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Women were making moves long before those moves came with executive titles. They cultivated land, produced goods, managed resources, and raised generations. Their work sustained communities. Too often, the telling of history has made that leadership seem smaller than it was. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite you to recognize women expanding access to homeownership, building the businesses that finance it, and leading the institutions behind it. For me, three women in particular stand out — women whose careers, leadership, and impact have personally inspired me: Patty Arvielo, Priscilla Almodovar, and Nora Aguirre.
Patty Arvielo knows the mortgage business from the ground up.
Her experience includes processing and underwriting, work that requires understanding both the borrower and the risk. In 2003, she cofounded New American Funding with her husband, Rick. Arvielo’s career offers a lesson worth passing down: master your craft so well that you can help shape its future.
Priscilla Almodovar brought decades of experience in finance, real estate, and community development.
She became Fannie Mae's CEO in 2022. Almodovar’s rise to one of the highest levels of leadership in housing finance is an achievement in its own right, while also creating a powerful example for women building careers in banking and mortgage. Priscilla’s career encourages other women in mortgage to recognize the value of their experience, continue strengthening their skills, and confidently put themselves forward for bigger opportunities and leadership roles — without leaving their culture or identity behind.
Nora Aguirre’s story began close to home.
Growing up, she helped her parents navigate a home purchase as their translator. A mentor recognized her ability and encouraged her toward real estate. According to the Hispanic Wealth Project, she has helped more than 3,000 families achieve homeownership. Her path reminds us that making a complicated process understandable is a professional skill. Language can establish a connection; knowledge and follow-through help earn trust. Her story also shows the difference a mentor can make by recognizing someone’s potential and encouraging her to act on it.
Together, Patty, Priscilla, and Nora show that professional success doesn’t require leaving your roots behind; they can be part of what carries you forward.
Through different career paths and origin stories all three have expanded what leadership in housing and finance can look like. Their achievements invite us to consider how we use our influence: treating people fairly, speaking up when someone is mistreated, and building for lasting stability. Through mentorship, experienced professionals help other women develop their skills and pursue leadership. As we honor these women, we also recognize the many whose contributions have yet to receive the same attention — and encourage you to carry their lessons forward through your own actions.
Mujer, your work matters. Keep learning. Bring your roots with you, and lean on your community. You do not have to build alone.
Women were making moves long before those moves came with executive titles. They cultivated land, produced goods, managed resources, and raised generations. Their work sustained communities. Too often, the telling of history has made that leadership seem smaller than it was. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite you to recognize women expanding access to homeownership, building the businesses that finance it, and leading the institutions behind it. For me, three women in particular stand out — women whose careers, leadership, and impact have personally inspired me: Patty Arvielo, Priscilla Almodovar, and Nora Aguirre.
Patty Arvielo knows the mortgage business from the ground up.
Her experience includes processing and underwriting, work that requires understanding both the borrower and the risk. In 2003, she cofounded New American Funding with her husband, Rick. Arvielo’s career offers a lesson worth passing down: master your craft so well that you can help shape its future.
Priscilla Almodovar brought decades of experience in finance, real estate, and community development.
She became Fannie Mae's CEO in 2022. Almodovar’s rise to one of the highest levels of leadership in housing finance is an achievement in its own right, while also creating a powerful example for women building careers in banking and mortgage. Priscilla’s career encourages other women in mortgage to recognize the value of their experience, continue strengthening their skills, and confidently put themselves forward for bigger opportunities and leadership roles — without leaving their culture or identity behind.
Nora Aguirre’s story began close to home.
Growing up, she helped her parents navigate a home purchase as their translator. A mentor recognized her ability and encouraged her toward real estate. According to the Hispanic Wealth Project, she has helped more than 3,000 families achieve homeownership. Her path reminds us that making a complicated process understandable is a professional skill. Language can establish a connection; knowledge and follow-through help earn trust. Her story also shows the difference a mentor can make by recognizing someone’s potential and encouraging her to act on it.
Together, Patty, Priscilla, and Nora show that professional success doesn’t require leaving your roots behind; they can be part of what carries you forward.
Through different career paths and origin stories all three have expanded what leadership in housing and finance can look like. Their achievements invite us to consider how we use our influence: treating people fairly, speaking up when someone is mistreated, and building for lasting stability. Through mentorship, experienced professionals help other women develop their skills and pursue leadership. As we honor these women, we also recognize the many whose contributions have yet to receive the same attention — and encourage you to carry their lessons forward through your own actions.
Mujer, your work matters. Keep learning. Bring your roots with you, and lean on your community. You do not have to build alone.
