With over two decades of experience in financial services, the Mortgage Bankers Association’s senior vice president, chief financial officer, and chief diversity and inclusion officer Lisa Haynes has witnessed firsthand plenty of evidence of the field’s lack of representation.

“As a Black woman in the finance profession, I have spent my career being the ‘only’ in the room,” she said.

Over the past year, scores of companies have released statements about the importance of equality and equity and chief diversity and inclusion officer positions were created in c-suites across the mortgage industry, including at government-sponsored enterprise Fannie Mae.

But measurable actions need to be taken to make sure it goes beyond lip service and posturing said Haynes who has been with the MBA for the past six years and previous to that held director and vice president roles in financial analysis and accounting at Fannie Mae. Diverse representation needs to start at the top of organizations in order to close opportunity gaps between races, she said.

Below is a discussion with Haynes about how fuller representation is essential for the future of business. Her responses are excerpted and edited for length and clarity.