Mortgage Lending Women Of Inspiration 2024

Patty Arvielo

CEO & Co-Founder
New American Funding

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in mortgage lending?

For women aiming for leadership, here’s my advice:

• Own your strength: confidence is everything. Trust your skills and know your worth. You bring something unique to the table.
• Mentors matter: find mentors who align with your goals and can light the way. Their experience is invaluable.
• Networking is key: dive into the industry. Forge connections, join groups, and be present at events. These contacts are crucial.
• Never stop learning: the industry is always evolving. Keep up with trends and enhance your skills through continuous education.
• Challenges are opportunities: face obstacles head-on. They’re chances to grow and learn. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
• Speak up for yourself: be vocal about your ideas and successes — visibility matters. Actively seek out growth opportunities.
• Support others: help lift other women up. Share your knowledge, offer mentorship, and celebrate their achievements. We grow stronger together.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry today, especially for women professionals?

In the mortgage lending world, we’re up against a housing shortage, a real game-changer for the industry. Women in this field are facing an even tougher challenge: there’s a serious lack of us leading and owning Independent Mortgage Banks (IMBs). We’re missing out on diverse voices and perspectives in these key roles.

To fix the housing issue, we need more than new homes; we need smart, sustainable solutions tailored for various communities. For women, it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities in leadership and ownership within IMBs.

We must work together to make our industry more inclusive and equitable, focusing on empowering women. By nurturing female talent and ensuring equal opportunities, we can make sure women’s voices are part of the big decisions.

Michele Bodda

President, Housing, Verification Solutions, and Employer Services
Experian

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in mortgage lending?

Working in the mortgage industry is incredibly fulfilling. We have the opportunity to empower consumers and help them attain the quintessential American dream — homeownership. It’s a defining moment in a person’s life journey. Optimism should be our guiding light. You have the power to touch lives, contribute to your organization’s success, and ignite systemic transformation.

As such, my advice to women aspiring to leadership roles in this sector is four-fold:

• Embrace the opportunity: recognize the potential impact of your role. Each decision you make can create ripple effects that extend beyond your immediate environment, fostering positive change in people’s lives.
• Take risks: don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The path to leadership is often paved with challenges, but these obstacles are opportunities for growth.
• Be a conduit for change: as a leader, you have the capacity to influence policies and processes. Use this power to drive changes that foster inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
• Never give up: persistence is key. Stay resilient, stay focused, and keep moving forward. And celebrate wins!

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

I have a philosophy that not only guides my career but also shapes my personal journey. It is encapsulated in the words of my father, “Anything worth doing is worth doing your best.” This mantra has been my beacon during challenging times and has instilled in me a relentless spirit of tenacity.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by obstacles or deterred by the time and effort required. However, embracing my father’s advice, I’ve learned to view these challenges not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth and learning.

Bertha Carmona

Branch Manager/Senior Loan Officer
Pacific Lending

Were there specific challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

One of the most formidable challenges I encountered was overcoming language barriers when I arrived in the U.S. English, a language I wasn’t fluent in initially, could have impeded my progress. I immersed myself in language programs, sought practice opportunities, and relentlessly honed my English skills. Over time, I gained fluency and confidence.

Transitioning into the sales world through network marketing posed another hurdle. I grappled with doubts and limitations, but with the guidance of supportive mentors, I learned to navigate these challenges. Their encouragement led me to attend seminars and delve into personal development, helping me surmount self-doubt and overcome obstacles.

My key to conquering these challenges was unwavering determination. I saw each obstacle as a chance to learn and evolve. Through dedication and a commitment to self-improvement, I established a successful path in real estate and lending.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry today, especially for women professionals?

In the mortgage lending industry, several challenges impact professionals, irrespective of gender. Career progression and attaining leadership positions pose hurdles for many. Striving for equality in opportunities and fair compensation remains an ongoing objective. Balancing work commitments with personal life is a shared challenge, where pursuing career aspirations often intersects with family responsibilities. Access to mentorship and robust support networks is invaluable for career growth, benefiting professionals across the board. Cultivating an inclusive workplace free from biases and stereotypes benefits all, fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives. Moreover, facilitating access to networking opportunities and avenues for professional development proves pivotal for growth and advancement. Striving for an environment that supports work-life balance and offers growth opportunities benefits professionals from all backgrounds within the mortgage lending industry.

