What does LGBTQ+ inclusion mean to you, and why is it important in the mortgage space?
LGBTQ+ inclusion is the blueprint for building communities that thrive personally, professionally, and economically. To me, inclusion means seeing people fully: their identities, their families, their hopes, and their right to safe, stable housing.
In the mortgage space, inclusion isn’t just a social imperative, it’s a business one. From fair lending practices to tailored products, advocacy, and representation in leadership, inclusion helps drive innovation and meet the real needs of diverse clients.
Homeownership is deeply personal, and for LGBTQ+ individuals, the journey can be shaped by bias, limited access, or outdated policies. Our industry has the power to change that. True inclusion means compassion embedded in policy, equity built into products, and visibility modeled at every level. It’s about human fairness and creating a future where everyone has a path to home.
Tell us about a specific initiative, policy, or campaign you (or your company) implemented that demonstrates your commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
At Rocket, we champion initiatives that move beyond surface-level support for the LGBTQ+ community. For the first time in our history, we submitted to the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, earning a score of 95 for 2025 — an intentional step toward equity.
One of my favorite moments was leading the “Home Is ______” Chroma Home activation, an art-meets-advocacy installation that invited Detroiters to define what “home is.” Through this activation, we partnered with the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber to launch a citywide survey and gathered over 1,500 responses from LGBTQ+ residents to better understand local housing disparities. These efforts reflect more than a commitment — they reflect a movement.
Is there someone who inspired your work in this space, or a personal story that motivates your advocacy?
Carl Larson — a true ally — mentored me through some of the most transformative stages of my career. He helped me navigate moments where I was “the only one” in the room. Carl created space, not just for me to be present, but to thrive.
Another defining moment was when my first Rocket leader asked if I ever saw myself in a client-facing role. I was surprised — my previous job hadn’t embraced LGBTQ+ professionals in leadership. Her belief in me changed everything. I stepped into visibility — not just for myself, but for others. That one conversation sparked a career built on authenticity, mentorship, and advocacy.
What challenges have you faced in advancing LGBTQ+ efforts, and how did you overcome them?
Navigating spaces where LGBTQ+ voices are underrepresented comes with unique challenges, including being stereotyped, needing to “come out” repeatedly, or having your contributions overlooked. I’ve had to initiate hard conversations, educate peers, and sometimes advocate for my own seat at the table. Overcoming those moments took resilience, but more importantly, it took community. I leaned into mentorship, built allyship in my community, and worked to create systems where others wouldn’t have to start at zero. Each challenge became fuel to push for broader visibility, safer spaces, and systems that see people fully.
What advice would you give to others in the mortgage industry looking to create more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals?
Start by building relationships, then build systems. Inclusion isn’t just about statements; it’s about action. Share your experiences. Use your resources to foster safe spaces and uplift community.
Find a mentor — and be a mentor for someone else. Build relationships with nonprofits and local LGBTQ+ leaders. They can offer powerful insights into lived experiences that should inform the way we show up and do our work.
Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of proximity. When you create space for someone to show up as they are, you make room for innovation, loyalty, and excellence to thrive.
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