Black History Month 2025: A Story of Growth, Belonging, and Empowerment at Servus Credit Union
Each February, Black History Month honors the rich history, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals. For Servus Credit Union, Black History Month is a lived experience, embodied by our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Servus Employee Resource Circle (SERC), an employee resource group dedicated to empowering growth and advancement in employees’ personal and professional lives, creating spaces where everyone belongs, and lifting each other up.
How It All Started
When Stella Igweamaka joined Servus in 2022 as a Senior Consultant in New Markets & Opportunities, she felt something was missing—a space where BIPOC employees could come together, support each other, and thrive. She knew firsthand the power of community and decided to do something about it.
With the backing of her leader, Kelly Lester, Leader of New Markets & Opportunities, and DEIB Consultant, Lena Bousaleh, Stella was inspired to create the BIPOC SERC. What started as an idea quickly grew into a thriving employee resources group—one that now has over 85 members and counting.
This year’s Black History Month theme, “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations,” couldn’t be more fitting. Because this group isn’t just about belonging—it’s also about building something lasting.
More Than Just a Network—A Movement
From the start, the BIPOC SERC had a clear mission:
- Provide opportunities for mentorship, networking, and leadership development.
- Create a safe and welcoming space where employees feel like they truly belong.
Stepping Up and Leading the Way
For many members, joining the SERC has been a game-changer. It gives them the confidence to speak up, take on leadership roles, and shape the future of their workplace.
“Being part of a community of like-minded individuals puts a spring in your step at work,” says Toyin Adeyanju, Chair of the BIPOC SERC and Strategy & Foresights Lead at Servus. “It’s not just about career growth—it’s about feeling at home in your workplace.”
And none of this would be possible without leadership support. The SERC has had an unwavering champion in its Executive Advocate, Ahmed Khairat, Leader of Retail Credit, who encourages members to be their authentic self at work.
A Celebration of Culture, One Bite at a Time
The SERC isn’t only about career growth—it’s about celebrating culture, too.
In December, the BIPOC SERC hosted potlucks in both Edmonton and Calgary, and let’s just say—the food did not disappoint! The room was alive with the smell of jollof rice, butter chicken, perogies, injera, and so much more. But it wasn’t just about the dishes—it was about the stories behind them.
People shared recipes passed down for generations, memories of family gatherings, and what these meals meant to them. It was a reminder that food isn’t just nourishment—it’s history, identity, and connection.
Looking Forward: A Lasting Legacy
Black History Month isn’t just about celebrating the past—it’s about building the future. It’s about asking: How are we making space for the next generation? How are we creating opportunities for leadership, growth, and belonging?
BIPOC SERC is answering these questions every day by fostering representation, inclusion, and community. So, as we celebrate this month, let’s take a moment to recognize the strides we’ve made and the work still ahead. Because at the heart of it all is one simple truth: everyone deserves a space to thrive, lead, and inspire.