Women Of Tech 2024

Margie Ambrosio

SVP, Information Systems Manager
George Mason Mortgage

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

I didn’t exactly pursue a career in technology. More accurately, I stumbled into one. I started my career in the mortgage industry as a processor. The workflows in that role are highly repetitive. I saw opportunities for technology to assist with some of that repetition. I took a bit of license within our loan origination system and learned how to automate some of those repetitive tasks. This greatly increased my output, and I was pretty proud of myself in fact. Until one day, my boss called me to his office to find out how or why my production was so much higher than my teammates. Slightly anxious, I explained the automations I had established. It turned out that he loved my initiative and the results. Those small automations and that conversation were the genesis of our Encompass department and my start in technology.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges women in tech are facing today? What are your suggestions on overcoming these challenges?

Because technology has historically been a male-dominated industry, women who want to work within it are doubly challenged. If they can get hired into a role in technology, there are very few women mentors or role models from whom to learn and grow.

The answer to this problem as I see it, is for women in technology to be certain to give back. To look and reach back and to help other younger women to grow and succeed.

In my experience, the women I have worked with tend not to be in competition with one another, but act collaboratively. In my leadership roles, I have made a conscious decision to hire, mentor, promote, and partner with women and it has served me well.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in the tech industry?

I prioritize networking, staying current with a variety of industry periodicals, and attending conferences when possible.

I have learned not to be afraid to ask questions. I seek out opportunities to learn, and I dream big. Because of this, I have had the opportunity to partner with several industry leaders to design, improve, and bring several new products to market. All because I identified gaps and I raised my hand to be part of the solutions.

What are your thoughts on the future of technology and the opportunities it presents for women in the field?

Mortgage technology is ever-evolving. There will always be something new, something to be upgraded, a workflow to be optimized, or a gap to be filled. It’s important to stay current regarding trends and gaps. Constantly question, “How can I make this better, more efficient, more compliant, more secure, or just simpler?” Don’t wait for someone to reach out to you. Be strong, and proactive, and seek out partnerships and next steps for yourself.

Rochelle Cleland (Vecchio)

Director — LOS Systems
Supreme Lending

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

Growing up in an era of rapid technological advancements, I became fascinated by technology’s potential to shape our future and enhance our lives. As I started learning and working in the tech industry, I was drawn to the problem-solving aspect. Additionally, the collaborative nature, where individuals from diverse backgrounds unite to create something greater, was highly appealing. My experiences also taught me the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Effective communication and teamwork have proven crucial, given the involvement of various stakeholders with diverse expertise in tech projects. God’s guidance and being a committed wife and mother of three further motivate me to excel in tech, serve as an example for my family, and contribute to a brighter future.

What advice would you offer to young women considering a career in technology or who are just starting out in the field?

The tech industry offers substantial rewards, allowing your contributions to have a profound impact on the world. Approach your tech career with determination and enthusiasm, and confidently pursue your goals. Trust in your abilities, ignoring stereotypes and biases. Understand that you not only belong in the tech world but also bring valuable contributions to it. Embrace lifelong learning; technology evolves incessantly, so commit to ongoing education. Seek mentors and role models for guidance, support, and inspiration. Connect with experienced individuals, particularly successful women who’ve navigated their careers adeptly. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself — express your career goals, seek promotions, and negotiate salaries. Support your fellow women in tech and champion diversity and inclusion to enhance the well-being of all. Remember with God all things are possible.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in the tech industry?

Continuously staying informed in the tech industry requires the integration of various approaches into your daily practice to guarantee you remain current in this dynamic field. I personally utilize multiple strategies to ensure I stay current in this ever-changing field. These methods encompass participating in online courses and webinars, leveraging e-learning platforms, nurturing professional relationships through networking, staying informed via industry publications, and actively participating in online communities.

What are your thoughts on the future of technology and the opportunities it presents for women in the field?

The future of technology is incredibly promising, with continuous innovation and advancements. Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and more offer significant opportunities for women to excel and make meaningful contributions. The tech industry increasingly recognizes the value of diversity and is actively working toward creating more inclusive environments. This provides women with the chance to thrive and have a substantial impact. It’s crucial to continue advocating for gender equity in technology and encouraging more women to pursue careers in this dynamic and ever-evolving field. With the right support and opportunities, women in tech have the potential to shape the future of technology and drive positive change.

