Dina M.L. has been an Ellafi Federal Credit Union member since her late twenties, when her father, a longtime member himself, encouraged her to join what was then Seasons Federal Credit Union. Born and raised in Middletown, she felt "right at home" from the beginning, appreciating the credit union's personal approach.
"I've always seen Ellafi as a place where you're part of a family, not just a transaction," says Dina, who now lives in Bristol but still visits the Middletown branch.
Over the years, she has relied on Ellafi for personal and auto loans but says what has always resonated is the credit union's commitment to education, community, and empowering people to build stronger financial futures.
A first-generation college graduate from the University of Hartford, she understands what it feels like to navigate unfamiliar financial decisions without a roadmap. As a student, she worked to pay for college while learning firsthand about budgeting, student loans, and financial responsibility.
I always felt like they were focused on educating members rather than simply selling products. They wanted me to understand my options and make informed decisions.
She sees that impact every day in her work as director of The Women's Advancement Initiative, a nonprofit based at the University of Hartford (UHart) that provides scholarships, leadership development, and support to help students succeed in college and beyond. Built on the legacy of Hartford College for Women, the initiative continues a longstanding commitment to helping students realize their potential.
One of the organization's signature programs is the four-year LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program, which supports more than 100 students each year. Designed to address the unique opportunities and challenges students face at each stage of their undergraduate experience, LEAD provides participants with the tools, training, mentorship, and community to successfully navigate the journey from college to career.
"We're not necessarily looking for those who already possess exceptional leadership and self-advocacy skills, but the students who are looking to find their voice," says Dina. "A program like LEAD helps them discover their potential.”
Many participants are first-generation college students balancing multiple jobs while attending school full-time. Others are adult learners returning to finish their degrees, students caring for younger siblings or parents, or students from challenging family circumstances where they often serve as primary caretakers and translators at home.
The program has helped students purchase groceries and other necessities, provided Uber vouchers so they can accept internships, and connected them with emergency assistance for transportation, technology, and textbooks. Just as important are the regular check-ins and resilience coaching that help students navigate challenges before they become barriers to completing their education.
The mission of Ellafi and The Women’s Advancement Initiative is closely aligned. We empower others to create and embrace opportunities, provide educational resources like financial literacy coaching, build community, and foster growth and confidence to help individuals thrive. I am proud to be affiliated with organizations that advance the potential of others.
And like Ellafi, the organization believes that financial literacy is essential. From creating a first budget to understanding employee benefits, retirement plans, and the true cost of living on their own, students are introduced to financial concepts that will serve them well beyond graduation.
"Financial literacy is a life skill," says Dina. "It's something everyone should have the opportunity to learn. I love that Ellafi is making a difference in the community. We need more organizations like theirs.”
Dina M. L.
Ellafi Member