Empowering financial futures
Expanding access to fair, affordable banking for over 50 years — and we’re just getting started.
Where we started
Urban Empowerment Federal Credit Union (UEFCU) was founded in 1970 to serve employees of the National Urban League and their families at a time when access to fair financial services was limited for many Black households.
Since then, our mission has remained the same: remove barriers to financial opportunity and expand access to safe, affordable banking.
Today, we are a federally regulated, mission-driven credit union and designated Minority Depository Institution (MDI) and Low-Income Designated (LID), continuing to grow while staying true to our purpose.
Who can join
Primary eligibility
- Employees of the National Urban League, Inc.
- Employees or board members of the Urban League of Essex County
Additional eligibility
- Family/household members
- Retirees
- UEFCU employees
- Surviving spouses
Board of directors
Silky Misra
Secretary
Donald Bowen
Board Member
Oseremi Adekoye
Board Member
Quincy Dunlap
Board Member
Stephanie Devane
Board Member
Dale Johnson
Board Member
Executives
A peek into our history
1970 — Our founding
N.U.L. Federal Credit Union is established to serve employees of the National Urban League and their families.
2006–2013 — Strengthened operational leadership
The credit union benefits from experienced nonprofit and financial leadership connected to the Urban League network.
2021–2022 — Expansion & modernization begins
New board leadership and operational partners begin restructuring efforts to strengthen financial operations and longterm strategy.
2023–2024 — Technology & infrastructure upgrade
UEFCU transitions to modern digital banking through CU*Answers, preparing for expanded services and membership growth.
2025 — Charter conversion & strategic growth plan
The credit union adopts the name Urban Empowerment Federal Credit Union and begins a multiyear plan to grow membership, expand products, and pursue CDFI certification.
Today — Building a stronger future
UEFCU continues to expand access to affordable banking, savings, credit building tools, and financial education — working to close the racial wealth gap and support economic empowerment.
Frequently asked questions
Is UEFCU federally insured?
Yes. Deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to
$250,000.
Who can join the credit union?
Membership is open to specific employee groups, retirees, existing members of record, eligible family members, household members, and organizations associated with eligible individuals. (See full eligibility above.)
Do I need to live in a certain area to join?
No. Membership is based on affiliation — not where you live.
Do I need good credit to open an account or borrow?
No. UEFCU welcomes members of all credit backgrounds and offers tools to help build or improve credit.
Do you offer digital or mobile banking?
Yes. Members can access accounts online through our online banking platform.
How do I become a member?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, simply open a Share Savings account to establish
membership.
What do your Board of Directors and committees do?
Our Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team, and committees work together to guide and protect the credit union. The Board sets the vision and ensures strong governance, while our Executive Leadership Team manages daily operations and member experience (operations@ue-fcu.com). The Supervisory Committee provides independent oversight to keep operations secure and compliant (supervisory@ue-fcu.com), and the Credit Committee supports fair, consistent lending decisions that meet members’ needs (credit@ue-fcu.com).
