Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Leadership, Generosity, and the Women of Self Reliance Financial Federal Credit Union

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the countless ways women have shaped history, strengthened communities, and expanded opportunities for future generations. In the credit union movement, this month holds special significance. Women have long been central to the philosophy of cooperation and member first service that defines our industry.

 

At Self Reliance Financial Federal Credit Union, this commitment is reflected daily in the people who power our organization. As Chief Administrative Officer Laura Naumenko shares, “We take pride in the fact that over 50 percent of SRFFCU’s workforce consists of women, women who are leaders, innovators, mentors, and resilient contributors. Their dedication, talent, and diverse perspectives continue to strengthen our organization and inspire a culture of inclusion where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

On March 8, the global community comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day devoted to progress, empowerment, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” aligns with the cooperative spirit at the heart of SRFFCU. When we give, we gain.

 

This theme encourages generosity, collaboration, and shared growth. It highlights the idea that progress happens when individuals, workplaces, and communities intentionally uplift one another, emphasizing:

When people and organizations give generously, whether through resources, opportunities, or encouragement, the result is not a loss but an expansion. Giving multiplies possibility. Acts of giving can include:

 

Each act helps build a more interconnected world for women. And when women rise, families, workplaces, and entire communities rise with them. At SRFFCU, these principles are reflected in the compassion, collaboration, and supportive leadership we see throughout our team.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the women whose early advocacy shaped the cooperative financial movement. Among them is Louise McCarren Herring, often called the “Mother of Credit Unions” in the United States. She joined the credit union movement in 1933 with a vision for a not for profit financial cooperative that puts people first. Over the course of her career, she helped organize more than 500 credit unions in Ohio, and she was the founder and first managing director of the Ohio Credit Union League.

 

Herring believed that financial institutions should exist to serve people, not the other way around. Her commitment to cooperation, transparency, and community impact continues to influence credit unions today, including SRFFCU. Her example reminds us how meaningful leadership can influence generations, a message echoed by the women who lead SRFFCU today.

In recognition of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we asked a few of our female executive leaders to share their thoughts. We invited Adriana Fedorijczuk, Chief Financial Officer, to reflect on the impact of her work and the legacy she hopes to leave.

 

“My hope is that years from now, my work will be remembered as meaningful. I hope the decisions I make and the work I do make things better for all my colleagues today and tomorrow.”

 

Her perspective mirrors the spirit of Give To Gain, demonstrating how thoughtful choices made today can support others long into the future.

 

“I hope that future generations of women know that the best way to work with people is to be authentic and grounded. Pursue your ambitions with confidence, but always stay true to yourself.”

 

This is a powerful reminder that authenticity and ambition together create lasting influence.

This month, and throughout the year, we honor the women whose work shapes our credit union. They lead with strength and clarity. They bring skill, insight, and compassion to our services. They elevate member experiences with professionalism and care. They help carry forward our mission of fairness and community support.

 

Their dedication and diverse perspectives inspire a culture of inclusion where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

 

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we honor the women who helped establish the cooperative movement, the women who strengthen Self Reliance Financial Federal Credit Union today, and the young women who will carry this mission into the future. Their leadership upholds our values, their dedication supports our members, and their example continues to inspire the path ahead.

 

With gratitude for their contributions and confidence in the road forward, we remain committed to giving with intention, growing together, and gaining strength through unity and shared purpose.