Executive Vice President of Strategy
Association of Independent Mortgage Experts
When hearing the term #LeadingWomen, what is the first thing you think about and how does it feel to be asked to represent this cause for the November issue?
Throughout my career, I have always drawn inspiration from the trailblazing women who have come before me. It is not lost on me that while setting an example of what it takes to become highly successful in this world, they have also battled gender adversity and paved the way for women in the mortgage industry. It is an honor to now be included in this group of powerful women who can inspire and elevate others in our field. To me, this is what #LeadingWomen means. To be a Leading Woman is to open doors, not just for yourself, but for all of the other women following in your footsteps.
Briefly, what has brought you to where you are today, as EVP of Strategy at AIME?
After graduating from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor’s degree in business marketing and sports communication, I began my career working in the healthcare industry. During the four years I spent in the industry, I held a variety of marketing roles and grew my data analytics skills which have been a huge part of my career to this day.
I then made my jump to the mortgage industry, joining Pacific Union Financial to run Consumer Direct marketing and analytics. In the 2.5 years I was there, I earned four promotions, expanded from marketing into application development, and became the youngest vice president within the organization. I was then recruited to ARIVE during the preliminary development phase to lay the groundwork for initial partnerships, branding, and go-to-market strategy.
ARIVE was a great vehicle for my transition to the wholesale side of the mortgage industry, which I believe to be the best option for both professionals and consumers. I am thankful for the insight from my previous roles that allowed me to see all aspects of origination in consumer direct and retail lending models. I joined the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME) in early 2020 and look forward to continuing the growth that the organization sparked when it was founded.
How can female executives better advocate for themselves in such a highly male-driven industry, especially during a time when inequality is more prevalent than ever?
It’s so critical to establish credibility within your career at an early stage. No matter the role you are hired to perform, bring your ‘A’ game and exceed the expectations of those around you. You must do whatever you can to seek knowledge and learn new skills every single day. Most importantly, believe in your own skills, your own voice, and what you bring to the table. Studies show that women don’t share their professional accomplishments out of fear of coming off as bragging or self-serving. Your accomplishments should be recognized, acknowledged, and celebrated by those around you. Success isn’t about good luck or being at the right place at the right time; it’s about hard work and having the confidence to stand up for yourself.
