Written In The Stars

Tell us about a specific challenge that became a turning point in your career. What changed for you as a result?

Becoming a working mother was a defining turning point in my career. Returning to full‑time work required sacrifice, but it also strengthened my purpose — setting an example of independence for my daughters and committing my energy to work that challenges and fulfills me.

What’s one underrated skill, habit, or mindset that has played a major role in your success?

I intentionally take on work others may avoid or problems that feel unsolvable. Those spaces offer the greatest opportunities to learn, drive meaningful change, and make the biggest impact.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

Supporting women in my community is deeply important to me. I dedicate volunteer time to organizations like Every Child Succeeds, which partners with new mothers, and Habitat for Humanity Women Build, which supports female‑led families through affordable homeownership in Greater Cincinnati.

In a relationship-driven business, what’s your approach to building trust and staying top-of-mind with clients and partners?

I approach every interaction with the belief that all feedback is valuable feedback. When someone takes the time to share their perspective, it shows engagement and trust — and listening closely allows real progress to happen.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the mortgage industry that would make a meaningful difference for women professionals?

Maintaining flexible work schedules makes a profound difference for women. Having a supportive manager and flexibility around family needs is what allowed me to stay in the workforce while still being present for the most important moments in my daughters’ lives.

Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you would give yourself at the start of your mortgage career?

My broader banking experience taught me an important lesson: ask for opportunities and clearly articulate your interests. Never assume others know what you aspire to pursue. 

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

One of my favorite parts of being a leader is the opportunity to provide mentorship. I meet regularly with several of my indirect reports to discuss their goals, work through challenges they’re facing, and offer perspective from my own experience. That one-on-one time is genuinely reciprocal, as I grow and learn through those conversations as well.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the mortgage industry that would make a meaningful difference for women professionals?

The mortgage industry has come a long way in recognizing the strength and talent of women in this space. The meaningful growth of women’s groups and industry conferences has brought women together, created community, and celebrates our vital role in the industry.

The next step, in my view, is broader organizational support for working families. I would love to see more companies in the industry invest in paid leave and childcare benefits. For many women, the decision whether to pursue or remain in a demanding career comes down to whether their employers truly support their lives. When companies make that investment, they retain talented people and signal that professional ambition and family are not at odds. That shift would make a lasting difference.

What does success look like for you in this stage of your career?

Since becoming a mother, success looks different than it once did, and I’m all the richer for it. On a personal level, I feel successful just knowing I can provide for my family while thriving in an environment that supports me and still allows me the flexibility to be present as a mom. That balance matters deeply to me. Professionally, I find my greatest sense of accomplishment in my team. When I look at the tenure, dedication, and growth of the people around me, that is what success feels like.

What’s one underrated skill, habit, or mindset that has played a major role in your success?

Intellectual curiosity — the discipline of always asking why or why not behind every process, guideline, and decision. In mortgage operations, the people who truly excel aren’t just good at executing; they understand the systems deeply enough to improve them. That mindset has allowed me to lead with credibility and adapt quickly through every market cycle and regulatory shift.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

Beyond day-to-day management, I try to foster a culture where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to contribute ideas. Creating an environment where women can grow professionally, speak confidently, and pursue leadership roles without limitation ultimately strengthens the organization and the industry as a whole.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the mortgage industry that would make a meaningful difference for women professionals?

Creating more transparent and structured pathways to leadership for women in the mortgage industry would do more than improve representation. It would strengthen decision-making, retention, operational innovation, and company culture across the industry. Mortgage lending is fundamentally relationship-driven, and organizations perform better when leadership reflects the diversity of the teams and customers they serve.

Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you would give yourself at the start of your mortgage career?

Stop waiting for permission to lead. The expertise you’re building, the judgment you’re developing, the perspective you bring — those things have value right now, not someday when someone officially hands you a title. Speak up in meetings, volunteer for the hard problems, and invest in relationships early, because this industry runs on trust and your network is one of your greatest long-term assets

Tell us about a specific challenge that became a turning point in your career. What changed for you as a result?

One of the biggest turning points in my career came during a period of rapid growth and operational change, when we were bringing together teams with different workflows, expectations, and corporate cultures while navigating a volatile mortgage market. That experience changed how I think about leadership. I realized that people perform best when they have clarity, trust, and a shared understanding of where they are going. Since then, I have focused on building structured systems, practical learning, and open communication that help teams move through change with confidence and consistency.

In a relationship-driven business, what’s your approach to building trust and staying top-of-mind with clients and partners?