Angel Elliott

Chief Communications Officer
Angel Ai

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

A little-known fact about me is that I was in a full-time computer programming and networking program in high school (it’s worth noting that I was the only female in that cohort). I joined the program for the early jumpstart into college, not thinking I’d have a career in the field, but quickly found a spark of excitement every time a concept “clicked,” and something seemingly so complex broke down into a relatively simple, predictable model.

As I pursued degrees in business and worked throughout the financial industry, particularly in the learning and development field, I’ve had the privilege of working with mentors who helped me uncover my strengths and passion. My foundational understanding of technology and my study and practice of adult learning theory enables me to help people from all levels of technological comfort understand concepts that are often difficult to articulate.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges women in tech are facing today? What are your suggestions on overcoming these challenges?

Some of the greatest challenges women in tech face are a lack of representation and unconscious biases. These not only limit opportunities but also can contribute to limiting beliefs within women themselves. Leaders can contribute to overcoming these challenges through mentorship opportunities and encouraging cross-department collaboration and role flexibility. We can limit ourselves, often unconsciously, to the possibilities that we see directly around us. As I’ve experienced first-hand, fluidity between business lines can uncover hidden talents and passions that prove extremely valuable, both for the individual and the business.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in the tech industry?

By attending tech conferences and industry events, I’ve had the opportunity to network and gain insights into cutting-edge technologies. I keep an open mind about new technologies and embrace change to keep up with the ever-evolving tech landscape.

What advice would you offer to young women considering a career in technology or who are just starting out in the field?

First and foremost, believe in yourself and your abilities. You have to be mindful of your own thoughts and beliefs, as well as the opinions of others that you choose to accept. That’s half the battle. Secondly, surround yourself with like-minded people who share your determination to succeed. Build a network that can provide guidance, motivation, and collaboration opportunities.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn continuously. Embrace your unique perspective as a woman in tech and use it as a strength.

What are your thoughts on the future of technology and the opportunities it presents for women in the field?

Women are actually the leading demographic in early adoption of technology. This is vitally important because early adopters have many advantages in business, and I think that this will ultimately lead to incredible innovations by women and open doors to more opportunities for women to thrive.

Aneeza Haleem

Vice President — Application Technology
Planet Home Lending

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

Technology — coding in particular, has always appealed to me because it is all about finding the most logical and efficient way to solve any problem. There’s joy in taking a complex situation, understanding the many disparate yet connected processes within that microcosm and developing sets of steps to achieve the overall goal.

Over the years, my career has developed from hands-on coding to more design and architecture discussions. Being able to untangle processes and design flows has been core to my success.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges women in tech are facing today? What are your suggestions on overcoming these challenges?

The tech industry has made significant strides, yet there’s room for growth. While we’re witnessing a rise in women in leadership roles, “brogrammers” are still in the majority. It’s a challenge to work in an environment that perpetuates exclusionary behaviors. Given this culture, it can be difficult to be taken seriously, to feel confident enough to advocate for your ideas, and to feel secure enough to stand up for yourself. As with any discrimination, there’s microaggression, feelings of being unheard, undervalued — in addition to the regular stress of projects.

Personally, I’ve always aimed to be exceptionally prepared, ensuring I bring both technological and business insights to the table. While this drive for excellence has occasionally made me miss opportunities, it was my perseverance and the unwavering support from peers that paved my path. I believe fostering inclusive environments and mentorship are pivotal in addressing these challenges head-on.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in the tech industry?

I listen — to my team and their ideas and research, to my business partners and their findings, to various technology and industry-specific podcasts. We live in this golden era of knowledge — there’s so much available. Listening to podcasts and reading industry news sources, like Mortgage Women Magazine, as well as technology news, gives you a broad view into what is happening. You never know how an idea can trigger a seemingly unrelated solution — for example, 3M’s first surgical masks were designed by Sara Turnbull, who took inspiration in designing the “bubble” mask from her first 3M product — the molded bra.

What advice would you offer to young women considering a career in technology or who are just starting out in the field?

The best way to succeed long-term in technology is to stay open-minded and be willing to learn. There are many ways to solve problems. Reading and listening to others who have been in similar situations can really accelerate your throughput and strengthen your understanding of the technical platform.

