2025 Diversity Leaders

The mortgage industry serves a diverse nation, and its success depends on fostering an inclusive workforce and reaching a broader marketplace. That’s why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than just ideals — they're essential to building a stronger, more representative industry.

The 2025 Diversity Leaders Awards celebrate the companies and individuals making real progress in DEI. These leaders are not only championing inclusivity within their organizations but also shaping a more equitable future for the communities they serve.

Discover how these companies are driving meaningful change and setting new standards for diversity in the mortgage industry.

iEmergent

Urbandale, IA
CEO: Laird Nossuli

For years, iEmergent’s forecasting data has demonstrated that serving historically underserved markets is critical for the future of home lending and community stability. While many lenders seek to expand inclusive lending practices, few have the tools, data, and confidence to effectively reach diverse households. Recognizing this gap, CEO Laird Nossuli and CFO Bernard Nossuli made it iEmergent’s mission to provide lenders — banks, credit unions, independent mortgage bankers (IMBs), and mortgage brokers — with solutions that prioritize minority lending as both a business strategy and a social responsibility.

Mortgage MarketSmart, iEmergent’s flagship platform, is the only market intelligence and forecasting tool in the industry designed to help lenders identify and engage home-ready, underserved communities. The platform integrates decades of HMDA and property data, MLS real estate data, and lender production insights to empower lenders with a data-driven approach to increasing minority homeownership.

Additionally, iEmergent developed SPCP 360, the first comprehensive analytics and advisory solution assisting lenders in the creation, execution, and evaluation of Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs). This innovation allows lenders to prove community need and design targeted outreach programs, directly addressing historic homeownership disparities.

Promoting DEI Across The Mortgage Industry

iEmergent actively leads diversity-focused initiatives within the mortgage community. In 2023, the company was honored with the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Award for its Residential Market Outreach Strategies.

In collaboration with NAMMBA, iEmergent launched DIVERSIFi, a diverse lending solution based on Mortgage MarketSmart. DIVERSIFi empowers loan originators and mortgage brokers to expand their minority lending footprint, fostering trust, engagement, and financial literacy in underrepresented communities. The company is also a charter member of MGIC’s equitable partnership program, further advancing industry-wide DEI efforts.

Beyond its technology, iEmergent has donated significant time and resources to MBA’s CONVERGENCE initiative, supporting affordable housing efforts in Columbus, Memphis, and Philadelphia. As of July, iEmergent has contributed 60 volunteer hours ($12,000 in value) and provided access to exclusive datasets ($15,000 in value) to help lenders expand homeownership opportunities.

Recognized As A Leader In Diversity

iEmergent’s impact is reflected in its customers’ success:

Lake Michigan Credit Union leveraged iEmergent’s insights to launch Home Plus, a 100% home financing program for LMI borrowers.
Firstrust Bank used iEmergent’s demographic data to increase CRA-eligible loans by 300% in one year.
BECU identified coverage gaps and increased its lending to Asian borrowers 11% above industry averages.
Fifth Third Bank developed an SPCP to address documented minority homeownership barriers, directly benefiting underserved communities.

Through cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on equity, iEmergent is redefining what it means to be a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion in mortgage lending.

Nationwide Appraisal Network

Oldsmar, FL
CEO: Joni Pilgrim
Licensed in: All 50 States

Nationwide Appraisal Network (NAN) is a leader in fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The company actively promotes diversity through inclusive hiring practices, ensuring a workforce that reflects a broad range of perspectives. Employees participate in bias training and have opportunities to engage in DEI initiatives through the Bias, Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity (BIED) program, which empowers employees to shape company-wide diversity efforts.

Beyond internal policies, NAN creates an environment of belonging and cultural awareness by celebrating diverse holidays, offering flexible work arrangements, and engaging in philanthropic partnerships that support diversity-focused organizations. By integrating these efforts into its core business values, NAN continues to set the standard for workplace inclusivity.

Driving Diversity In The Communities It Serves

NAN’s commitment to DEI extends into the communities it serves. The BIED program, launched in 2023, has two dedicated subcommittees: the Current Events Subcommittee, which fosters discussions on societal issues and advocacy, and the Education and Information Subcommittee, which shares educational resources to promote inclusion.

Recognizing the importance of culturally relevant services, NAN established a Spanish-speaking division in 2021 to provide personalized, culturally sensitive mortgage solutions. This initiative has grown significantly, helping to bridge language and accessibility gaps for Spanish-speaking homebuyers. NAN also partners with a diverse range of clients and industry professionals, ensuring its services reflect the communities it serves.

Advancing DEI In The Mortgage Industry

NAN is dedicated to advancing diversity in the mortgage sector through its RISE: Women in Mortgage initiative, co-founded by CEO Joni Pilgrim. RISE provides a supportive network for women in the mortgage industry, offering mentorship, leadership development, and career advancement opportunities. By addressing gender disparities, RISE empowers women professionals and fosters a more inclusive mortgage community.

With a workforce that is over 70% diverse, NAN exemplifies inclusive representation at all levels. The company’s commitment to equal opportunity, professional growth, and workplace equity ensures that employees from all backgrounds can thrive.

New Story Lending

Easley, SC
CEO: Shane Miller, Ph.D.
Licensed in: AL AZ AR CO CT DE DC FL GA ID IL IA KY LA ME MD MA MI MS MT NH NJ NC OH OK OR PA RI SC TN TX VA WA WV

New Story Lending fosters an inclusive workplace by attracting diverse talent, with over 60% of our team being women. Our team focuses on assisting underserved communities, including minorities, veterans, and first-time homebuyers. We support professional growth through education, mentorship, and partnerships with minority-owned businesses, ensuring equitable access to homeownership.

