TRUITY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, Truity Credit Union is honoring our past and the women who formed our rich history.
In 1937, female employees of Phillips Petroleum Company formed their own club, named Jane Phillips Sorority. In 1939, members decided to form a credit union so they could pool their money to save and borrow at a lower rate of interest than the banks offered. In April 1939, Jane Phillips Sorority Credit Union opened for business. Mildred Hunt, first treasurer of the credit union, said “for a lot of these ladies, this was the first time in their life they had a savings account.” The doors soon opened to include all Phillips Petroleum Company employees and in 1941, the name changed to 66 Federal Credit Union. There was another name change in 2013, to Truity Credit Union. Our founders, comprised of modern, forward-thinking women, brought the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” to Bartlesville, OK, and we’ve since extended it to our branches in Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas.
Credit unions across the country are shattering the glass ceiling. Today Truity employs over 140 women, 20 of whom serve in leadership roles. More than half of credit union CEOs across the country are women, according to a study by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). “CUNA and the credit union system strongly value diversity and inclusion, and our vigorous research into the subject shows that the credit union system lives up to these principles,” said CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. “Females are significantly underrepresented in management positions in the financial services industry, so we’re proud that credit unions create and sustain opportunities for female leaders to serve their members and communities.” Read the rest of the study results (2018) here.
In 1985, Truity’s Senior Vice President Kelli Blair was 18 years old and fresh out of high school when she walked into 66 Federal Credit Union for her first day on the job as a teller. Her supervisor said, “I’m really taking a chance on you; I’ve not had good luck hiring young people.” With her red dress suit and power bow, she set out to prove her wrong.
“I never thought I would be able to look back at the young girl I was 35 years ago and ever picture myself in this seat. The seat of a Senior Vice President of an amazing organization,” Blair said. “Across my career, I’ve had numerous female mentors who helped me see that I could stretch across my boundaries and trust my professional experiences. A woman executive…why not me? Whatever point you may be at in your career…ask yourself, ‘why not me?’ and get to work.”
Truity offers a broad range of career opportunities for those just starting out, to experienced professionals. Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, part-time opportunities to supplement your current school schedule, flexibility to be with your kids, or are recently retired and looking to utilize the wealth of knowledge you’ve gained over time, we may have just the fit for you. Check out our Careers page for more info. We are always accepting applications.
For more details and a history of International Women’s Day, visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com.