Working to provide equal opportunities for underserved communities

Eunice Adjei has made it her mission to empower immigrant, ethnic and underserved communities. She said she started developing that passion during her time studying at St. Cloud State University, and it fits perfectly with her role as director of multicultural services at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union.

“I care deeply about people and my community, and financial inclusion is at the heart of social justice, so I believe there’s no better place for me to make social change than in my role with SCFCU,” she said. “I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background. My work allows me to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds and create more financial inclusion and a welcoming environment for all.”

Originally from Ghana, Adjei knows firsthand some of the hurdles faced by immigrants when trying to assimilate into a new country.

“As an immigrant, I faced some challenges that I do not want other immigrants to go through,” she said. “I’ve made it a mission to empower immigrants to gain a voice, build relationships and connect them to resources in central Minnesota.”

She founded the Jugaad Leadership Program to train, place and connect emerging leaders of color on boards and commissions. Her work through JLP also led to her involvement with other boards and causes, such as the Minnesota Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, St. Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission, and Minnesota African Women’s Alliance, among others. She also served two full terms on SCSU’s Alumni Association Board.

In her role with St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, Adjei works to strengthen the relationship between ethnic communities and financial institutions, as well as educate community members on financial literacy.

“I am most proud of my efforts in promoting financial inclusion and creating specialized financial products that cater to the unique needs of the ethnic community,” she said. “By focusing on financial empowerment and developing products that address specific challenges faced by minority groups, I contribute to bridging the wealth gap and fostering economic prosperity within underserved communities.”

Adjei said she developed her leadership skills as well as her passion for social justice while at St. Cloud State. She started a social responsibility club, led a boycott of bottled water and took part in a number of cultural nights while at the University, where she earned a bachelor’s in psychology in 2006 and a master’s in social responsibility in 2010.

“I chose St. Cloud State University for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The education and experiences I gained at SCSU equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in multicultural services and leadership. The supportive community at SCSU played a significant role in shaping my professional journey,” she said. “That leadership started at St. Cloud State and transferred to the outside community, so that was pretty phenomenal.”

Those leadership skills and dedication to the community have served Adjei well so far, but she’s far from being finished with advocating for others.

“Looking ahead, I aim to strengthen the relationship between our credit union and the community, particularly focusing on building trust with ethnic communities,” she said. “By fostering healthy relationships and addressing the notion that ethnic communities may not trust banks, I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to engage with financial institutions and access the resources they need to thrive.”