Corrina Carter

CEO and President
CMS Mortgage Solutions Inc.

The following is from the nomination for Corrina Carter.

Why does this woman stand out as a significant contributor to the Mortgage industry? What differentiates her?

Corrina Carter significantly impacts the mortgage industry with her multifaceted influence. She excels in transforming industry challenges into opportunities, setting a standard for resilience and innovation. Her forward-thinking mindset fosters a dynamic, proactive industry culture. Corrina’s commitment to inclusivity and mentorship is profound, actively guiding new professionals and advocating for a diverse, collaborative field. Corrina’s journey from a mortgage loan originator to an industry leader is inspirational, motivating others with her tenacity and hard work. Her philosophy, “It really changes when you change,” emphasizes personal growth and adaptability. Corrina’s leadership not only advances her companies but also inspires and shapes the broader industry.

How is this nominee impacting the industry or the people around her? What about this woman makes her influential?

Corrina Carter’s impact on the mortgage industry is profound and multifaceted. As CEO of CMS Consultants Inc. and CMS Mortgage Solutions Inc., she transforms industry challenges into growth opportunities, setting a benchmark for resilience and innovation. Her commitment to inclusivity and mentorship is pivotal in fostering a diverse and collaborative professional community. Corrina’s influence extends beyond corporate success; she’s a role model for perseverance and hard work. Her journey from a mortgage loan originator to an industry leader inspires others to strive for excellence. Her belief in communal growth highlights her role in shaping a more collaborative and adaptive industry. Corrina’s philosophy resonates deeply, advocating for personal growth and adaptability. Her leadership not only drives her company’s success but also inspires and shapes the broader industry landscape.

Lisa Gao

CEO
RateDNA

Were there specific challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Early in my career, I encountered challenges familiar to many entering the industry. As a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men, gaining recognition and establishing credibility presented hurdles. To overcome them, I focused on continuous learning, honing my skills, and building a strong network. Persistence and resilience were key; I embraced challenges as opportunities for growth, allowing me to carve my path in the industry.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in mortgage lending?

Trust your instincts and knowledge while being open to learning. Embrace challenges as stepping stones and seek mentorship. Network extensively and build relationships based on authenticity and mutual respect. Cultivate confidence in your skills and ideas, and never shy away from expressing them. Remember, diversity in leadership enriches perspectives and drives innovation.

Given the evolving nature of the mortgage lending industry, how do you stay adaptable and resilient in the face of change? Can you share an experience where you had to navigate a significant change or challenge in your career?

In the dynamic mortgage lending industry, staying adaptable and resilient means embracing change as an opportunity for growth. One significant change I navigated was the industry’s shift toward digitalization. Adopting AI technology meant revamping our processes, training the team, and overcoming initial hurdles. However, this shift improved our efficiency, reducing turnaround times and enhancing customer experience. Embracing change, despite challenges, underscored the importance of adaptability and innovation for long-term success.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

‘Embrace change, innovate, and persist’ encapsulates my approach. I believe in constantly evolving, embracing challenges as opportunities, and leading by example, fostering growth and inclusivity.

Bertha Garcia

Executive Director
Ventura County Community Development Corp.

The following is from the nomination for Bertha Garcia.

How does this woman stands out as a significant contributor to the mortgage industry. What differentiates her?

Bertha Garcia co-founded Ventura County Community Development Corporation in 2001 with a mission to strengthen and sustain vibrant communities by empowering individuals and families to build wealth through education and homeownership, with an emphasis on serving low-to-moderate income individuals. By leveraging down payment assistance and other grant opportunities, Bertha has made a mark with forgivable and deferred mortgages, providing thousands of qualified new homebuyers an affordable mortgage and enabling women to purchase their first homes. Her expertise and transformational leadership allow VCCDC to co-create housing solutions with funding partners in one of the most expensive housing markets in the U.S. and help bridge the racial and gender wealth divide through homeownership.

How is this nominee impacting the industry or the people around her? What about this woman makes her influential?

Bertha’s impact in mortgage lending has led to more than 20,000 individuals and families becoming better equipped for self-sufficiency. Since 2001, over 3,000 individuals and families have become homeowners, preserved their homes, or have achieved mortgage-ready status. During the recent pandemic, VCCDC saw its biggest year with $26.8M in direct mortgage lending and influence of over $75M in direct and indirect mortgages, many of which were to women buyers. As the chief architect of its mortgage lending operation, VCCDC achieved $201M in first and second mortgages, and provided $11.9M in down payment assistance to low- to moderate-income families. Bertha’s passion is to empower working-class families to better themselves economically while dreaming of homeownership; her leadership helps make homeownership their reality through perseverance and affordable financial options.