No matter how progressive your environment, there will be days when it feels like your code is an antagonist, tailormade to push you to the edge. Fight the urge to chuck your computer into the ocean.

Molly Hoskins

EVP, Client Experience
Class Valuation

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

My mom was an appraiser and encouraged me to enter the profession. Once I became certified, I started my own appraisal company and was later recruited by an appraisal management company, where I worked my way up. During that time, I gained experience partnering with IT and created the development of business logic for new technology. We wrote our own in-house tech solutions to solve business problems and increase efficiency and wrote several proprietary tech solutions for appraisal QC, regulatory/compliance requirements, and client exclusionary list management. Today, I utilize our vast amount of technology and data to address lenders’ property valuation challenges. My continuous drive to develop and improve tech products comes from having a genuine understanding of appraisers’ daily challenges and experiences.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges women in tech are facing today? What are your suggestions for overcoming these challenges?

In the appraisal industry, women are still in the minority. The industry has been under scrutiny over the last few years, particularly when ensuring appraisals are free of bias, especially as it pertains to minority borrowers and underserved communities. In an effort to promote objective valuation, there is an industry initiative to promote more diversity in the valuation industry. The overarching goal has been to encourage more women and minorities to become interested in the appraisal industry and have a seat at the table in the valuation space. The valuation space is modernizing, and it is an exciting time to be a part of it.

Appraisal reports themselves are also transforming — with a focus shifting from purely traditional appraisals to digital valuation solutions. This is causing a reexamination of workflows and staffing. I am proud that Class Valuation is tech-centric and on the cutting edge of this digital revolution as we have invested heavily in modernization. We’re enabling property valuations with 3D property data collection tech and leveraging our data for desktop and hybrid appraisals.

What are your thoughts on the future of technology and the opportunities it presents for women in the field?

As time marches on, more valuations will be conducted with digital valuation products and I’m excited to be part of a company that is at the forefront of this revolution and one with such a tech-centric focus. Those who are investing in it have a leg up.

Valuation and technology are male-dominated industries, but there is space for women to help innovate — we’re seeing companies such as Class Valuation give me and other women a seat at the table. I think working for organizations that value diversity will help women ensure their own future success and make these companies winners.

My role has afforded me new opportunities, too, such as being appointed to my local MLS Board of Directors as the appraiser representative. I’m honored to support collaboration between realtors and appraisers and to represent Class Valuation.

Alpa Lally

EVP of Product Management
Rocket Mortgage

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

Though I started my career in structural engineering, I was always drawn to tech. The beauty of engineering is that you get to take raw materials to construct something remarkable for clients — much like technology enables you to harness and develop innovative tools to deliver value to consumers faster. Both as an engineer and product manager, I’m always looking to deliver the best outcome for clients. If you have the resources that empower you to achieve that, it lights a passion and gets you excited for the end result.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges women in tech are facing today? What are your suggestions for overcoming these challenges?

I think one of the largest challenges we are still facing today is lack of representation. Many great strides have been made in the industry, but we have a long way to go and many barriers to break down. To overcome these obstacles, organizations and leaders must not only talk about the importance of diversity but provide flexibility and opportunities to welcome more women into the field and expand representation in leadership.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in the tech industry?

In today’s world, we have so much information coming at us — it’s impossible to stay up to date on your own. I watch a lot of YouTube videos, take quick 15-minute LinkedIn courses, and rely on my network of peers across various fields, regularly seeking their opinions and expertise. To avoid information overload, I’d recommend finding the ways that work best for you to receive information and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you want to further understand a topic.

What advice would you offer to young women considering a career in technology or who are just starting out in the field?

Be fearless. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Try new things. And most importantly, remember to advocate for yourself.

What are your thoughts on the future of technology and the opportunities it presents for women in the field?

I think the future of technology will be amazing for us and be full of opportunities. Anything is possible — you just have to roll up your sleeves and go after it. The journey won’t be perfect, but with the democratization of data and AI, we have access to more information at our fingertips than ever before — there’s nothing that can stop us from continuing to break down barriers to achieve our fullest potential.

Kelly LeMonds

VP, Product Development
Sagent

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

From a young age, I remember working with my father in his wood shop. If we built something that didn’t work, his attitude was always, “Let’s find another solution.”

