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Elizabeth Mix was born in Germany while her father served in the military. Her childhood was spent moving across several states, which she says made her feel like she was “raised everywhere.” With three siblings and a close-knit family, those frequent relocations taught her adaptability and confidence.
“I had to make new friends and adjust to new environments regularly,” she explains. “It taught me to try new things with less fear than many of my peers.”
Elizabeth says as a teenager, she worked a lot of retail jobs and that made her realize that those were not the jobs for her. After joining a temp agency, she accepted a position as a receptionist at a mortgage company. That opportunity sparked her passion for the mortgage industry and set her on a career path.
She and her husband and their Bernadoodle, Remy, live in St. John, Indiana.
Elizabeth is the Vice President of Warehouse Lending at Western Alliance Bank. She has also achieved her Paralegal Certification from Duke University and her Certified Mortgage Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association during her tenure at the bank, accomplishments of which she is very proud.
I found the industry by accident. I was tired of retail jobs and signed up with a temp agency who sent me on a job as a receptionist at a mortgage company. After a few weeks, the company asked me if I’d like to stay on and I happily agreed.
I was taught the basics of loan processing, and when the head underwriter moved on to another organization, she asked if I’d come with her. I did take that offer and learned the underwriting and closing parts of the industry. I’m forever grateful she saw my potential and took me under her wing.
I spent 12 years working for IMBs before moving to the banking side of the business where I am now.
What does being a trailblazer mean to you?
Taking risks, forging your own path, and, hopefully, empowering and inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.
I grew up in a low-income household, which meant that, if I wanted something badly enough, I had to work to earn the money for it. I left home and moved across the country at 19 because I was determined not to be caught in a cycle of dead-end jobs.
I learned to look after myself first and made my share of mistakes. But I kept going, pushing forward, and refusing to compromise on the things I value. I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
I’m very grateful for everything the mortgage industry has given to me, and now I’m committed to giving back by supporting others.
I have the privilege of serving as a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel and, this year, I taught my first School of Mortgage Banking class for the MBA. Both of those endeavors have given me the chance to contribute to the careers of the up-and-coming women in our industry. I do enjoy mentoring and sharing my knowledge and experience to help others achieve their goals.
For women in general, I have seen real progress. More women are stepping up and speaking out, pursuing roles traditionally held by men — and being chosen for them. As a woman in a leadership role, it is satisfying to see that women are being taken seriously in their bid for equal representation in the upper administration positions.
My professional superpower is tenacity. I don’t quit. If things get hard, I push back harder and find a way to get things done. Even if I’m fearful of the outcome, I don’t back away from the challenge.
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought. That is not quitting but retiring from the battlefield with the ability to fight another day.
Growing up as I did, taught me about balancing my needs and the needs of the people I serve in my profession. I learned to work hard and not give up, but also how and when to move on. Life experience and my years in the industry have given me the perspective and wisdom to choose well.
I’ve had several, but the most impactful was moving from an IMB to a bank. That shift changed how I viewed the industry and opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise — like earning my paralegal certification. After 24 years in operations, I made a shift to sales, a change I swore I’d never make, but I am so glad I did. My first year in, my boss encouraged me to apply for the MBA Future Leaders Program. Not only was I able to gain new skills in leadership, but I made connections on a personal and business level that I have found invaluable. Being successful in sales is heavily predicated on building and maintaining networks. Joining the program allowed me to expand my personal and professional network..
I have also had the honor of being a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel for the last two years. That has also expanded my network of connections and allowed me to contribute to the changes shaping our ever-changing industry, which is both fascinating and deeply satisfying.
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought.
Learn to speak up for yourself. No one will advocate for you as well as you can. Don’t hesitate to ask for that raise or promotion when you know you’ve earned it. Go into the meeting prepared with a list of your accomplishments and reasons why you deserve it. It’s not about ego; it’s about ensuring your contributions are recognized. Making that request isn’t easy, but it is the only way to ensure you are given the opportunities you want and need to move forward.
For me, success is a feeling. It is being happy, grateful for all that I have, and looking forward to all the adventures ahead.
I don’t crave material things (although I wouldn’t sneeze at a Chanel handbag!), but it is the experiences and connections that life brings that make me feel I have succeeded and continue to do so as my life unfolds.
