Andrews Federal COO Featured in Black History Month News Feature
During Black History Month, Andrews Federal celebrated excellence in the African-American community. We recognized African-American leaders in the financial industry and in our own credit union. Andrews Federal Credit Union’s Chief Operating Officer Damita Robinson was featured on DC News Now as part of the news station’s promotional series.
The Living Local DMV morning show hosts highlighted Robinson’s successful career, including her climb to her current position as the credit union’s Chief Operating Officer. During the interview, Robinson shared that she was the first African American woman to fill many of the roles along her career journey, including serving as Andrews Federal’s first African-American vice president, senior vice president, executive vice president and COO.
Robinson highlighted the importance of diversity in organizations like Andrews Federal, as the credit union serves members from a variety of different communities and cultures, including members living in multiple countries overseas.
“Diversity matters for any organization, especially for Andrews Federal Credit Union because we are an international organization. In order to serve the members well, to know the products and the services they need, you have to have the people from the communities to tell you what those needs are,” Robinson said. “Diversity is really a secret sauce to being competitive– having diversity and giving the employees a voice.”
Robinson shared advice for women seeking career advancement, encouraging them to step over their fear and apply for positions that might be a stretch. She also referenced Brigadier General Clara Adams-Ender, as someone who inspired her. Adams-Ender served as Chief of the United States Army Nurse Corps and as Commanding General of Fort Belvoir. She was also an active volunteer on the Andrews Federal Credit Union board of directors, and she continues to lead and give back within the community.
This interview served as a reminder of the importance of hard work, inspiration and building strong relationships along the path to career success. We also heard Robinson share some of the concrete ways she continues to mentor and contribute to others’ growth, including providing career and life skills coaching to young people as they start planning to build their careers and giving financial support to college students.
Robinson has certainly blazed a trail and made it possible for aspiring leaders to follow in her footsteps. According to credit union team member Ashley Profitt, working with a strong black female leader like Robinson is an inspiration. “I’m still early in my career with the credit union, but I see the impact of Damita’s leadership every day,” Profitt said. “Seeing what she has been able to achieve really makes me appreciate the value of her mentorship and leadership for our Andrews Federal team.”
Robinson's interview was part of Andrews Federal’s efforts to commemorate Black History Month and draw attention to the contribution of African-American leaders in our communities. The credit union also sponsored a DCNews Now interview with legendary Tuskegee Airman William T. Fauntroy as part of its Black History Month media outreach programs.
You can watch the interview with Damita Robinson here
You can also view our most recent interview with Tuskegee Airman William Fauntroy Jr. here
At Andrews Federal, we commemorate Black History Month in February, but we celebrate and honor diverse voices and experiences year-round. Be part of the conversation on our social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn).
