Banking the Unbanked: How Point West Credit Union Is Rewriting Financial Inclusion

At the 2026 GAC Inclusive CDFI Roundtable, Point West Credit Union's Steve Pagenstecher chats with CU Spotlight's Shirley Senn to share how a small Portland-based credit union is making a massive impact. From a strategic merger with the NAACP Credit Union to serving immigrant communities, Point West is proving that empathy-driven banking isn't just possible — it's powerful. Learn how they're opening doors for communities shut out by traditional financial services, building credit, and championing the idea that people do things for reasons, not because they're bad people.Shine a light where it matters.