- 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 January issue?How much things have changed for us women. We have come so far! And for the first time ever, our voices are being heard. We are dominating in so many areas. Single women are the highest percentage rate of new homeowners. I know, I am single and own a couple of properties myself. I also see us women lifting each other up. It’s no longer the jealousy or a competition. You see women supporting each other, encouraging, and cheering for one another. I see that everyday via our LinkedIn platform. I am grateful to be asked. I know I represent an array of women: the minority woman, the single mom woman, the cancer survivor woman, the no advanced college degree woman, the divorced woman, I can go on…. I am honored to represent the January 2021 issue
- Brief history on what has brought you to where you are today, as the VP of Talent at Planet Home Lending: Two words: consistency and effort! I have been in the mortgage industry for almost 20 years, and I have worked in so many areas within our mortgage world. I have done title, processing, loan origination, call center environment, recruiting, HELOC’s, and more. Through my journey, I have been consistent with my work ethic, and putting forth the effort to learn something new so that I can make myself more valuable and add another notch to my mortgage belt. I also have had great people and leaders in my life to guide me in my career. A few are: Michael Cusack at Chicago Title, Ruben Martinez who worked with me at First American Bank, Brian Livingston at Caliber, Tony Thompson who was at PNC and now is the CEO of NAMMBA, Suzy Lindblom, COO here at Planet, and there are many more. These amazing people gave me an opportunity, poured into me, and have taught me valuable lessons and skills that I use in my career and my personal day-to-day. I am thankful for them, and to this day, can pick up the phone and call them when I need them. Relationships like these are priceless! Don’t take that for granted and make sure you keep up with your relationships.
- 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?Focus on their God-given talent. We are all given a special gift or talent that we do better than most people. Sometimes it’s a combination of talents, but find that skill, focus on it, perfect it, and you will see how you shine and rise above all. Male or female. Be true to yourself, and don’t compare yourself with others. Us women can do amazing things, like give birth, hello!!!! But somehow, we tend to lose that, or feel that we are not worthy of it because we have a home or children to take care of. Planet Home Lending’s leadership is run by over 50 percent women, and you should see how kick butt we are together! Lastly, get yourself a mentor and invest in yourself. Us women need to do a better job in taking care of ourselves. Hire a coach, take that course, read that book, or even go get that massage. But we need to start putting us first so that we can keep advocating, growing, and inspiring other women.
- What is your “why”? What drives everything you do? Think of Simon Sinek: My faith. My faith in God is what drives me. I know that is not supposed to be talked about in corporate America, or our industry, but it’s my truth. I am currently reading this book. It was gifted to me by our CMO, Jim McDonald. My family also drives me, especially my Grandma. I had the most wonderful, amazing Grandmother anyone could have. The environment I grew up in was challenging, but even in the midst of it, she gave me peace, and I always knew how loved I was, that I mattered, and that, with God, all things are possible. I grew up to be just like her. I want to share that with people and with our industry. I don’t care what obstacles are in front of you; you can overcome them! I am proof and a walking testimony to that.
- Anything else you want to add that will help people learn more about you and what makes you amazing!!! I absolutely love our mortgage industry. I am grateful to Planet Home Lending for my new role, and the opportunity to grow our organization, our culture, and help people along the way. I am passionate about introducing new folks into our amazing mortgage industry. I will continue to work on being an ambassador for women, still being authentic and real! And continue to have that on the street viewpoint. Oh, and I love tacos! Know that my tacos videos are not going away. In fact, I am going bigger and better come 2021!
- What is your favorite inspirational quote? “When you know better you do better”.