I am a scuba diver, I love riding my motorcycle, and traveling around the world. I am also a devoted dog mom to my very spoiled three-year-old Bernadoodle, Remy.
Keep your mind and options always open. If you are flexible and ready to pivot, you can grab opportunities that arise without having to hesitate. Always be learning and willing to learn something new. There’s nothing wrong in saying you don’t know something and asking for more information.
Holding on to outdated or irrelevant ways of doing something will slow you down and you’ll possibly get stuck. Taking a leap of faith and having confidence in yourself to shift direction will take you further.
I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
Absolutely. Mentors come in all different forms and it may not always be another woman you look to for guidance. It may not even be someone older than yourself or even in the mortgage industry.
Be open and find someone you trust to tell you the truth when you ask for advice.
What do you want to be remembered for in our industry?
I want to be remembered as a good partner and friend — someone who mentored, taught, and supported others as they navigated their careers. That’s the most important contribution I can make to ensure the industry thrives with talented, well-prepared leaders.
Learning to speak up comes with age and maturity. One of the hardest things to do is advocate for yourself. It feels counterintuitive sometimes, so we tend to downplay our ideas and accomplishments.
It can be incredibly intimidating to speak up in a big meeting for the first time, or to hold a dissenting opinion in a group of co-workers. It takes confidence and preparation to be the one voice that changes the conversation.
When you are the one scheduling the meeting, remember that it is YOUR meeting. You have set the agenda and if you arrive fully prepared you can proceed without the worry that the conversation may get hijacked and spin off topic.
It is critically important to take emotion out of the equation and focus on the conversation. It can be easy to get frustrated or upset if there is pushback on your agenda or ideas, but if you come prepared and ready to answer questions and defend your position with facts and solid information, you should feel good about making your opinion known and allowing it to be discussed openly and with an eye to finding the best solution to an issue.
My favorite book that I would recommend is Worthy, by Jamie Kern Lima. I literally could not put it down. The book posits that it is not just about being worthy, but about truly believing in yourself and letting go of old things in life that simply do not serve you well.
The podcast I like to listen to is Joe Rogan. I appreciate that he speaks to a whole host of different people no matter their politics, religion, or other beliefs. I usually feel as if I have learned something new whether I agree with it or not and it is often delivered with a good dose of humor, so it is entertaining as well.
It is not enough for women to just speak up for themselves — we need to speak up for each other.
When we support and lift each other up, we become stronger. It is often the case that women are passed over for leadership roles when, in fact, they have been overlooked.
Making it clear to managers and senior leaders that we are not only interested in a higher position, but ready to put in the work to get there, is the first step to avoiding a situation where the role goes to another simply because we didn’t step forward. Waiting for someone to notice your contributions is ineffective and may cost you opportunities. When you speak up, you are signaling interest and confidence.
If you are willing to step forward and ask for consideration even if you think they have already chosen someone else, you are still making the point that you are interested in advancement and believe in your ability to succeed.
I have seen great strides made in the number of women in leadership in our industry, but there is more to do. I believe we are capable of amazing things if we support each other and we must find the courage and confidence to make ourselves visible. If we can do that, we will achieve remarkable things.
Elizabeth Mix was born in Germany while her father served in the military. Her childhood was spent moving across several states, which she says made her feel like she was “raised everywhere.” With three siblings and a close-knit family, those frequent relocations taught her adaptability and confidence.
“I had to make new friends and adjust to new environments regularly,” she explains. “It taught me to try new things with less fear than many of my peers.”
Elizabeth says as a teenager, she worked a lot of retail jobs and that made her realize that those were not the jobs for her. After joining a temp agency, she accepted a position as a receptionist at a mortgage company. That opportunity sparked her passion for the mortgage industry and set her on a career path.
She and her husband and their Bernadoodle, Remy, live in St. John, Indiana.
Elizabeth is the Vice President of Warehouse Lending at Western Alliance Bank. She has also achieved her Paralegal Certification from Duke University and her Certified Mortgage Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association during her tenure at the bank, accomplishments of which she is very proud.
I found the industry by accident. I was tired of retail jobs and signed up with a temp agency who sent me on a job as a receptionist at a mortgage company. After a few weeks, the company asked me if I’d like to stay on and I happily agreed.