Carrie Guarrero

EVP Communications Advisor & Mentor Coach
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry today, especially for women professionals?

One significant hurdle lies in our own willingness to assert ourselves, vocalize our needs, and navigate the leadership landscape effectively. Despite advancements, women often face gender stereotypes that can lead to underestimation, even when armed with extensive experience, industry knowledge, and education. Breaking through to the C-suite can still be an uphill battle.

Notably, at Fairway, we’ve witnessed a positive shift where the number of female executives now exceeds their male counterparts, showcasing a commendable commitment to diversity. Recent industry data also highlights a substantial increase in the number of women in the mortgage space. This shift is cause for celebration as it brings a welcome infusion of change and diversity to the industry. As women in the industry, we have made significant strides, and our continued commitment to leadership will contribute to the ongoing positive transformation of the mortgage industry.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

My personal philosophy in mortgage lending centers on giving wholeheartedly, approaching each day with gratitude, taking calculated risks, and working diligently even when faced with challenges. I firmly believe in investing in both others and myself, recognizing the profound impact we can have on those around us. I find fulfillment in witnessing others succeed on their terms, and this belief shapes my commitment to coaching leadership. Learning from remarkable coaches and leaders, I’ve discovered the power of humility, kindness, and prioritizing others. The invaluable lessons from those ahead of me emphasize the importance of consistently bringing others along on the journey. Each day in this dynamic industry offers me the privilege to contribute positively in various ways, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity.

Trudi Hatch

Branch Manager
Academy Mortgage

The following is from the nomination for Trudi Hatch.

How does this woman stands out as a significant contributor to the mortgage industry. What differentiates her?

Academy Mortgage Branch Manager Trudi Hatch is a tried-and-true mortgage professional who holds a deep passion for serving her customers and team members. ‘People are more valuable than money’ is what guides Trudi and her work. She loves meeting with customers to discover how she can help them achieve their goals, whether it’s first-time homeownership, improving their credit, or purchasing their dream home.

Leading with a true abundance mindset has helped Trudi throughout her career, especially in today’s market. Trudi is a differentiator and fierce student who seizes every opportunity to learn and teach others. Coupled with over 20 years of experience, Trudi spends extra time ensuring that those she works with walk away more educated and knowledgeable about the home-buying process — whether it’s her customers or team of 15 loan officers.

How is this nominee impacting the industry or the people around her? What about this woman makes her influential?

Those fortunate to work alongside Trudi have learned to live with purpose and be intentional — thanks to her unwavering support, patience, and nurturing demeanor. She pours herself into mentoring, and the results speak for themselves. Not only does Trudi’s selfless nature motivate her to pour herself into her people, but also her community.

After achieving success in her career, Trudi looked around and thought, ‘I’ve received enough. It’s time to start giving back.’ To say that Trudi’s community also relies on her efforts would be putting it lightly. Through her widespread involvement, she has laid a foundation that has made her community stronger and more resilient.

Whenever there is an opportunity to serve her team, customers, or community, Trudi will be there.

Lana Izgarsheva

Chief Operating Officer
A&D Mortgage LLC

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in mortgage lending?

My advice is threefold: first, cultivate a robust knowledge base. Understanding the nuances of the industry is imperative. Second, develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. Leadership is as much about inspiring and guiding teams as it is about making decisions. Third, embrace resilience. The path to leadership is often challenging, but resilience helps you navigate adversity and emerge stronger. Remember, leadership is not just a position but a mindset. Always aim to lead by example, foster inclusivity, and champion innovation.

Given the evolving nature of the mortgage lending industry, how do you stay adaptable and resilient in the face of change? Can you share an experience where you had to navigate a significant change or challenge in your career?

Adaptability and resilience are key in the fast-evolving mortgage industry. I stay adaptable by maintaining a learner’s mindset, being open to new ideas, and embracing innovation. Staying informed about industry trends and technological advancements is also crucial.

