For Black History Month AFSA is celebrating the efforts and accomplishments of AFSA member company colleagues working in the consumer credit and financial services industries.

Danielle McLean
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Accounting
American Financial Services Association

How have your life experiences as a Black American shaped the person you are today?

While there are many reasons and examples that I can point toward, my biggest experience as a Black American has been the value of my family, the power of education and service to others.

The women in my family, who I often look to as my heroes, have showed me that I carry a history of pride, perseverance, and dignity; understanding their past has opened the doors to my future. Their past has showed me, that no matter how hard it gets or how hopeless things may seem, I know that I was born with the capacity to keep going because of the strength and determination in my DNA. Drawing on that capacity gives me power whenever I am faced with life’s obstacles or walk in spaces that are foreign or uncomfortable to me.  Because of the tenacity, strength, courage, wisdom, love, and resilience that I’ve inherited from my ancestors, I will continue to thrive and build my family and community — it’s on their shoulders that I stand. And as I get older, I am more in tune with my role and responsibility to a build a stronger community and a thriving legacy.

How have they affected your approach to working in the consumer credit or broader financial services industries?

I carry with me an appreciation for the positive ways that consumer finance has helped my community, but also, an understanding of past harms.  It’s very important that we remember our collective history so that we can create the conditions for all Americans to prosper, while using consumer finance wisely.  This is why I work to seek out opportunities in which I can serve. I currently sit on the United States Senate Federal Credit Union Credit Assets/Liability Management committee and am a Fraud Trainer with the Fraud Watch Network with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Both positions allow me to continue to advocate and uplift financial inclusion to those within my community who are often pushed to the margins.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black history month is an opportunity to celebrate, spotlight, and remind all Americans of the positive impact, accomplishments, and contributions that we have given to the world. It will forever remain a great reminder of the hope, faith, resilience, and opportunity for the future.

“There is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history. And there is no higher cause than honoring our struggle and ancestors by remembering.” -Lonnie G. Bunch III