I was taught the basics of loan processing, and when the head underwriter moved on to another organization, she asked if I’d come with her. I did take that offer and learned the underwriting and closing parts of the industry. I’m forever grateful she saw my potential and took me under her wing.
I spent 12 years working for IMBs before moving to the banking side of the business where I am now.
What does being a trailblazer mean to you?
Taking risks, forging your own path, and, hopefully, empowering and inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.
I grew up in a low-income household, which meant that, if I wanted something badly enough, I had to work to earn the money for it. I left home and moved across the country at 19 because I was determined not to be caught in a cycle of dead-end jobs.
I learned to look after myself first and made my share of mistakes. But I kept going, pushing forward, and refusing to compromise on the things I value. I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
I’m very grateful for everything the mortgage industry has given to me, and now I’m committed to giving back by supporting others.
I have the privilege of serving as a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel and, this year, I taught my first School of Mortgage Banking class for the MBA. Both of those endeavors have given me the chance to contribute to the careers of the up-and-coming women in our industry. I do enjoy mentoring and sharing my knowledge and experience to help others achieve their goals.
For women in general, I have seen real progress. More women are stepping up and speaking out, pursuing roles traditionally held by men — and being chosen for them. As a woman in a leadership role, it is satisfying to see that women are being taken seriously in their bid for equal representation in the upper administration positions.
My professional superpower is tenacity. I don’t quit. If things get hard, I push back harder and find a way to get things done. Even if I’m fearful of the outcome, I don’t back away from the challenge.
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought. That is not quitting but retiring from the battlefield with the ability to fight another day.
Growing up as I did, taught me about balancing my needs and the needs of the people I serve in my profession. I learned to work hard and not give up, but also how and when to move on. Life experience and my years in the industry have given me the perspective and wisdom to choose well.
I’ve had several, but the most impactful was moving from an IMB to a bank. That shift changed how I viewed the industry and opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise — like earning my paralegal certification. After 24 years in operations, I made a shift to sales, a change I swore I’d never make, but I am so glad I did. My first year in, my boss encouraged me to apply for the MBA Future Leaders Program. Not only was I able to gain new skills in leadership, but I made connections on a personal and business level that I have found invaluable. Being successful in sales is heavily predicated on building and maintaining networks. Joining the program allowed me to expand my personal and professional network..
I have also had the honor of being a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel for the last two years. That has also expanded my network of connections and allowed me to contribute to the changes shaping our ever-changing industry, which is both fascinating and deeply satisfying.
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought.
Learn to speak up for yourself. No one will advocate for you as well as you can. Don’t hesitate to ask for that raise or promotion when you know you’ve earned it. Go into the meeting prepared with a list of your accomplishments and reasons why you deserve it. It’s not about ego; it’s about ensuring your contributions are recognized. Making that request isn’t easy, but it is the only way to ensure you are given the opportunities you want and need to move forward.
For me, success is a feeling. It is being happy, grateful for all that I have, and looking forward to all the adventures ahead.
I don’t crave material things (although I wouldn’t sneeze at a Chanel handbag!), but it is the experiences and connections that life brings that make me feel I have succeeded and continue to do so as my life unfolds.
I am a scuba diver, I love riding my motorcycle, and traveling around the world. I am also a devoted dog mom to my very spoiled three-year-old Bernadoodle, Remy.
Keep your mind and options always open. If you are flexible and ready to pivot, you can grab opportunities that arise without having to hesitate. Always be learning and willing to learn something new. There’s nothing wrong in saying you don’t know something and asking for more information.
Holding on to outdated or irrelevant ways of doing something will slow you down and you’ll possibly get stuck. Taking a leap of faith and having confidence in yourself to shift direction will take you further.
I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
Absolutely. Mentors come in all different forms and it may not always be another woman you look to for guidance. It may not even be someone older than yourself or even in the mortgage industry.
Be open and find someone you trust to tell you the truth when you ask for advice.
What do you want to be remembered for in our industry?
I want to be remembered as a good partner and friend — someone who mentored, taught, and supported others as they navigated their careers. That’s the most important contribution I can make to ensure the industry thrives with talented, well-prepared leaders.
Learning to speak up comes with age and maturity. One of the hardest things to do is advocate for yourself. It feels counterintuitive sometimes, so we tend to downplay our ideas and accomplishments.