In a relationship-driven business, trust grows through consistency, patience, and care in the small details. My approach is to listen first, understand the full picture, and offer clear guidance that helps partners make informed decisions for their clients. Mortgage can be complex and stressful, so I believe every interaction should bring more clarity, confidence, and calm. Staying top-of-mind is not about being the loudest voice, but about showing up with reliability, practical insight, and respect over time.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the mortgage industry that would make a meaningful difference for women professionals?

I would like the mortgage industry to broaden how it recognizes leadership. Some of the most meaningful leadership is not always the most visible; it is the work of creating stability, clarity, trust, and strong teams. Women should not feel they have to become louder or less themselves to be seen as leaders. The industry would benefit from valuing leaders who make others stronger, guide teams through complexity, and create environments where people and partners can move forward with confidence. That kind of quiet impact may not always be headline-making, but it is often what makes organizations more resilient, more human, and better prepared for long-term success. 

Tell us about a specific challenge that became a turning point in your career. What changed for you as a result?

Early in my career, I had an experience that I was convinced had “ended” my confidence. I was unexpectedly pushed on stage by a leader without preparation or support, and it was deeply embarrassing. I walked away believing I wasn’t cut out for public speaking.

That moment, however, became a turning point. Over time, I realized it wasn’t speaking itself I feared — it was speaking without purpose, preparation, or belief behind me. When I began sharing ideas I genuinely cared about, and when I had leaders who trusted and encouraged me, everything changed. What once felt like a weakness became one of my greatest strengths. That experience taught me that confidence isn’t innate — it’s built through alignment, support, and the courage to try again.

What’s one underrated skill, habit, or mindset that has played a major role in your success?

Viewing every marketing challenge through the lens of human behavior. My degree isn’t in marketing — it’s in psychology — and for a long time, I didn’t see that as directly relevant. In reality, it’s been one of my greatest advantages.

At its core, effective marketing isn’t about clever phrasing or flashy design — it’s about understanding how people think, feel, and make decisions. Why someone opens an email, what builds trust, what drives hesitation, and what ultimately moves someone to act … those are all rooted in human behavior. My background in psychology trained me to ask different questions: What is this person feeling right now? What do they need to hear to feel understood? What reduces friction and builds confidence?

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

Creating an environment where they feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. Whether I’m leading a team or collaborating across the organization, I make a conscious effort to ensure everyone feels confident in their role and clear on the value they bring.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

I believe one of the most important responsibilities of leadership is creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed. Throughout my career, I’ve tried to actively support people, through mentorship, access to opportunities, or generally listening when they needed someone to do so. These opportunities have helped expand their experience and visibility.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the mortgage industry that would make a meaningful difference for women professionals?

I’d love to see a shift in mindset around the idea that the mortgage and financial services businesses are still male-dominated industries and this should limit women’s ambition. While there are certainly areas where representation can continue to improve, I think we’ve reached a point where women have tremendous opportunities to lead, build businesses, shape strategy, and drive outcomes in this industry. I’d love to see more women approach the industry and their roles with confidence — focusing less on who may be sitting in a seat or who traditionally occupied the seat and more on the value they bring to the table.

Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you would give yourself at the start of your mortgage career?

Looking back, I would tell myself to trust my instincts sooner, think bigger and not be insecure. Early in my career, I sometimes underestimated how much value I brought to the table and spent too much time making sure I was fully prepared before stepping into bigger opportunities. I wanted validation that my answers were correct and didn’t realize I had already earned the right to say yes or no. Over time, I learned growth often comes before confidence or even perfecting a skill. You have to take chances and believe you can do it. I’d remind myself not to question whether I belonged in the room or if I had already achieved something or not, but to focus on the expertise, perspective, and results I could bring. I would have raised my hand faster and trusted my instincts earlier, if I knew this then.

What’s one underrated skill, habit, or mindset that has played a major role in your success?

The mindset that has shaped my career most is the discipline to look deeper. I want to understand how things connect, where breakdowns may be forming, and what is not being measured. This mindset also shapes how I lead. I spend time understanding how people think, what motivates them, and where they want to grow. When people feel supported and challenged, they perform at a higher level. Looking deeper is not about overanalyzing. It is about being intentional. When you understand the full picture, you can make better decisions, build stronger systems, and create more consistent outcomes.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

I believe opportunity should be built into how an organization operates, not offered occasionally. Within my teams, I focus on giving people meaningful ownership early. This includes visibility into decision-making, exposure to complex challenges, and the ability to contribute in ways that influence outcomes. Growth happens when people are trusted with real responsibility.

For women, that support often includes direct mentorship and honest conversations about navigating the industry. Sharing successes and setbacks helps create a more realistic and achievable path forward. I also believe representation matters. When women see leadership that is confident, collaborative, and grounded in results, it expands what they believe is possible.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the mortgage industry that would make a meaningful difference for women professionals?