That sort of solutions-oriented thinking prompted me to go down a path toward a career in technology. Although the tools used in technology and carpentry are different, the approach is the same: when something doesn’t work, there’s always another solution — you just need to know how to find and apply it to the unique situation.

When I first entered the financial services space, everything was done on green bar paper. To go from there to the cloud-native servicing platform we’re building now has been quite the journey. At every step, we’ve identified emerging technologies in the wider fintech space and applied them to the unique challenges our clients face.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges women in tech are facing today? What are your suggestions for overcoming these challenges?

The simple truth is that even today, women account for less than 30% of IT roles in the US (while accounting for 47% of all employed adults). Our space is still male-dominated, and that makes it challenging to ensure our voices are heard, acknowledged, and taken seriously.

As a tech community, we need to recognize that everyone has a voice and that the loudest voices aren’t always the most thoughtful or accurate.

To overcome these challenges, I’d encourage the wider tech community to acknowledge the power of diverse teams and break down barriers that contribute to one-dimensionality.

But women in tech today can’t afford to wait for the industry-wide hurdles to fall. It’s on us to support one another as we continue to speak up and overcome the fear that comes with it. There’s a strong, authentic, and authoritative voice in all of us — we just need to practice using it (even if it’s in front of the mirror at first).

One additional tip: ask deliberate questions. This is often the easiest way to make sure our thoughts are heard and understood. Direct challenges create conflict, but questions create discussions.

What are your thoughts on the future of technology and the opportunities it presents for women in the field?

I’m excited about how our industry has changed as it’s become more people-focused and empathetic. That will deliver better opportunities for women (and all people) that follow this career path.

I worked from home long before the pandemic, and I’m grateful to see that flexibility has become more standard. For caregivers, the ability to pick kids up or be there on a sick day is extremely important.

There will always be a need for in-office time (even an occasional all-nighter for a big delivery can be tough to avoid), but that way of working isn’t sustainable. By working smarter, we can build a future that embraces innovation and the people that make it possible.

Jane Mason

CEO
Clarifire

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

From an early age, I was captivated by finding better, more efficient ways to do things. The potential to revolutionize traditional, cumbersome processes fascinated me, especially within the mortgage servicing industry, where there’s often an over-dependence on paperwork and manual systems.

Because there were very few women leaders in the mortgage technology industry when I started Clarifire, I often faced a blend of bias and skepticism. For example, I’d show up to sales meetings and have people ask me where the “real CEO” was. Those experiences were difficult, to be sure. But ultimately, they only strengthened my resolve to create innovative solutions that brought about long-needed change in our industry. They also fueled my commitment to paving the way for other women pursuing careers in technology. In fact, 40% of our staff at Clarifire are women.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges women in tech are facing today? What are your suggestions for overcoming these challenges?

Women in tech still wrestle with issues of inclusion and perception. While opportunities have certainly improved since I launched Clarifire, there is still a significant shortage of women in mortgage technology, ultimately impacting the pace of innovation.

These challenges are not insurmountable, but there is a lot our industry can do better, starting with being intentional about creating opportunities for women serving in tech roles, including greater consideration for woman-owned vendors and partners.

DEI training is important. But companies can also create specialized tracks for women interested in technology to develop the skills needed for career advancement and include small women-owned businesses in their third-party RFPs instead of just choosing larger and perceived “safer” companies.

As women, we are our most reliable advocates. Remember to create a circle of peers providing insights, advocacy, and business introductions. If you’re passionate about innovation, that passion will make you more resilient against hurdles like intentional and unintentional bias. And when you reach a position of leadership, do your part by mentoring other women and trying to create a more inclusive environment for others to follow you.

What are your thoughts on the future of technology and the opportunities it presents for women in the field?

The future of women in technology is brighter than ever and rife with opportunities. Tech is an ever-evolving landscape, and the demand for more diverse perspectives and fresh ideas has never been higher.

With the increasing need to automate every facet of the mortgage and servicing lifecycle, there’s a vacuum for talented problem-solvers who understand how technology and mortgage processes intersect. And with DEI initiatives finally gaining real traction in our industry, the doors are opening wider for women technologists, who have a unique opportunity to lead this charge.

The sky’s the limit. While hurdles and challenges are inevitable, every experience, good or bad, makes the destination all the more rewarding. Plus, the higher you climb, the better the view. So, keep climbing.