It can be incredibly intimidating to speak up in a big meeting for the first time, or to hold a dissenting opinion in a group of co-workers. It takes confidence and preparation to be the one voice that changes the conversation.
When you are the one scheduling the meeting, remember that it is YOUR meeting. You have set the agenda and if you arrive fully prepared you can proceed without the worry that the conversation may get hijacked and spin off topic.
It is critically important to take emotion out of the equation and focus on the conversation. It can be easy to get frustrated or upset if there is pushback on your agenda or ideas, but if you come prepared and ready to answer questions and defend your position with facts and solid information, you should feel good about making your opinion known and allowing it to be discussed openly and with an eye to finding the best solution to an issue.
My favorite book that I would recommend is Worthy, by Jamie Kern Lima. I literally could not put it down. The book posits that it is not just about being worthy, but about truly believing in yourself and letting go of old things in life that simply do not serve you well.
The podcast I like to listen to is Joe Rogan. I appreciate that he speaks to a whole host of different people no matter their politics, religion, or other beliefs. I usually feel as if I have learned something new whether I agree with it or not and it is often delivered with a good dose of humor, so it is entertaining as well.
It is not enough for women to just speak up for themselves — we need to speak up for each other.
When we support and lift each other up, we become stronger. It is often the case that women are passed over for leadership roles when, in fact, they have been overlooked.
Making it clear to managers and senior leaders that we are not only interested in a higher position, but ready to put in the work to get there, is the first step to avoiding a situation where the role goes to another simply because we didn’t step forward. Waiting for someone to notice your contributions is ineffective and may cost you opportunities. When you speak up, you are signaling interest and confidence.
If you are willing to step forward and ask for consideration even if you think they have already chosen someone else, you are still making the point that you are interested in advancement and believe in your ability to succeed.
I have seen great strides made in the number of women in leadership in our industry, but there is more to do. I believe we are capable of amazing things if we support each other and we must find the courage and confidence to make ourselves visible. If we can do that, we will achieve remarkable things.
Elizabeth Mix was born in Germany while her father served in the military. Her childhood was spent moving across several states, which she says made her feel like she was “raised everywhere.” With three siblings and a close-knit family, those frequent relocations taught her adaptability and confidence.
“I had to make new friends and adjust to new environments regularly,” she explains. “It taught me to try new things with less fear than many of my peers.”
Elizabeth says as a teenager, she worked a lot of retail jobs and that made her realize that those were not the jobs for her. After joining a temp agency, she accepted a position as a receptionist at a mortgage company. That opportunity sparked her passion for the mortgage industry and set her on a career path.
She and her husband and their Bernadoodle, Remy, live in St. John, Indiana.
Elizabeth is the Vice President of Warehouse Lending at Western Alliance Bank. She has also achieved her Paralegal Certification from Duke University and her Certified Mortgage Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association during her tenure at the bank, accomplishments of which she is very proud.
I found the industry by accident. I was tired of retail jobs and signed up with a temp agency who sent me on a job as a receptionist at a mortgage company. After a few weeks, the company asked me if I’d like to stay on and I happily agreed.
I was taught the basics of loan processing, and when the head underwriter moved on to another organization, she asked if I’d come with her. I did take that offer and learned the underwriting and closing parts of the industry. I’m forever grateful she saw my potential and took me under her wing.
I spent 12 years working for IMBs before moving to the banking side of the business where I am now.
What does being a trailblazer mean to you?
Taking risks, forging your own path, and, hopefully, empowering and inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.
I grew up in a low-income household, which meant that, if I wanted something badly enough, I had to work to earn the money for it. I left home and moved across the country at 19 because I was determined not to be caught in a cycle of dead-end jobs.
I learned to look after myself first and made my share of mistakes. But I kept going, pushing forward, and refusing to compromise on the things I value. I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
I’m very grateful for everything the mortgage industry has given to me, and now I’m committed to giving back by supporting others.
I have the privilege of serving as a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel and, this year, I taught my first School of Mortgage Banking class for the MBA. Both of those endeavors have given me the chance to contribute to the careers of the up-and-coming women in our industry. I do enjoy mentoring and sharing my knowledge and experience to help others achieve their goals.
For women in general, I have seen real progress. More women are stepping up and speaking out, pursuing roles traditionally held by men — and being chosen for them. As a woman in a leadership role, it is satisfying to see that women are being taken seriously in their bid for equal representation in the upper administration positions.
My professional superpower is tenacity. I don’t quit. If things get hard, I push back harder and find a way to get things done. Even if I’m fearful of the outcome, I don’t back away from the challenge.
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought. That is not quitting but retiring from the battlefield with the ability to fight another day.
Growing up as I did, taught me about balancing my needs and the needs of the people I serve in my profession. I learned to work hard and not give up, but also how and when to move on. Life experience and my years in the industry have given me the perspective and wisdom to choose well.
I’ve had several, but the most impactful was moving from an IMB to a bank. That shift changed how I viewed the industry and opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise — like earning my paralegal certification. After 24 years in operations, I made a shift to sales, a change I swore I’d never make, but I am so glad I did. My first year in, my boss encouraged me to apply for the MBA Future Leaders Program. Not only was I able to gain new skills in leadership, but I made connections on a personal and business level that I have found invaluable. Being successful in sales is heavily predicated on building and maintaining networks. Joining the program allowed me to expand my personal and professional network..
I have also had the honor of being a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel for the last two years. That has also expanded my network of connections and allowed me to contribute to the changes shaping our ever-changing industry, which is both fascinating and deeply satisfying.
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought.
Learn to speak up for yourself. No one will advocate for you as well as you can. Don’t hesitate to ask for that raise or promotion when you know you’ve earned it. Go into the meeting prepared with a list of your accomplishments and reasons why you deserve it. It’s not about ego; it’s about ensuring your contributions are recognized. Making that request isn’t easy, but it is the only way to ensure you are given the opportunities you want and need to move forward.
For me, success is a feeling. It is being happy, grateful for all that I have, and looking forward to all the adventures ahead.
I don’t crave material things (although I wouldn’t sneeze at a Chanel handbag!), but it is the experiences and connections that life brings that make me feel I have succeeded and continue to do so as my life unfolds.
I am a scuba diver, I love riding my motorcycle, and traveling around the world. I am also a devoted dog mom to my very spoiled three-year-old Bernadoodle, Remy.
Keep your mind and options always open. If you are flexible and ready to pivot, you can grab opportunities that arise without having to hesitate. Always be learning and willing to learn something new. There’s nothing wrong in saying you don’t know something and asking for more information.
Holding on to outdated or irrelevant ways of doing something will slow you down and you’ll possibly get stuck. Taking a leap of faith and having confidence in yourself to shift direction will take you further.
I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
Absolutely. Mentors come in all different forms and it may not always be another woman you look to for guidance. It may not even be someone older than yourself or even in the mortgage industry.
Be open and find someone you trust to tell you the truth when you ask for advice.
What do you want to be remembered for in our industry?
I want to be remembered as a good partner and friend — someone who mentored, taught, and supported others as they navigated their careers. That’s the most important contribution I can make to ensure the industry thrives with talented, well-prepared leaders.
Learning to speak up comes with age and maturity. One of the hardest things to do is advocate for yourself. It feels counterintuitive sometimes, so we tend to downplay our ideas and accomplishments.
It can be incredibly intimidating to speak up in a big meeting for the first time, or to hold a dissenting opinion in a group of co-workers. It takes confidence and preparation to be the one voice that changes the conversation.
When you are the one scheduling the meeting, remember that it is YOUR meeting. You have set the agenda and if you arrive fully prepared you can proceed without the worry that the conversation may get hijacked and spin off topic.
It is critically important to take emotion out of the equation and focus on the conversation. It can be easy to get frustrated or upset if there is pushback on your agenda or ideas, but if you come prepared and ready to answer questions and defend your position with facts and solid information, you should feel good about making your opinion known and allowing it to be discussed openly and with an eye to finding the best solution to an issue.
My favorite book that I would recommend is Worthy, by Jamie Kern Lima. I literally could not put it down. The book posits that it is not just about being worthy, but about truly believing in yourself and letting go of old things in life that simply do not serve you well.
The podcast I like to listen to is Joe Rogan. I appreciate that he speaks to a whole host of different people no matter their politics, religion, or other beliefs. I usually feel as if I have learned something new whether I agree with it or not and it is often delivered with a good dose of humor, so it is entertaining as well.
It is not enough for women to just speak up for themselves — we need to speak up for each other.
When we support and lift each other up, we become stronger. It is often the case that women are passed over for leadership roles when, in fact, they have been overlooked.
Making it clear to managers and senior leaders that we are not only interested in a higher position, but ready to put in the work to get there, is the first step to avoiding a situation where the role goes to another simply because we didn’t step forward. Waiting for someone to notice your contributions is ineffective and may cost you opportunities. When you speak up, you are signaling interest and confidence.
If you are willing to step forward and ask for consideration even if you think they have already chosen someone else, you are still making the point that you are interested in advancement and believe in your ability to succeed.
I have seen great strides made in the number of women in leadership in our industry, but there is more to do. I believe we are capable of amazing things if we support each other and we must find the courage and confidence to make ourselves visible. If we can do that, we will achieve remarkable things.
Elizabeth Mix was born in Germany while her father served in the military. Her childhood was spent moving across several states, which she says made her feel like she was “raised everywhere.” With three siblings and a close-knit family, those frequent relocations taught her adaptability and confidence.
“I had to make new friends and adjust to new environments regularly,” she explains. “It taught me to try new things with less fear than many of my peers.”
Elizabeth says as a teenager, she worked a lot of retail jobs and that made her realize that those were not the jobs for her. After joining a temp agency, she accepted a position as a receptionist at a mortgage company. That opportunity sparked her passion for the mortgage industry and set her on a career path.
She and her husband and their Bernadoodle, Remy, live in St. John, Indiana.
Elizabeth is the Vice President of Warehouse Lending at Western Alliance Bank. She has also achieved her Paralegal Certification from Duke University and her Certified Mortgage Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association during her tenure at the bank, accomplishments of which she is very proud.
I found the industry by accident. I was tired of retail jobs and signed up with a temp agency who sent me on a job as a receptionist at a mortgage company. After a few weeks, the company asked me if I’d like to stay on and I happily agreed.
I was taught the basics of loan processing, and when the head underwriter moved on to another organization, she asked if I’d come with her. I did take that offer and learned the underwriting and closing parts of the industry. I’m forever grateful she saw my potential and took me under her wing.
I spent 12 years working for IMBs before moving to the banking side of the business where I am now.
What does being a trailblazer mean to you?
Taking risks, forging your own path, and, hopefully, empowering and inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.
I grew up in a low-income household, which meant that, if I wanted something badly enough, I had to work to earn the money for it. I left home and moved across the country at 19 because I was determined not to be caught in a cycle of dead-end jobs.
I learned to look after myself first and made my share of mistakes. But I kept going, pushing forward, and refusing to compromise on the things I value. I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
I’m very grateful for everything the mortgage industry has given to me, and now I’m committed to giving back by supporting others.
I have the privilege of serving as a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel and, this year, I taught my first School of Mortgage Banking class for the MBA. Both of those endeavors have given me the chance to contribute to the careers of the up-and-coming women in our industry. I do enjoy mentoring and sharing my knowledge and experience to help others achieve their goals.
For women in general, I have seen real progress. More women are stepping up and speaking out, pursuing roles traditionally held by men — and being chosen for them. As a woman in a leadership role, it is satisfying to see that women are being taken seriously in their bid for equal representation in the upper administration positions.
My professional superpower is tenacity. I don’t quit. If things get hard, I push back harder and find a way to get things done. Even if I’m fearful of the outcome, I don’t back away from the challenge.
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought. That is not quitting but retiring from the battlefield with the ability to fight another day.
Growing up as I did, taught me about balancing my needs and the needs of the people I serve in my profession. I learned to work hard and not give up, but also how and when to move on. Life experience and my years in the industry have given me the perspective and wisdom to choose well.
I’ve had several, but the most impactful was moving from an IMB to a bank. That shift changed how I viewed the industry and opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise — like earning my paralegal certification. After 24 years in operations, I made a shift to sales, a change I swore I’d never make, but I am so glad I did. My first year in, my boss encouraged me to apply for the MBA Future Leaders Program. Not only was I able to gain new skills in leadership, but I made connections on a personal and business level that I have found invaluable. Being successful in sales is heavily predicated on building and maintaining networks. Joining the program allowed me to expand my personal and professional network..
I have also had the honor of being a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel for the last two years. That has also expanded my network of connections and allowed me to contribute to the changes shaping our ever-changing industry, which is both fascinating and deeply satisfying.
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought.
Learn to speak up for yourself. No one will advocate for you as well as you can. Don’t hesitate to ask for that raise or promotion when you know you’ve earned it. Go into the meeting prepared with a list of your accomplishments and reasons why you deserve it. It’s not about ego; it’s about ensuring your contributions are recognized. Making that request isn’t easy, but it is the only way to ensure you are given the opportunities you want and need to move forward.
For me, success is a feeling. It is being happy, grateful for all that I have, and looking forward to all the adventures ahead.
I don’t crave material things (although I wouldn’t sneeze at a Chanel handbag!), but it is the experiences and connections that life brings that make me feel I have succeeded and continue to do so as my life unfolds.
I am a scuba diver, I love riding my motorcycle, and traveling around the world. I am also a devoted dog mom to my very spoiled three-year-old Bernadoodle, Remy.
Keep your mind and options always open. If you are flexible and ready to pivot, you can grab opportunities that arise without having to hesitate. Always be learning and willing to learn something new. There’s nothing wrong in saying you don’t know something and asking for more information.
Holding on to outdated or irrelevant ways of doing something will slow you down and you’ll possibly get stuck. Taking a leap of faith and having confidence in yourself to shift direction will take you further.
I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
Absolutely. Mentors come in all different forms and it may not always be another woman you look to for guidance. It may not even be someone older than yourself or even in the mortgage industry.
Be open and find someone you trust to tell you the truth when you ask for advice.
What do you want to be remembered for in our industry?
I want to be remembered as a good partner and friend — someone who mentored, taught, and supported others as they navigated their careers. That’s the most important contribution I can make to ensure the industry thrives with talented, well-prepared leaders.
Learning to speak up comes with age and maturity. One of the hardest things to do is advocate for yourself. It feels counterintuitive sometimes, so we tend to downplay our ideas and accomplishments.
It can be incredibly intimidating to speak up in a big meeting for the first time, or to hold a dissenting opinion in a group of co-workers. It takes confidence and preparation to be the one voice that changes the conversation.
When you are the one scheduling the meeting, remember that it is YOUR meeting. You have set the agenda and if you arrive fully prepared you can proceed without the worry that the conversation may get hijacked and spin off topic.
It is critically important to take emotion out of the equation and focus on the conversation. It can be easy to get frustrated or upset if there is pushback on your agenda or ideas, but if you come prepared and ready to answer questions and defend your position with facts and solid information, you should feel good about making your opinion known and allowing it to be discussed openly and with an eye to finding the best solution to an issue.
My favorite book that I would recommend is Worthy, by Jamie Kern Lima. I literally could not put it down. The book posits that it is not just about being worthy, but about truly believing in yourself and letting go of old things in life that simply do not serve you well.
The podcast I like to listen to is Joe Rogan. I appreciate that he speaks to a whole host of different people no matter their politics, religion, or other beliefs. I usually feel as if I have learned something new whether I agree with it or not and it is often delivered with a good dose of humor, so it is entertaining as well.
It is not enough for women to just speak up for themselves — we need to speak up for each other.
When we support and lift each other up, we become stronger. It is often the case that women are passed over for leadership roles when, in fact, they have been overlooked.
Making it clear to managers and senior leaders that we are not only interested in a higher position, but ready to put in the work to get there, is the first step to avoiding a situation where the role goes to another simply because we didn’t step forward. Waiting for someone to notice your contributions is ineffective and may cost you opportunities. When you speak up, you are signaling interest and confidence.
If you are willing to step forward and ask for consideration even if you think they have already chosen someone else, you are still making the point that you are interested in advancement and believe in your ability to succeed.
I have seen great strides made in the number of women in leadership in our industry, but there is more to do. I believe we are capable of amazing things if we support each other and we must find the courage and confidence to make ourselves visible. If we can do that, we will achieve remarkable things.
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MaxClass is a woman-owned company, and we're offering MWLC members 65% off your continuing education when you use our code WOMENWIN.
MaxClass is a woman-owned company, and we're offering MWLC members 65% off your continuing education. Become a member for our unique code.
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MaxClass is a woman-owned company, and we're offering MWLC members 65% off your continuing education when you use our code WOMENWIN.
MaxClass is a woman-owned company, and we're offering MWLC members 65% off your continuing education. Become a member for our unique code.
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