One change I’d like to see is a more intentional approach to professional development and visibility for women across the mortgage industry. Many women build deep expertise in operations, servicing, compliance, sales, and leadership support roles, and the industry benefits when that talent is recognized early and developed consistently.

What does success look like for you in this stage of your career?

Success today is about creating impact that continues beyond my direct involvement. It is building organizations that deliver measurable results while developing people who can lead, think critically, and continue raising the standard across the industry. When the people around me grow and succeed, that is a meaningful measure of success.  

Tell us about a specific challenge that became a turning point in your career. What changed for you as a result?

During my first job out of college I moved into sales and thought that is what I wanted to do. I did ok, but by no means was knocking it out of the park. I did start to realize I had a passion for how the loan was moving through the process and saw opportunities that could improve the borrower experience. While sales was not for me it helped me form an appreciation for how hard the job can be and allowed me to find my passion for process improvement.

What’s one underrated skill, habit, or mindset that has played a major role in your success?

Listening. There is so much to be learned by listening to those around you. It will help you build relationships, improve processes, understand what is truly going on, and drive positive change.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

I support women through a deliberate combination of mentorship and active sponsorship. While I emphasize excellence and making an impact in one’s current role, I also recognize that performance alone doesn’t always translate into opportunity. I actively advocate for high‑potential women in leadership discussions, increase their visibility with senior leaders, and connect them to stretch assignments that accelerate growth. I pair that advocacy with candid, timely feedback to build self‑awareness and ensure long‑term readiness for advancement.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the mortgage industry that would make a meaningful difference for women professionals?

I believe continued investment in opportunities that support women’s learning and career growth through meaningful roundtables and structured mentorship programs can make a significant difference. Creating intentional, safe environments where women can ask questions, share challenges, and seek guidance without judgment allows them to build confidence, develop skills, and prepare for the next level.

Tell us about a specific challenge that became a turning point in your career. What changed for you as a result?

Early in my career, I stepped into a leadership role during a period of rapid growth and change, where expectations were high but processes weren’t fully defined. Navigating that ambiguity forced me to find my voice, make decisions with incomplete information, and advocate clearly for clients and my team. That experience shifted my confidence — I stopped waiting for permission and began leading with intention and accountability.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

I’m intentional about sponsorship, not just mentorship — advocating for women when opportunities, promotions, or stretch assignments are being discussed. I also focus on creating psychologically safe environments where women feel comfortable speaking up, taking risks, and owning their impact. Representation and visibility matter, and I work to ensure strong voices are at the table.

In a relationship-driven business, what’s your approach to building trust and staying top-of-mind with clients and partners?

Trust is built through consistency — doing what you say you’ll do and communicating transparently, especially when challenges arise. I prioritize proactive communication, listening over reacting, and treating every interaction as a long‑term relationship rather than a transaction. That reliability is what keeps partnerships strong over time.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the mortgage industry that would make a meaningful difference for women professionals?

I’d like to see more intentional development and sponsorship of women into senior leadership roles. Creating clearer pathways, flexibility, and visibility for women — especially in operational and executive positions — would have a lasting impact on culture and outcomes across the industry.

Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you would give yourself at the start of your mortgage career?

Don’t underestimate the value of your perspective, and don’t wait to be “perfect” before raising your hand. Growth comes faster when you’re willing to speak up, take calculated risks, and trust that you’re capable — even when things feel unfamiliar

Tell us about a specific challenge that became a turning point in your career. What changed for you as a result?

One of the biggest turning points in my career came early in my management experience, when I realized the most difficult challenges were not technical or operational — they were people-related, particularly managing negative attitudes and poor communication within a team. That experience changed the way I approach hiring and team building.

While technical knowledge and skills are important, I learned that qualities like a positive attitude, strong communication, adaptability, and coach-ability are often what determine whether someone will truly contribute to a healthy, high-performing team. Since then, I’ve prioritized those traits in the hiring process, and it has had a major impact on the culture and success of the teams I’ve built.

What’s one underrated skill, habit, or mindset that has played a major role in your success?

Picking up the phone instead of relying on email is one of the most underrated skills in this industry. This business is built on relationships, and real relationships aren’t formed through endless email chains. I often hear, ‘Thanks for calling’ or ‘Thanks for picking up the phone.’ People remember when you make communication easier. Direct conversations build trust, reduce misunderstandings, resolve conflicts faster, and ultimately lead to better outcomes.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

All of my managers are women, and I believe supporting them effectively requires both professional and personal investment. From a professional standpoint, I make a point to recognize their contributions, advocate for their accomplishments with senior leadership, and create opportunities by assigning projects that align with their strengths and career goals. I also try to ensure they have visibility in the organization so their work is recognized beyond our immediate team.

