At CrossFirst Bank, community impact is an important part of our culture. It’s our desire to be a force for good in the communities where we live and work. We believe we have a shared responsibility to be good corporate citizens as we seek to meet the varied needs of our clients, employees, shareholders, and communities. As a result, we are continually looking for experienced bankers and employees with a similar mindset, who go the extra mile for our clients, and who are willing to get involved in the community to make a difference.

We also continually seek organizations that are making a positive impact and consider creative ways we can support their needs and their mission. We encourage our employees to do the same: to get involved with organizations that align with their own passions. In this article we are highlighting an organization that is having a significant impact in the financial services industry, along with one of our bankers, Theodis Watson, who is helping lead the organization to reach their growth objectives.

The Urban Financial Services Coalition (UFSC) is a nonprofit made up of minority professionals in the financial services industry and related fields. The organization provides services to assist minority youth pursuing careers in financial services, improve the financial condition of ethnically and culturally diverse communities, and support the exchange of ideas and experiences to promote career development in the industry. This year marks a monumental milestone as UFSC is celebrating its 50-year anniversary at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in April!

Theodis Watson, CrossFirst Bank’s Community Development Banker in Kansas City, is the incoming national president for UFSC and will be helping to usher the organization into the beginning of their next 50 years.

Theodis explained his journey, noting that he had been teaching financial education classes in the Kansas City community for a number of years. In 2008 he recognized that UFSC was also teaching financial education classes, but on a national level. In further researching the organization, Theodis said he discovered that UFSC was connected to leaders across the country “who looked like him” and who were willing to mentor him. Theodis joined UFSC, and after several years, he decided to pursue leadership roles in the organization as a means to give back some of what has been given to him. Theodis notes that the biblical principle, “To whom much is given, much is required,” is a value he instills in every aspect of his life. He says, “UFSC has provided an abundance of opportunities, and still does today. It’s my responsibility to give others a hand up as well.” Theodis loves the financial services industry and believes that access to financial resources is vital for all communities.

As the national incoming president of UFSC, Theodis is focused on People, Partnerships, and Programs, or PPP. Theodis explains, “People - how they are building the next generation of leaders. Partnerships - how they can get younger people engaged and interested in the financial services industry. Programs - what dynamic programs can they offer to help teach leadership skills.

CrossFirst is honored to have dedicated bankers like Theodis who are committed to serving the advancement of others as a force for good in our communities. Click here to learn more about UFSC and the impact they are making in the world of financial services. To learn more and register for their 50th Anniversary Celebration on April 11, 2024, click here. USFC and Theodis welcome anyone who wants to lend their time, talent, or treasure  to help build the next generation of financial professionals and to identify ways financial institutions can become better partners of the communities in which they serve.