Ellafi Diamond Award

Ellafi is proud to announce that we have won a 2026 Diamond Award for Logo Design, recognizing excellence in credit union branding and marketing.

Presented by the America’s Credit Unions Marketing, PR & Development Council, the Diamond Awards honor the most innovative and effective marketing campaigns across the credit union industry.

This year’s competition included 1,481 submissions from 181 credit unions across 42 states, making this recognition a significant achievement for our team and our brand.

 

Why Ellafi Rebranded: A Modern Credit Union Brand for Women

Ellafi’s rebrand was driven by a clear goal: to create a modern, empowering financial brand for women.

As a credit union focused on helping women build financial confidence, we recognized that our previous logo and branding no longer reflected our mission, audience, or growth.

The new Ellafi logo was designed to:

  • Reflect financial empowerment for women
  • Feel modern, clean, and approachable
  • Stand out in the credit union and financial services industry
  • Build trust and emotional connection with members

This rebrand aligns with how women engage with money today and positions Ellafi as a leader in inclusive financial services.

 

Before and After: Evolution of the Ellafi Logo

As part of our award submission, we showcased the transformation from our previous logo to the new Ellafi brand identity.

The evolution reflects a strategic shift:

  • From a traditional financial institution look
  • To a purpose-driven, human-centered brand

This transition helps Ellafi better connect with:

  • Women seeking financial guidance
  • Entrepreneurs and professionals
  • Members looking for a supportive financial community

 

Credit Union Logo Design Strategy and Brand Guidelines

Creating an award-winning logo requires more than design. It requires strategy, consistency, and scalability.

The Ellafi logo was built for multi-channel use across digital and physical platforms, including:

  • Website and online banking experience
  • Social media and digital marketing campaigns
  • Print materials and advertising
  • Community events and branded merchandise

To ensure brand consistency, we developed comprehensive logo usage and branding guidelines, including:

  • Approved logo variations and formats
  • Color palette and typography standards
  • Clear space and sizing requirements
  • Accessibility and readability considerations
  • Usage restrictions to protect brand integrity

These guidelines ensure that the Ellafi brand remains consistent, recognizable, and impactful across every member touchpoint.

 

Award-Winning Credit Union Marketing and Branding

The Diamond Awards recognize the best credit union marketing campaigns, branding strategies, and creative executions in the country.

Winning in the logo design category highlights Ellafi’s commitment to:

  • Strategic brand development
  • Member-focused design
  • Innovation in financial marketing
  • Creating meaningful connections through branding

 

A Word From Ellafi Leadership

This recognition is incredibly meaningful because our rebrand was rooted in purpose, not just design,” said Dillon Tardif, VP of Marketing and Digital Products at Ellafi. “We set out to create a brand that truly reflects the women we serve, strong, confident, and evolving. This award validates the intention behind every detail and the impact thoughtful branding can have in building connection and trust.

 

What This Means for Ellafi Members

For our members, this award represents more than recognition. It reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering:

  • A modern, intuitive digital experience
  • Clear and approachable financial tools
  • A brand that truly represents and supports women

As Ellafi continues to grow, our brand will evolve alongside the needs of the women we serve.

 

About the Diamond Awards

The Diamond Awards are one of the most prestigious honors in the credit union industry, celebrating excellence in:

  • Marketing
  • Branding
  • Public relations
  • Digital experiences

Presented annually by America’s Credit Unions Marketing, PR & Development Council, the awards recognize credit unions that are pushing the industry forward through creativity and strategy.

Ellafi Federal Credit Union Membership Area Includes:

  • Branford
  • Cheshire
  • Chester
  • Clinton
  • Cromwell
  • Deep River
  • Durham
  • East Haddam
  • East Haven
  • Essex
  • Guilford
  • Haddam
  • Higganum
  • Killingworth
  • Madison
  • Meriden
  • Middlefield
  • Middletown
  • North Branford
  • North Haven
  • Old Saybrook
  • Portland
  • Wallingford
  • Westbrook

Become a Member