A significant experience that tested my adaptability was the transition to digital mortgage processes. This change required a complete overhaul of traditional methods. By embracing change, encouraging team collaboration, and focusing on customer-centric solutions, we successfully navigated this transition.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

My guiding mantra throughout my career in mortgage lending has been: ‘empower through knowledge, lead with integrity, and innovate for impact.’ This philosophy underscores the importance of informed decision-making, ethical leadership, and innovative problem-solving. It has been my beacon in making strategic decisions, building effective teams, and driving customer satisfaction. Believing in these principles has not only shaped my career trajectory but has also allowed me to contribute positively to the industry’s evolution.

Marcia Kaufman

CEO
Bayport Funding

Were there specific challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

The most challenging time was navigating through the 2007/2008 financial crisis and mortgage meltdown. Banks and mortgage companies were shutting down, people were losing their jobs, and I needed to identify where opportunities lay and where lending would shake out during this very tentative time.

Given the evolving nature of the mortgage lending industry, how do you stay adaptable and resilient in the face of change? Can you share an experience where you had to navigate a significant change or challenge?

Following the 2007 financial crisis, I used my knowledge of real estate and finance to purchase approximately 50 one-to-four-family properties throughout the boroughs of New York for a fix-and-flip business — a practice that no women were pursuing at that time. Based on that experience, I now am an alternative lender to investors who buy properties for their fix and flip business, which is key to remaining adaptable and resilient in today’s landscape.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in mortgage lending?

The first advice would be to learn as much from a technical perspective, always conduct yourself in a business-like manner, always bring your A-game to every meeting, show initiative, and be confident without being arrogant about what you bring to the table.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

My career mantra is to always keep perfecting your craft and learning. It’s crucial to be willing and able to grow and evolve with the business as it does the same. If you’re unwilling to change and adapt with the times, you risk being left behind. Also, you can’t be afraid to take calculated risks.

Kristin Keller

SVP Real Estate Lending
Amplify Credit Union

Given the evolving nature of the mortgage lending industry, how do you stay adaptable and resilient in the face of change? Can you share an experience where you had to navigate a significant change or challenge in your career?

I heard a keynote at a conference seven years ago that changed my career. The speaker said the future was now. ‘You are either the visionary, the one developing the new technology, working with the new technology, or you’ll have to find something else to do.’ This has stuck with me since. I’ve now become someone who is looking for what is coming versus being the one who adapts to the changes. We’re aware of technological developments and what changes are being made. We evaluate how these changes can help us and our customers before moving forward. There will always be ‘nice to haves’, but they may not always be best for your company or your client base.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

The first is the phrase, ‘Don’t make excuses, make improvements’. There is something great that happens when you look at situations from a different lens — one of trying to make improvements. Making improvements, no matter how small, will always move you forward.

The other is the concept of ‘The Five Whys.’ It’s the practice of repeatedly asking ‘why’ when encountering an issue to get to the root cause. By doing this, you can determine the best way to solve the problem. I’ve done it with my teams over the years and it’s a great exercise. Sometimes, it can open a can of worms; however, if we can get to the root cause of a problem, we can get on the path to correcting our challenge right away.

Jennifer Kennelly

Senior Director, Investor Services
Mortgage Capital Trading

Were there specific challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Early in my career, I was presented with an option to move abroad, which I knew would help me get ahead and differentiate my experience from others, but I was incredibly nervous to…disrupt my life. After much deliberation, I decided to go for it, and that one change helped me gain confidence, focus, and knowledge. After that experience, my fear of trying something new greatly diminished and allowed me to take chances working on new projects, in a new department or at a new company. Taking that step taught me to think strategically about the long-term goals and objectives in addition to the short-term ones.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in mortgage lending?

I highly recommend that you learn all aspects of the business. The mortgage industry has many functions like originations, compliance, credit, QC, servicing administration, operations, secondary markets, capital markets, accounting, legal, sales, technology, etc. Learning how these business areas work together and understanding the critical components of each will help you to become a person others seek out. As you learn about each, it can help you understand better what part of the business you are drawn towards. Try to meet people in various roles and ask many questions to broaden your knowledge. It’s a win/win...you meet interesting people, and you learn something new.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

“I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.” I believe people who are positive, grateful, value relationships, and view each day as a gift can succeed at life.

Veronica Khandelwal

VP, Housing Finance Authority Relations
Down Payment Resource

The following is from the nomination for Veronica Khandelwal.