Promoting Diversity In The Communities We Serve

We expand homeownership opportunities for underrepresented groups through targeted outreach and education. Our loan officers guide minority communities, veterans, and low-income families through the homebuying process. Educational workshops and our 911 Heroes Program provide financial support to essential workers, helping them secure stable housing. We also hire loan officers who reflect the communities they serve, ensuring culturally relevant support.

Contributions To Diversity, Equality, And Inclusion In The Mortgage Community

New Story Lending sets the standard for diversity in the mortgage industry through measurable impact and strategic initiatives. In collaboration with Freddie Mac, we exceeded their minority census tract benchmark by over 2% and surpassed their benchmark for supporting very low-income families by over 12%.

Our engagement with underserved communities includes hosting educational workshops on financing, credit, and budgeting, empowering individuals to pursue homeownership with confidence. Additionally, we partner with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) as a sponsor, with plans to expand to a national sponsorship. This commitment reflects our dedication to serving Hispanic buyers, who now represent nearly 50% of U.S. home purchases. To support this community further, we offer a Spanish-language application process.

Internally, we prioritize hiring loan officers passionate about reaching minority communities and first-time homebuyers. Through strategic partnerships and industry leadership, New Story Lending fosters an inclusive and equitable mortgage landscape, positioning itself as a leader in promoting diversity both within our company and across the industry.

Pennymac

Westlake Village, CA
CEO: David Spector
Licensed in: All 50 States

Pennymac is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that mirrors the communities it serves. The company prioritizes initiatives that create an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered. One key initiative is the support of six employee-led Business Resource Groups (BRGs), which play a critical role in attracting, developing, and engaging a diverse workforce. These groups drive innovation, leadership development, and community outreach.

Additionally, Pennymac actively recognizes and celebrates cultural heritage and inclusion months, promoting employee engagement and collaboration. The company also offers education and awareness programs focused on recognizing and addressing bias and microaggressions, equipping employees with the tools to foster a more inclusive workplace. A targeted succession planning strategy ensures a strong pipeline of diverse leaders to support future business growth.

Leadership accountability is another crucial aspect, with workforce demographics in management roles actively monitored to uphold diversity goals. Mentorship and development programs, such as the Enterprise Mentor Program and BRG-driven initiatives, provide employees with opportunities for growth, networking, and leadership development. As of October 31, 2024, women or individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups make up 75.9% of Pennymac’s workforce, reflecting the company’s dedication to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Promoting Diversity In The Communities It Serves

Pennymac actively promotes diversity in the communities it serves through economic empowerment and financial education initiatives. The company partners with organizations like the National Urban League and HBCU Financial Literacy Programs to close gaps in financial education, technology, and leadership. Through its partnership with Junior Achievement, Pennymac supports the JA Finance Park program, equipping young individuals with essential financial literacy skills. Additionally, the company collaborates with Habitat for Humanity and Door of Hope to address affordable housing and homelessness, providing resources that foster stability and self-sufficiency. These efforts reflect Pennymac’s commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion In The Mortgage Industry

Pennymac is committed to driving diversity and inclusion across the mortgage community:

Home for All Pledge: As a signatory of the MBA’s Home for All Pledge, Pennymac supports policies that promote minority homeownership and affordable housing.
Industry Collaboration: The company partners with NAMMBA to empower women and minorities through leadership development programs.
Driving the DEI Conversation: Participation in the California MBA’s DEI Committee enables Pennymac to contribute to industry-wide inclusion strategies and resources.

USA Mortgage

St Louis, MO
CEO/President: Linda Pring
Licensed in: AL AK AZ AR AS CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

At USA Mortgage, diversity is not just a commitment — it’s a strategic priority. Under the leadership of John Drumgoole Jr., Head of Community Lending, the company ensures diversity is embedded at every level of the mortgage process, from sales to underwriting, funding, and human resources. This intentional approach fosters a culture of inclusion, innovation, and equitable growth.

Research from organizations like McKinsey shows that companies in the upper quartile for ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to outperform their less diverse peers. USA Mortgage actively cultivates this advantage by promoting a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves, ensuring authentic engagement and long-term success.

Driving Diversity In The Communities It Serves

A core pillar of USA Mortgage’s Community Lending initiative is to mirror the communities it serves. By employing in-market professionals who share the lived experiences of their clients, the company enhances its cultural competency and extends its superior customer service. This approach prioritizes client needs, ensuring that mortgage professionals can build trust and accessibility within historically underserved communities.

Advancing DEI In The Mortgage Industry

USA Mortgage is deeply committed to equity-focused financial proficiency within the mortgage industry. The company recognizes its role as a fiduciary steward — helping individuals build generational wealth through homeownership. By equipping borrowers with financial literacy and inclusive lending practices, USA Mortgage ensures that more families, particularly in diverse communities, can achieve sustainable wealth-building opportunities.

Recognized Leadership In Diversity

USA Mortgage recently hosted The Future of Community Lending: 2025 & Beyond, a groundbreaking program aimed at empowering communities of color through innovative lending strategies, expert financial forecasting, and resource networking. The event featured industry-leading speakers from major organizations, including NAHREP, Black Home Initiative, and Arrive Home, setting the stage for practical solutions and success strategies in the next decade of community lending.

By fostering collaboration and education, USA Mortgage is not just participating in the diversity conversation — it is leading it. With a deep commitment to inclusive growth, financial empowerment, and community-driven impact, the company continues to move the needle forward in ensuring homeownership is accessible to all.