I basically love lending and real estate because, by using this vehicle of investing, one can build generational wealth by acquiring assets. I started my career right out of college and have never looked back or left the industry of lending. I have had the privilege of helping many individuals and families obtain financing for mostly first time home buyers (FTHB) in Southern California while I was an originator. I did so well that I moved up the management ladder within a few years of successfully closing several thousands of loans. I was one of the youngest managers while working at Countrywide. My office was known for doing bond, FTHB programs, down payment assistance loans, and many others.

I since then have moved up the corporate ladder. I also owned and operated my own broker shop for seven years until the mortgage meltdown happened in 2008. Lending is my passion because I am able to make a difference by building or implementing programs that are sound, safe, and offer great benefits to the consumer. I ensure we are representing all communities we serve including diverse and low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. The diverse segments are extremely important on so many levels. Additionally, I have the opportunity to travel in the U.S. and share my knowledge, representing U.S. Bank and the organizations I belong to, by speaking to and educating lenders, realtors, affiliates, or consumers.

I am also an avid reader and learner. I never stop learning in our industry to see what is currently happening:. Trends, demographics, rates, programs, and industry related topics. I decided to go back to school and earn my doctoral degree in executive leadership because I felt it was a calling after the economic recession of 2008. It stemmed from unethical leadership at the core. So, I am at the end of my journey working on my dissertation. It is a gender study focusing on “How do executive women in the finance industry reflect on the role of social capital in their career advancement?” I am planning to graduate May 2, 2020 with honors.

I am active in my community and industry because I am a firm believer of paying it forward for others. I am here to empower and educate others on finances, lending, leadership, real estate, investing, and many other topics. I have been active and engaged in several trade organizations locally and nationally throughout the years. I started the Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAMMBA) Los Angeles Chapter because I wanted to bring other like minded professionals to engage in the community and have more women and minorities in the industry. I love the mission statement of the organization and the founder, who has a heart of gold. I also am part of the Women in the Housing and Real Estate Ecosystem (NAWRB) nationally and am an advisory board member to a non-profit called the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC).

When I was approached by Leora Ruzin to be in Mortgage Women Magazine, she posed one simple question to me. “Why? What is the single driving force behind everything you do?”

This instantly made me think of the book by Simon Sinek called “Start with Why” because I am an avid reader who continually loves to learn and grow. And I resonate with author’s quote, “Knowing your WHY is not only the way to be successful, but is the only way to maintain a lasting success and have a greater blend of innovation and flexibility.”

I completely agree with the message of the book. My “why” is deeply held in the belief of the American dream of homeownership. Being a homeowner creates generational wealth andcommunities and provides a sense of safety and belonging. Our children are able to thrive with stability. I grew up with a sense of stability when my parents purchased our first home when I was twelve years old. My father then bought more homes throughout my youth by buying the diamond in the rough and converting the home into a gem. I grew to love real estate. Once I graduated from Pepperdine University, I was recruited in residential lending and thrived. My why was clear: Assisting others with the American Dream of Homeownership.

I leave you with this quote from Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming, which also is part of my why, “For me becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving a want to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” My why is about assisting others’ dreams as I continuously evolve and grow in my journey.