How does this woman stands out as a significant contributor to the mortgage industry. What differentiates her?

As affordability declines, industry trailblazers like Veronica Khandelwal are working hard to let homebuyers nationwide know about the more than 2,200 assistance programs available to help.

Down Payment Resource (DPR) tapped Khandelwal to manage its Housing Finance Authority (HFA) relationships in August 2021, and she has since been promoted twice for her exemplary leadership and contribution to DPR’s growth. In the past year, Khandelwal has helped hire, train and manage DPR and HFA experts dedicated to taking the industry-first affordable lending platform to the next level, nearly doubling the size of the team.

Khandelwal combines her passion for affordable lending and nearly three decades of industry experience to spearhead enhancing DPR’s unique DPA data sets. Her contributions have helped lenders become experts of affordable homeownership.

In 2022, Khandelwal increased the number of data fields collected from 185 to 230 and supported 200,000 revisions to DPR’s comprehensive data.

How is this nominee impacting the industry or the people around her? What about this woman makes her influential?

Khandelwal’s passion for helping historically underserved homebuyers is only matched by her passion for helping lenders uplift buyers with programs designed to help with the upfront costs of a mortgage loan — one of the most significant financial barriers to homeownership.

She helps trade organizations and other partners access DPR technology and then trains them to wield it effectively for their markets.

Khandelwal contributes to the MBA’s CONVERGENCE Memphis and Columbus initiatives.

We think that at a time when many buyers are being priced out of the market, professionals like Khandelwal are making a big difference, and we’re very proud to nominate her.

Mae Mackey

Sr. Vice President — Production Management
Sun West Mortgage Company

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry today, especially for women professionals?

In today’s mortgage lending industry, some major challenges are the challenges women face to reach higher leadership positions. Even though progress has been made, there aren’t enough women in top jobs. Breaking through stereotypes and barriers to get into executive roles remains tough. Secondly, balancing work and personal life is a big challenge. The mortgage industry often demands long hours, travel, and strict deadlines, making it hard for women to juggle work and family. Creating more flexible work arrangements and supportive environments can help.

Additionally, there’s a persistent problem with pay gaps between men and women doing similar jobs, which affects financial stability and morale. Ensuring fair pay and recognition is essential for a more equitable workplace. Lastly, there’s a need for a more inclusive work culture. The industry should value diverse perspectives and remove biases. Programs supporting women’s growth, like mentorship and leadership training, can help create a more level playing field.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career?

Behind every loan is a real family who deserves my best every time! I firmly believe that if we always remember the people we are helping are often making the biggest financial decision of their lives, then we will happily embrace every challenge and willingly learn and use new innovations like Angel AI to be successful.

My goal is to turn borrower concerns or uncertainties into confidence and hope; finding solutions that work for them is imperative. This philosophy shapes my leadership style as well. Encouraging my team to approach problems with a proactive and positive attitude fosters a resilient workforce. It’s this mindset that propels me forward and resonates with clients and team members.

Gladys Marcelin

Sales Manager
CalCon Mutual Mortgage

The following is from the nomination for Gladys Marcelin.

How does this woman stands out as a significant contributor to the mortgage industry. What differentiates her?

Gladys is a trailblazing mortgage professional driven by her creativity, extensive knowledge, and desire to help others. She actively participates in the betterment of the mortgage industry as a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia. She is a Diamond member with over $50M in production for 2022 and continues to lead a top team in her company. She is also a Chairman’s Club member, which is the highest level of production within her company.

How is this nominee impacting the industry or the people around her? What about this woman makes her influential?

Glady is from the beautiful island of Haiti and is well known in the Caribbean and local community. She turns first-time homebuyers into homeowners! She is well known in her community by real estate agents and consumers alike. She is heavily involved in her community and has enabled many minority families to build wealth from homeownership.

Her perspective is that clients are more than just clients. It is a relationship because she works closely with them. It’s hardly ever a one-time transaction. She becomes their mortgage professional for life.

Candice McNaught

SVP of National Sales
Supreme Lending

Were there specific challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Establishing credibility and gaining the trust of colleagues and supervisors is crucial. Early-career professionals may face skepticism or may need time to prove their capabilities. I started in the mortgage business at a young age and surrounded myself by veterans of the industry, and learned from the absolute best.

What are the biggest challenges facing the industry today, especially for women professionals?

