Newsweek Names Redwood Credit Union one of the Greatest Midsize Workplaces for Women

National recognition underscores Redwood Credit Union’s leadership in advancing gender equity, pay fairness, and career growth for women in Northern California

SANTA ROSA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#redwoodcreditunion–Newsweek has awarded Redwood Credit Union its highest five-star rating as one of America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces for Women, an honor recognizing organizations actively reducing gender barriers through equitable policies, inclusive leadership, and supportive workplace cultures.

As part of its longstanding commitment to expanding opportunities for all, Redwood Credit Union stands out among midsize employers for creating meaningful pathways for women to grow, lead, and advance throughout the organization. Companies recognized by Newsweek offer the comprehensive benefits and resources of larger corporations while maintaining the personalized, people-first culture typical of smaller companies. Women represent about 60% of RCU’s workforce, including key roles such as Chief Operating & Risk Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

“Women play a vital role in shaping strong, resilient workplaces, and the strength of RCU is directly tied to the strength of the women across our organization,” said Brett Martinez, President and CEO of Redwood Credit Union. “The best workplaces are built by hiring and empowering the best people for the job—based on talent, character, and capability, not labels. When opportunity is based on merit and everyone is empowered to contribute and lead, organizations become more innovative, more inclusive, and better positioned for long‑term success.”

The study conducted in partnership with by Plant-A Insights Group recognized companies based on a nationwide survey of over 2.6 million online employee reviews spanning 4,700 midsize companies that operate in the U.S., evaluating them across 120 key performance indicators, with added weight given to drivers of workplace happiness such as culture & belonging and work-life balance.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our culture where women are supported, valued, and encouraged to lead authentically,” said Mishel Kaufman, RCU Chief Operating & Risk Officer. “I’m proud to be part of an organization where people consistently show up for one another and where women are empowered to contribute in ways that make a meaningful difference for our members and our community.”

This recognition comes at a time when national data shows the growing need for continued progress. According to Census Bureau data released in 2025, the wage gap between men and women widened for the second consecutive year.

“While gender equality has made meaningful strides in the workplace, women still face daunting systemic hurdles—from unconscious bias in hiring and promotions to gender stereotypes that limit career advancement,” said Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek. “We hope this ranking highlights the organizations setting new standards for women in the workplace and serves as a valuable resource for those seeking employers aligned with their professional goals and values.”

RCU has also been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions for three years in a row, and one of America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces in 2025.

About Redwood Credit Union

Founded in 1950, Redwood Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution providing personal and business banking to consumers and businesses in the North Bay and San Francisco. With a mission to passionately serve the best interests of its members, team members, and communities, RCU delivers many ways for its members to save and build money through checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, digital banking, business services, commercial and SBA lending, and more. Wealth management and investment services are available through Redwood Wealth Management, and insurance and auto-purchasing services are also offered through RCU Services Group (RCU’s wholly owned subsidiary). RCU has more than $9.76 billion in assets and serves more than 525,000 members with full-service branches from San Francisco to Ukiah. For more information, call 1 (800) 479-7928, visit redwoodcu.org, or follow RCU on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for news and updates.

Contacts

Redwood Credit Union Public Relations Department
(707) 576-5224 / [email protected]