What does it mean for you to be a trailblazer?

“I think to even be considered a trailblazer is an honor. I hold that in a high regard because I feel responsible for those who are looking up to me for guidance and the vision that they, too, can be CEOs or presidents of their own companies. I do not feel like I’m saying anything unique, but I make sure that I’m giving back, so that others don’t make the same mistakes I’ve made. And hopefully, they can find the path to success a little easier than I did.”

What have been your biggest motivators as you take on this challenge?

“My biggest motivators are those with whom I surround myself. The girls in my mentorship program are a huge motivator. As much as I give back, they give me back more by the way they make me feel and that what I’m doing has a purpose. I get such a sense of significance from it; I feel like I matter to them, so they matter even more to me.”

Can you share what has been the impetus behind that generosity?

“I think by nature, I’m a very giving person. When I have opportunities to extend generosity, either by advice or monetarily, I want to do that. I really feel like Hispanics are making a big impact in this country yet are very underserved. Because of that, I enjoy philanthropic work that supports Hispanic children through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and CASA. Ninety eight percent of the kids that they serve are Hispanic, and they need our attention. I’m an embodiment and representation of their culture, so I feel a responsibility to give back.”

And where do you see the future of women in mortgage in the next five years? How can women do more to empower themselves to carve their own path?

“Women need to continually speak up and be heard, but not only that, they need to understand their own value, and share that. Women in this industry, and women in general, need to make their voices heard. It’s really time for us to tell the industry that we’re here and we’re having a big impact in this business; we always have. We’re the backbone of the mortgage industry, and now were becoming its leaders. Women are using their skills and their confidence within the industry to let everyone know that they’ve arrived, they’re here, they’re willing, and they want to move up. There is a desire to go further and that’s a big deal.”

Who are your mentors and coaches? How do you see mentorship and coaching being a factor in the greater vision for female empowerment?

“Throughout my career, I’ve been watching and learning from others since there really isn’t a school of mortgage lending for the most part. It’s just much more critical for us to align ourselves with people we look up to and emulate them. Sometimes you may know them personally, and sometimes you won’t. If you’re lucky, you’ll know them. And if you’re even luckier, they’ll give back. In this industry especially, it’s important that if you’re stuck to learn from somebody else who’s experienced what you’re going through. It’s not only coaching that a mentor can offer, it’s hope. And a lot of times, when we’re stuck, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So, you just need that coach to tell you, ‘listen, I’ve been there, I’ve done that, and you’re going to be OK.’ And that’s when you can break through.

My husband Rick is a huge mentor of mine, and he is my main coach for sure. He’s not only my business partner, but he’s my partner in life. He really is. There’s not very many people like him; he is always optimistic and always gives me a positive message with clarity as to why things are going to work out. We push each other. It’s so rare, but it works!”

What is your favorite quote or maybe a quote that you recently came by that you really admire?

“The one I always remind myself of, especially as a leader, is ‘when people show you who they are, believe them the first time.’ I think it’s very natural for a leader to want to fix things and change people, but people are who they are. So, I must make sure that I’m verry aware of my surroundings: who I’m hiring, who I’m leading, and how they can help us and themselves.”