While navigating the last couple of years has brought new challenges, in my experience, women are no longer struggling in mortgage. Women are actually outpacing men in the market and are more desirable for companies to recruit. At Supreme Lending, our women employees are making a tremendous impact in the company and moving up the ladder — from operations and support staff to originators across the country.

Given the evolving nature of the mortgage lending industry, how do you stay adaptable and resilient in the face of change? Can you share an experience where you had to navigate a significant change or challenge in your career?

Having perseverance, drive, and leadership is key. As a branch manager during the COVID-19 pandemic and booming market, I was challenged with growing my team to meet the high demand of the mortgage industry. To overcome this, I focused on personalized professional development and placing team members in the right roles by identifying their strengths and providing tools and guidance for success. I implemented an internship program that resulted in creating full-time jobs and built a steadfast team that averaged $330 million in annual loan production.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes.

Christy Mindell

EVP Marketing
Champions Funding

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in mortgage lending?

Get comfortable with rejection. When I talk to others seeking leadership roles, I tell them rejection is not an insurmountable roadblock. It’s just a re-direction.

Effective leadership, especially for women, hinges on being a confident subject matter expert. To propel yourself forward, get in the weeds and learn all you can about a topic. Find those who are willing to share their expertise, and do as much independent research as you can. Understanding your audience and tailoring your message accordingly is critical as well.

Confidence is a key factor. There’s a lot of talk about “fake it ‘til you make it,” which has value, but I think you can complement that with a dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. When you’re equipped, it’s a lot easier to go in with no fear.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry today, especially for women professionals?

A prominent industry challenge is the underutilization of talent. There’s so much potential in front of us, but companies fail to recognize and cultivate that. Industry turnovers have become commonplace, but I wonder why a company would let that talent go. A more innovative approach would have companies creating new roles and opportunities to retain and maximize employee potential. Employees who don’t see a culture celebrating advancement don’t push themselves to their full potential. The limited growth opportunities foster stagnation and resentment.

Addressing a specific concern for women professionals, I see a polarization between those with strong voices and those who are hesitant to speak up. Fostering an environment that encourages and recognizes team members’ strengths can contribute to the overall success of a company. This is why I feel it’s crucial for companies to prioritize internal leadership potential.

Joni Pilgrim

CEO
Nationwide Appraisal Network (NAN)

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in mortgage lending?

Network and get involved. Get out there and talk to the people who are advocating for a better industry. Get involved in initiatives that are important to you. Volunteer your time and meet women in all facets of the industry and listen to their stories. There is so much to learn from one another, and the women you meet today will be the leaders of the industry tomorrow. I grew up in this industry and many of my colleagues started in this industry the same time I did, and we are all in leadership roles now. We rely on each other for feedback, information, and referrals. Getting involved early on has been a game-changer for me. Exposure to new ways of thinking and ideas is paramount to growth.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

If you ask my team, it’s “sharpest in the room.” This comes from my days behind the booth at the industry trade shows. I would bring a steamer with me and steam our backdrop and our tablecloth and have everything look nice and neat. For me, it was all about that first impression. I also think that the way you present yourself and your company speaks volumes about how you treat your customers and how seriously you take their business. I also use the mantra of “Delivery + 1%,” which really means that we can all provide service levels that meet expectations, but when we go that 1% extra and create a wow moment, that’s when we create customers for life. People remember how you make them feel. That 1% is where you get that done!

Kelly Rogers

Vice President/Area Leader
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.

Were there specific challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

I returned to the mortgage business in 2010, after spending eight years as a stay-at-home mom. I was starting over as a single mom with four daughters, who had been on welfare. We didn’t have anything. I celebrated my 40th birthday, wondering how I was going to do this. I had nothing but a die-hard work ethic, more faith than a mountain, and a whole lot of love for my girls. I look back on those long days, getting up before everyone, racing home when there were school open houses, team meetings, and piano recitals, feeling like a failure.

Slowly, it started to pay off. I kept working, calling, writing the ‘thank you’ notes, building relationships, and investing in the people around me. I look back on those days and remember that woman. I am grateful for every difficult moment, every relationship, and every opportunity.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career?

I spend a minimum of an hour a day reading. When someone suggests a book, I want to know why and then will generally buy it and add it to my current stack. I keep a list of podcasts that I am listening to, from Craig Groeschel to Tom Ferry, Mel Robbins to Jay Shetty, and countless others. Reading, listening, and learning are a way of life. They are the constant voice I have reminding me how little I know and how much I have to learn.

