DEI Signature Speaker Series: Diversity from the Inside Out | February 24, 2021

Jill Nowacki started her career with credit unions in 2001. She has taken on leadership roles at credit unions and state and national trade associations, including serving as the President/CEO of the Credit Union League of Connecticut. In 2019, Jill founded Humanidei, a people operations firm that helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain top talent—from the front line through the Board of Directors. 

By strategically addressing the value of human capital, credit unions can create environments where people bring their best, authentic selves to work; resulting in diversity in thought, increased innovation, stronger succession planning, and ultimately: Relevant, growing credit unions that expand the economic capacity of the members and communities they serve.  

Throughout her career, Jill has worked with credit union leadership across the country to introduce business and human capital strategies that lead to growth. She is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on the topics of leadership, diversity, and strategic planning. 

Jill holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Montana and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Public Relations from Carroll College (Helena, Montana). She is a certified International Credit Union Development Educator, a Certified Association Executive (CAE), and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). 

Opal joined CUNA Mutual Group in 2014. She brings more than 18 years of professional experience in training, optimization, organizational development, and business leadership in roles at SITEL, Dean Health, and American Family Insurance. Her current role as Director of the Multicultural Center of Expertise (MCOE) is dedicated to leading and advancing the efforts of the MCOE team. The MCOE exists to help CUNA Mutual Group understand multicultural consumers, identify business opportunities, develop action plans, and execute those plans to serve more customers and generate substantial business growth.

Opal received her bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Edgewood College. In 2020 she was named as one of Wisconsin’s 51 most influential Black Leaders by Madison365 Media.

Ed Hasan is the CEO of Kaizen Human Capital, an evidence-based organizational development, coaching, and training firm. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University and a Subject Matter Expert and Instructor for the Society for Human Resource Management. He is a frequent speaker on workplace diversity and inclusion, culture, and leadership. 

Dr. Ed was recognized as one of George Mason University’s Prominent Patriots in Business, exemplifying his engagement as a well-rounded scholar and a person prepared to act through innovation. He was a recipient of Georgetown University’s Outstanding Faculty Award, which recognized him as a consummate professor and a role model for inclusive excellence. 

Dr. Ed received a doctoral degree in education from the University of Southern California, where his research focus was religious inclusion in the workplace. He received his MBA from the University of Scranton and a BS in Decision Sciences & Management Information Systems from George Mason University. He is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), holds the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Specialty Credential, and is a Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).