Jamie Mottern

SVP Partnerships & Client Success
Docutech, a First American Company

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

I never dreamed of working in tech, but my career path led me here. I spent 17 years in healthcare administration, including five years at Perot Systems implementing electronic medical records. That experience showed me the impact of technology and how I could have a positive impact through it. I then transitioned into finance, seeing firsthand how each lender’s ecosystem affects employees and customers. Putting the right technology together in the most efficient and effective ways can have a ripple effect on hundreds of thousands of people every day. My superpower is connecting people and solutions. I’m inspired to bring great people and great solutions together to make an incredible impact. The fintech industry is a perfect fit for me.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges women in tech are facing today? What are your suggestions on overcoming these challenges?

Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions in the technology sector, which exacerbates the gender pay gap. During a recent mPower session, a speaker noted research that found men tend to be promoted based on their potential, while women are promoted based on their performance. I encourage our fintech leaders to consider the performance of women candidates, combined with their potential, when hiring their next leader. While I am grateful to work alongside many sharp, insightful, and innovative women at Docutech, I’m mindful that this is not the norm, and I am confident we can cultivate a future where it is.

What advice would you offer to young women considering a career in technology or who are just starting out in the field?

Ask questions. Be bold. Be brave. And seek out women who inspire and believe in you, then prioritize your investment of time and energy into those relationships. When I started in this fintech industry, I was in the right place at the right time to have such an opportunity. Only by being brave and bold have I curated deep and meaningful relationships with some remarkable women. Having other women who you can turn to for perspective, counsel, support, and often just a really good laugh, has been invaluable to me.

What are your thoughts on the future of technology and the opportunities it presents for women in the field?

The mortgage tech industry is poised for a transformative shift. Terms like blockchain, AI, and automation have been circulating for some time and I anticipate this momentum continuing as they hold the potential to revolutionize our industry. Fintech companies and lenders must innovate quickly to meet evolving customer needs. Innovation demands we develop fresh ways of approaching and doing the work. Diverse perspectives and experiences are crucial for conceiving and delivering this innovation. Women, taking on increasingly strategic and innovative leadership roles, enrich this diversity. Witnessing women aspire to higher, more impactful positions is inspiring [and] will pave the way for novel, beneficial solutions for lenders and borrowers.

Rebecca Seward

Director of Product
Ocrolus

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how have your experiences shaped your path?

While working at a privately-owned lender in Maryland, I was encouraged by my boss at the time, Jennifer Dorr, to apply for a recently vacated position in the software division. She had observed during my time leading a few complex compliance projects that I had an aptitude for technology and felt I would be a strong fit for the role. It was within that role that I uncovered my passion for identifying problems and building creative digital solutions to solve them.

I took online courses to strengthen my programming skills and deepen my understanding of software engineering principles and best practices. After moving to the vendor side of the business, I realized that product was where I wanted to be, as I felt it was where I could drive the most meaningful change. I made the move, and I haven’t looked back since.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges women in tech are facing today? What are your suggestions for overcoming these challenges?

Unfortunately, I feel women are still underrepresented in the tech space, especially in leadership positions. I have been in several meetings where I was the only female in the room. When women do not have role models in positions of power, it can feel isolating and discouraging. It can also make it challenging to set clear business objectives and can deepen imposter syndrome. There’s also gender bias and common double standards, further driving women into the shadows.

To overcome these challenges, I encourage all women to use their voice when they do have a seat at the table. I am unapologetic about voicing my opinion, and I’m not afraid of being seen as too assertive. I’ve found that being direct, coupled with substantiating data and specific examples, serves as the best approach when expressing your expectations or needs.

What advice would you offer to young women considering a career in technology or who are just starting out in the field?

I would tell women who are considering a career in technology to believe in themselves and their capabilities — do not let imposter syndrome hold you back. You belong in this world as much as anyone else. Since technology is such a dynamic industry, I would also say to stay curious, never stop learning, and be open to acquiring new skills and knowledge throughout your career. Seek out mentors and connect with fellow professionals in the industry. Building a supportive network can provide guidance, insights, and opportunities for growth.

Most importantly, remember that you have the ability to make a significant impact in the field, and your unique perspective is a valuable asset. Stay true to your ambitions, work hard, and don’t be discouraged by challenges along the way. The contributions of women enrich the tech industry, and your journey can be an inspiring one.