Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15.  Our country has numerous Latino leaders, and their influence continues to grow and impact the economy on a local and national level.

On Tuesday, September 22, Vantage West will become the first financial institution in Arizona to receive the Juntos Avanzamos (Together We Advance) designation.  The program originated in 2005.

“Vantage West is the first credit union outside the Cornerstone Credit Union League states to join Juntos Avanzamos.  We salute their vision, leadership, and commitment to financial inclusion that will increase asset-building opportunities for the Hispanic community,” said Pablo DeFillippi, VP Membership and Business Development, National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions.

Gene Santarelli was recently elected to serve as the vice chairman of the board of directors for Vantage West.  Santarelli is a retired lieutenant general of the United States Air Force.  He has been a member at the credit union for more than twenty years.

Vantage West has kicked off its United Way fundraising efforts by donating $10,000 to the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.  “It’s an honor to be asked to lead this campaign…  I know I will be able to rely on the committed and generous businesses and organizations in our region to provide support and funds to make this a record year,” said Robert D. Ramirez, Vantage West’s President/CEO.

Saying college is “expensive” is like saying Arizona’s summers are “warm.”  An educated workforce is a priority for many businesses and others consideration relocation to Tucson.  At Vantage West, we consider it our civic duty to help our community’s children pursue their dreams.  That’s why in 2015, we chose to award $5,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors.