DEIB initiatives until I interviewed for a position on the council. I remember feeling a strong sense of belonging and acceptance during my interview process. It was as if something was telling me, "This is where you belong." 

Throughout my childhood and early adulthood, I struggled with my Asian American identity and finding my place in the world. I wasn’t Asian, but I wasn’t White either. My way of coping with being adopted was to fully assimilate into American/White culture. One aspect of the DEIB initiatives at the Credit Union that stood out to me was how welcoming and familial it felt. DEIB work became my safe space.

One of my proudest moments was co-creating the first Cultural Fair for MSUFCU. It was wonderful to be involved in DEIB work and outreach to raise awareness about various cultures and traditions. I learned DEIB is about what we do for each other. It focuses on creating an inclusive and friendly environment for all. Having gone through various experiences that made me feel excluded in the past, I have always been passionate about making sure that everyone feels included. I encourage everyone to advocate for DEIB work and its initiatives to unite.     

Important June Observations & Celebrations

Month-Long Observances



• Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
• Black Music Month
• National Caribbean American Heritage Month
• Pride Month (LGBTQ+)

• June 5: World Environment Day
• June 8: Feast of Corpus Christi
• June 9: Race Unity Day
• June 12: Loving Day
• June 16: Eid al-Adha (Muslim)
• June 19: Juneteenth
• June 20: World Refugee Day

• June 20: Litha, Summer Solstice (Pagan)
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada)
• June 24: St-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec)

Important July Observations & Celebrations

Month-Long Observances

• Disability Pride Month
• French American Heritage Month

• July 1: Canada Day
• July 4: Independence Day (USA)
• July 7: Islamic New Year
• July 9: Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i)
• July 11: World Population Day
• July 14: Bastille Day

• July 18: International Nelson Mandela Day
• July 24: Pioneer Day (Mormon)
• July 26: National Disability Independence Day
• July 30: International Day of Friendship

August DEI Series: Fostering an Inclusive Workplace for Neurodivergent Professionals

Is your organization fully embracing the unique skills and experiences of your neurodivergent professionals? While ethnicity, gender, disability status, and sexual orientation, to mention a few, are commonly considered in inclusion and equity work, neurodiversity is often overlooked and undervalued.

Join MSUFCU’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager, Taylor Moberg (she/her), for an enlightening session where we will delve into proactive strategies aimed at fostering an inclusive work environment for neurodiversity.

ATHENA WIN PGD Series - Breaking Chains: Empowering Women to Unleash Their Freedom and Rewrite Their Stories

In this transformative presentation, led by Lisa Fisher, we delve deep into the intricacies of self-discovery and empowerment for women. Unlock the secrets to your own freedom as we explore the barriers that often hold us back. Discover the profound value of forgiveness, not just towards others, but towards ourselves. Uncover the lies we tell ourselves and learn how to rewrite your narrative with authenticity and resilience. 

May DEI Series Explores Leading Through Compassion

During our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series in May, Dean Jong, the owner and founder of Greater Lansing Open Soccer, Lansing's largest and most diverse adult recreational soccer league, led a discussion about the importance of listening and leading through inspiration and compassion.

Whether you're managing employees or interacting with customers, you can inspire those around you to achieve your collective goals by creating a foundation based on these core values.

Lansing Juneteenth Celebrations

There are plenty of ways to Celebrate this year’s Juneteenth holiday. Below are a few we highly recommend attending.

Lansing Pride

Celebrate who you are in the heart of Old Town on June 22 from 1 to 10 p.m. with free admission for everyone.

• Don’t Let Your Calendar Dictate Your DEI Initiatives
• 7 ways to improve workplace diversity & inclusion
• When employees identify with their company, they’re less likely to recognize gender discrimination
• 6 common leadership styles – and how to decide which to use when
• The importance and impact of supplier diversity programs  
• How Businesses Can Promote Authentic LGBTQ+ Allyship During Pride Month