Promoting Financial Justice for Immigrant New Yorkers

May 25, 2011

On May 25, 2011, NEDAP and the NYC Immigrant Financial Justice Network presented the third conference on Promoting Financial Justice for Immigrant New Yorkers.  More than 100 organizers and advocates from 65 community groups throughout the city attended the forum, which featured sessions on worker cooperatives and microenterprise development; immigrant communities in the economic crisis; strategies to expand fair banking and credit access for low-wage workers; and more.

A forum report and materials -- including resources for action -- will be released this fall.  In the meantime, check out the conference program and photos below.

Panel 1 -- Immigrant Communities in the Economic Crisis

From left to right: Valeria Treves, New Immigrant Community Empowerment; Mamta Gurung, Chhaya CDC; Anna Dioguardi, Queens Community House; and Steven Choi, MinKwon Center

An opening panel addressed how the financial collapse and economic downturn have affected NYC immigrant communities, in terms of jobs, housing, credit access, and overall economic opportunity. Presenters discussed their work to prevent foreclosures, provide sound financial counseling, and defend workers’ rights, at a time of heightened economic insecurity.

Panel 2 -- Promoting Immigrants' Economic Rights and Financial Inclusion

From left to right: Alicia Portada, Union Settlement Federal Credit Union; Deyanira Del Rio, NEDAP;

Adrian Franco, Qualitas of Life Foundation

The second plenary addressed immigrants’ rights and options in the financial services landscape. Speakers presented findings from the NYC Immigrant Financial Justice Network's “mystery shopper” research at local financial institutions; and discussed advocacy to ensure equitable access for immigrants seeking to open credit union and bank accounts; obtain loans and establish credit; file income tax returns; and send remittances to loved ones abroad.

Opening panels were followed by a series of break-out sessions, on:

Worker Cooperatives & Microenterprise Development

Featuring: Catherine Barnett, Project Enterprise; Maria Ferreira, Center for Family Life; Yessenia Carvajal, Beyond Care cooperative; Monica Valerio, Sí Se Puede cooperative; Adriana Gaviria, ProMicro

Expanding Financial Access for Immigrant Workers

Featuring: Leslie Escobosa, Restaurant Opportunities Center of New York; Malcolm Kates, Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union; Francisca Montaña, Make the Road New York

Justice-Based Approaches to Financial Education

Featuring: Irene Dominguez, ERDA; Luis Caridad, NEDAP; Martha Chavez, NICE

Thanks to all who participated!