What does success look like for you in this stage of your career?

Leading a team that consistently delivers high quality results while enjoying the work they do. We have to deliver our work timely and with good quality, but doing so in an environment where people feel supported, empowered, and happy to come to work each day is the key. 

Tell us about a specific challenge that became a turning point in your career. What changed for you as a result?

The Great Recession of 2008 required me to pivot from private practice to explore different opportunities. After two years of consulting, I had a job offer to become a director of human resources. I aligned with the leadership and the mission of the organization, however, my intuition told me not to take the position and to continue looking for legal roles. A few months later I reconnected with a colleague that led the legal and compliance department for NFM Lending. That was 15 years ago.

What’s one underrated skill, habit, or mindset that has played a major role in your success?

Curiosity. The best attorneys don’t limit representation to solving the issue presented to them. Understanding every facet of your client’s business creates a successful experience while building a long term relationship. From inception at NFM Lending, I let my curiosity mindset lead me to every aspect of my “client” employer’s business. Asking questions, sitting with departments, gaining trust from fellow employees and assisting with solutions outside of legal/compliance greatly benefitted my contribution to the growth of the organization. I remain curious as the company and industry evolves.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

I love to celebrate the women around me. What excites them, excites me. I am always available to brainstorm ideas, meet with prospective employees or help solve a pain point my teammate may be experiencing. I am constantly exploring where people are seated on my team against their skillset and passion. Sometimes that requires additional training, education or experience. Their success is my success. So, for women, I help them reframe where they can add the most value, whether it’s at NFM Lending or other places. My goal is that they look at their experience with me as a career, not just a job.

Tell us about a specific challenge that became a turning point in your career. What changed for you as a result?

When Hurricane Rita hit Louisiana 20 years ago, it was a turning point for me. For financial reasons, I needed to move out of my comfort zone and step into an unfamiliar military community. That decision not only changed my business, it changed my legacy, my passion, and my mission forever.

What started as a business opportunity quickly became a calling. I discovered a deep respect and love for the men and women who serve our country and the sacrifices their families make every day. I realized I was not just helping people buy homes. I was helping heroes build stability, security, hope for their future.

What’s one underrated skill, habit, or mindset that has played a major role in your success?

One of the greatest skills and mindsets that has helped shape my life and career is the art of Kaizen. Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy that means continuous improvement — the commitment to becoming just a little better each day through small, steady, disciplined actions. Instead of focusing on dramatic overnight success, Kaizen teaches that lasting transformation happens through consistency over time.

This philosophy has impacted every area of my life, including leadership, business, faith, personal growth, and relationships. Early in my career, I realized that success is rarely built through one big moment. It is built through the daily habits that most people overlook ... showing up consistently, learning from mistakes, improving communication, strengthening relationships, and choosing discipline even when motivation fades.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

Mentoring and coaching and helping women build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, grow businesses, and navigate professional and personal challenges is my mission.

How do you actively support or create opportunities for others — especially women — within your organization or network?

I’m passionate about being hands-on in developing people and opening doors for them, because I know I can only grow and succeed as much as my team does. Whether I’m helping team members strengthen their resumes or listening to their personal goals and circumstances, I prioritize people’s strengths and expertise to ensure they’re growing in the way they need. I build long-lasting, durable relationships to meet people where they are and see how I can support them to reach their next professional goal. By leading with transparency and compassion, I make sure the people around me — especially women in the mortgage industry — have the skills and relationships they need to succeed.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the mortgage industry that would make a meaningful difference for women professionals?

I’d like to see the mortgage industry place greater emphasis on relationship-driven leadership that is often overlooked in this fast-paced, metrics-focused industry. Creating space for a more people-centered approach would make a meaningful difference for women professionals by elevating leadership styles rooted in clear communication and personal connection. That’s why I’m excited to contribute to the development and rollout of Dara, the industry’s first end-to-end, cloud-native servicing platform, which is removing menial tasks from servicers’ day-to-day so they can focus more on the human side of servicing.

Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you would give yourself at the start of your mortgage career?

I’d tell myself to embrace the opportunity to build and reinvent products and processes within organizations. When joining new teams and new industries, especially one as complex as mortgage servicing, there’s value in approaching every challenge with curiosity and a willingness to learn the business fully. Don’t embrace or accept ambiguity, rather stay relentlessly focused on delivering measurable results that advance the overall industry. Some of the most meaningful progress comes from asking better questions, challenging outdated assumptions, and finding new ways to move the industry forward.