Our industry and our lives are not stagnant. By embracing the mindset of growth, I live committed to learning. I am always collaborating with others, testing new theories, asking questions, and fine-tuning the systems we use.

Sofia Rossato

President and General Manager
Floify

Were there specific challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Navigating the job market in the mid-’90s, post-graduation, was a real challenge. With a liberal arts degree, a $40K student loan at an 8% interest rate, and between two recessions, I was in a tough spot. I foresaw the need for a strategic pivot. In my junior year, I chose to take an unpaid internship at a local financial institution, supplementing my income with night and weekend jobs. This decision opened the door to my first job at a fintech startup in New York City, an unconventional but exciting path into banking. I owe a lot to those founders who took a chance on me.

Once I was in, the big challenge was wrapping my head around financial services and technology on the fly. It felt like slow progress, and I often felt alone. To overcome this, my friend Andrea and I would dedicate nights and weekends to teaching ourselves database and IVR system programming. That persistence paid off and I was eventually promoted to managing large-scale technology projects for the largest online banks in the world.

The key takeaways: put yourself in front of the path of opportunities, act the part before you get the part, build your trusted network, and grind until you conquer your skill.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

For years, my mantra was “DFQ” (Don’t F***ing Quit). It was a nod to resilience. My mantra has since evolved because there are times when the best course of action is to change direction. My new mantra is “Do Your Best, Let Go of the Rest.” I find that life is a lot more enjoyable this way.

Stacy Speas

Senior Vice President, Operations
Cornerstone Servicing

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry today, especially for women professionals?

As in any traditionally male-dominated industry, overcoming gender bias and our own internal dialogues about gender roles can be a challenge.

Find your niche and focus on making a positive difference. Immerse yourself in areas you feel truly passionate about. Keep in mind the mortgage industry is ever evolving, so there are always opportunities to learn new trends, strategies, and technologies. When you specialize in an area that truly resonates with your skills and interests, you not only become an expert, but you’re also able to demonstrate the unique value you bring to your role.

Given the evolving nature of the mortgage lending industry, how do you stay adaptable and resilient in the face of change? Can you share an experience where you had to navigate a significant change or challenge in your career?

Early in my career, I was passed up for a promotion due to taking maternity leave. I handled it as gracefully as I could, but I also recognized it as an opportunity to redirect my career. Ultimately, I found a new path to advancement.

It’s equally important to take proactive steps to set yourself up for new opportunities if a chapter of your career ends unexpectedly. After being laid off due to a merger, I resolved to become a CPA, knowing more opportunities would be available to me. This decision paid off significantly, as I expanded my qualifications and demonstrated my commitment to continuous learning.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has guided you throughout your career in mortgage lending?

All work is work in progress. Very little is final. There’s always room for growth and improvement. Never stop improving. The entire mortgage industry is constantly evolving.

Maria Subashi

VP, Post Closing
United Wholesale Mortgage

Were there specific challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Early in my career, I realized I didn’t have all the answers. Embracing this, I discovered the power of asking questions — even if they seemed basic. I learned that seeking expert guidance, leveraging available tools, and cultivating a supportive network were crucial steps toward expertise and professional growth. This approach … laid the foundation for success in the complex world of mortgage lending.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in mortgage lending?

For women aspiring to reach leadership roles in lending, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, it’s important to seize every opportunity and go beyond what is expected in your role. As VP of Post Closing and a Hispanic woman, I’ve learned how to exceed expectations, demonstrate continuous excellence and proactively seek ways to grow. It’s not just about aspiring to leadership; it’s about boldly stepping into those opportunities and showcasing the unique value you bring to the table.

Given the evolving nature of the mortgage lending industry, how do you stay adaptable and resilient in the face of change? Can you share an experience where you had to navigate a significant change or challenge in your career?

I strive to stay attuned to industry trends, anticipate future challenges and foster an environment of collaboration. For example, at United Wholesale Mortgage we pride ourselves on being leaders not only in the mortgage industry but also in technology, client service, and everything we do. Maintaining a positive and proactive mindset has been instrumental in my ability to help foster a culture of agility and forward thinking, ensuring UWM maintains its position as the number one lender in America and continues to stay at the forefront of the industry.