DESERT FINANCIAL COMMITS $300,000 TO SUPPORT LATINO FAMILIES AND LEADERS IN ARIZONA

The three-year commitment establishes partnerships with E.L.L.A. and ALL In Education

PHOENIX, Oct. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Desert Financial Credit Union announces a three-year, $300,000 commitment to support two Arizona nonprofit organizations: Empowering Latina Leaders in Arizona (E.L.L.A.) and ALL In Education. Each nonprofit will receive $50,000 annually through 2027.

The donations will strengthen programs that empower Latino parents, students and entrepreneurs, while also expanding access to leadership development and financial wellness education.

"This commitment reflects our belief that strong communities are built through collaboration," said Cathy Graham, Executive Vice President, Desert Financial Credit Union. "By partnering with E.L.L.A. and ALL In Education, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and the long-term success of Arizona's Latino community."

Founded with a mission to create economic opportunities for Latinas, E.L.L.A. has supported more than 1,100 businesses and generated more than $1 million in economic impact.

On Sunday, September 28, Desert Financial served as presenting sponsor for the Amor Collective Grand Opening, which is an incubator for Latina-owned businesses in Arizona. Likewise, Desert Financial will serve as presenting sponsor for the Hispanic Heritage Month Fashion Show: Noche de Amor on Wednesday, October 15.

"Partnerships like this build trust and visibility in our community. Desert Financial isn't just a sponsor, they are a partner," said Stephanie Vasquez, Founder and CEO of E.L.L.A.

ALL In Education endeavors to ensure Latino families have a voice in shaping Arizona's education system.

Support from Desert Financial will help deepen parent leadership training, expand family-centered literacy programs in the Roosevelt School District and strengthen initiatives that prepare parents to serve in careers in education.

The credit union also will host financial education workshops in Spanish to alumni of the Parent Educator Academy, an ALL In Education leadership development program for caregivers.

"Together, we are equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge and confidence to support their families, while paving the way for their children to create lasting legacies of their own," said Stephanie Parra, CEO of ALL In Education.

This three-year commitment is part of a long-term initiative at Desert Financial to advance the financial well-being of Arizona's Hispanic community through partnerships, education and empowerment.

For more information about community initiatives at Desert Financial, visit DesertFinancial.com/Community.

About Desert Financial Credit Union
For over 85 years, Desert Financial has been Arizona's most trusted local credit union with over $9 billion in assets, 480,000+ members and over 50 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2025, members received $16 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert Financial is the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University® and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.

About E.L.L.A. (Empowering Latina Leaders in Arizona)

Empowering Latina Leaders in Arizona (E.L.L.A.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2018 with the mission of advancing Latina entrepreneurship and leadership. Since its founding, E.L.L.A. has supported the launch of hundreds of Latina-owned businesses and generated more than $1 million in economic impact across the Valley. Through three tailored programs—Mujeres Mercado, the largest outdoor market for Latina-owned businesses; Amor Collective, an incubator and retail space for Latina entrepreneurs; and Amor Amigas, a women's social networking club—E.L.L.A. continues to create pathways for Latinas to thrive as leaders, innovators, and business owners in Arizona.

To learn more, visit azella.org or follow @ellaaz on social media.

About ALL In Education
ALL In Education is an Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that those most impacted by inequities—especially Latino families—are the ones shaping decisions in education. Through leadership development, advocacy, and community partnerships, ALL In Education strengthens school communities so that ALL students have access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive.

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SOURCE Desert Financial Credit Union