Exploring Life & Business with Maria R. Brunner of Credit Union West

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria R. Brunner.

Hi Maria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I would like to tell you “Why I do what I do”.

When I was young, a lady with fancy shoes would visit us at our small rental house in East LA. One day that lady was waiting for us at the front door of this beautiful house with a white arch. We walked up and dad said, “This is for you. Look for your room.” As my brothers and I ran into the house, I looked back and saw dad, with a big smile, saying to mom, “We are home.”  Mom and I would take the blue bus to the bank every month. My treat was french fries from Carl’s Jr., across the street from the bank. One month when dad was home from work, we drove to the bank. He did not know where to go when we walked into the bank. I told him, “Go to that desk. That girl will take your money and bring you a receipt.” When dad and I waited for her to return with his receipt, he told me, “Look at her. She is so pretty, you should work here.” Years later, I asked my dad to meet me for lunch. I asked him to walk with me across the street to the bank. When we sat in my office and I told him to look back outside my door to a desk, I asked him, “Do you remember when I was young, you said to me that I should work here”. I was a manager at Home Savings of America on Beverly where we used to make our house payments. The lady with the fancy shoes was the Real Estate Agent who assisted my parents in achieving the American dream of homeownership. The Spanish-speaking banker would help mom and dad with their payment at her desk because they did not know English then.

I’ve been in the banking industry for over 30 years and I love working every day. I am the Business Development Specialist at Credit Union West, the best part of my job is community outreach and Financial Education.  I am honored and grateful that the organization that I work for has the same values I believe in and stand firm on.  Our mission is to inspire members, employees and communities to achieve their financial goals and enhance their quality of life.

I have served on several boards throughout the Valley including OCJ Kids, HAREP Hispanic Association of Real Estate Professionals, as well as with the Palo Verde Council for Special Olympics. I currently serve with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce on the board and in 2018, I was the first Latina Chair of the Board. I am also the treasurer of the GCOC Military & Veterans Affairs committee and a member of the Public Policy and Diversity Equity & Inclusion committee. I am on the West-MEC Alliance Board. I also serve as the 2022-23 Director for West Valley Women and the Affiliate Chair for the West Valley WeSERV. I recently started serving on the Pendergast Elementary School District Foundation Board. I was named Women of Scottsdale’s 2022 Woman of the Year. My passion is Mujer Inc., a non-profit organization that helps create opportunities for Latinas to excel professionally, emotionally, culturally, and spiritually through adult and youth development programs. I love the famous quote, “I have come to serve, not to be served.”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a Latina woman, I have to work twice as hard to be where I am today for people to see the value that I bring to the table. I do not mind the hard work; it’s not about me. I’m grateful for the Latino men and women who have come before me and for helping our future generation. With my love for the financial industry and knowing that we make a difference in people’s lives, sometimes you must take a step back professionally to leap into where you belong. I keep my favorite quote very close to my heart and I keep my head up and rejoice in every moment we share with others.

 As you know, we’re big fans of Credit Union West. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
Our History
The Credit Union West tradition began in 1951 as Luke Federal Credit Union. Originally located on Luke Air Force Base, our mission was to enhance the lives of military members and their families by being a trusted financial service provider. Today, we embrace the same commitment to the military, as well as continuing that same commitment to serve all who live, work, or worship in Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai or Yuma county. We are proud to serve, and as a not-for-profit credit union, our members are our highest priority – not profits. Any money remaining after paying expenses is returned to our members and community.

Our Commitment
As a member of Credit Union West, serving you and your family is at the core of our organizational principles and values. We take the time to understand you and your financial needs, helping ensure you successfully achieve your goals. By making

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I am the oldest of 5 and have 4 brothers. I loved playing with cars and helping mom with housework and cooking. Our house was always a happy home with family and friends. I did not know how much we did not have until now when I see the pictures, but I also see big smiles in every picture. There was always love around us. I would say a good description is happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cuwest.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/creditunionwest/
• Facebook: facebook.com/creditunionwest/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/credit-union-west
• Twitter: twitter/CreditUnionWest/