Women were making moves long before those moves came with executive titles. They cultivated land, produced goods, managed resources, and raised generations. Their work sustained communities. Too often, the telling of history has made that leadership seem smaller than it was. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite you to recognize women expanding access to homeownership, building the businesses that finance it, and leading the institutions behind it. For me, three women in particular stand out — women whose careers, leadership, and impact have personally inspired me: Patty Arvielo, Priscilla Almodovar, and Nora Aguirre.
Patty Arvielo knows the mortgage business from the ground up.
Her experience includes processing and underwriting, work that requires understanding both the borrower and the risk. In 2003, she cofounded New American Funding with her husband, Rick. Arvielo’s career offers a lesson worth passing down: master your craft so well that you can help shape its future.
Priscilla Almodovar brought decades of experience in finance, real estate, and community development.
She became Fannie Mae's CEO in 2022. Almodovar’s rise to one of the highest levels of leadership in housing finance is an achievement in its own right, while also creating a powerful example for women building careers in banking and mortgage. Priscilla’s career encourages other women in mortgage to recognize the value of their experience, continue strengthening their skills, and confidently put themselves forward for bigger opportunities and leadership roles — without leaving their culture or identity behind.
Nora Aguirre’s story began close to home.
Growing up, she helped her parents navigate a home purchase as their translator. A mentor recognized her ability and encouraged her toward real estate. According to the Hispanic Wealth Project, she has helped more than 3,000 families achieve homeownership. Her path reminds us that making a complicated process understandable is a professional skill. Language can establish a connection; knowledge and follow-through help earn trust. Her story also shows the difference a mentor can make by recognizing someone’s potential and encouraging her to act on it.
Together, Patty, Priscilla, and Nora show that professional success doesn’t require leaving your roots behind; they can be part of what carries you forward.
Through different career paths and origin stories all three have expanded what leadership in housing and finance can look like. Their achievements invite us to consider how we use our influence: treating people fairly, speaking up when someone is mistreated, and building for lasting stability. Through mentorship, experienced professionals help other women develop their skills and pursue leadership. As we honor these women, we also recognize the many whose contributions have yet to receive the same attention — and encourage you to carry their lessons forward through your own actions.
Mujer, your work matters. Keep learning. Bring your roots with you, and lean on your community. You do not have to build alone.
Women were making moves long before those moves came with executive titles. They cultivated land, produced goods, managed resources, and raised generations. Their work sustained communities. Too often, the telling of history has made that leadership seem smaller than it was. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite you to recognize women expanding access to homeownership, building the businesses that finance it, and leading the institutions behind it. For me, three women in particular stand out — women whose careers, leadership, and impact have personally inspired me: Patty Arvielo, Priscilla Almodovar, and Nora Aguirre.
Patty Arvielo knows the mortgage business from the ground up.
Her experience includes processing and underwriting, work that requires understanding both the borrower and the risk. In 2003, she cofounded New American Funding with her husband, Rick. Arvielo’s career offers a lesson worth passing down: master your craft so well that you can help shape its future.
Priscilla Almodovar brought decades of experience in finance, real estate, and community development.
She became Fannie Mae's CEO in 2022. Almodovar’s rise to one of the highest levels of leadership in housing finance is an achievement in its own right, while also creating a powerful example for women building careers in banking and mortgage. Priscilla’s career encourages other women in mortgage to recognize the value of their experience, continue strengthening their skills, and confidently put themselves forward for bigger opportunities and leadership roles — without leaving their culture or identity behind.
Nora Aguirre’s story began close to home.
Growing up, she helped her parents navigate a home purchase as their translator. A mentor recognized her ability and encouraged her toward real estate. According to the Hispanic Wealth Project, she has helped more than 3,000 families achieve homeownership. Her path reminds us that making a complicated process understandable is a professional skill. Language can establish a connection; knowledge and follow-through help earn trust. Her story also shows the difference a mentor can make by recognizing someone’s potential and encouraging her to act on it.
Together, Patty, Priscilla, and Nora show that professional success doesn’t require leaving your roots behind; they can be part of what carries you forward.
Through different career paths and origin stories all three have expanded what leadership in housing and finance can look like. Their achievements invite us to consider how we use our influence: treating people fairly, speaking up when someone is mistreated, and building for lasting stability. Through mentorship, experienced professionals help other women develop their skills and pursue leadership. As we honor these women, we also recognize the many whose contributions have yet to receive the same attention — and encourage you to carry their lessons forward through your own actions.
Mujer, your work matters. Keep learning. Bring your roots with you, and lean on your community. You do not have to build alone.
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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Sometimes, managing it all starts with admitting just how much we’re carrying. This conversation brings women together to talk honestly about the realities of balancing careers, responsibilities, and the people who depend on us.
From Charmed to the mortgage industry
A letter from the editor
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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After an incredible first day at the California Mortgage Expo, mortgage professionals gathered in Irvine for an evening focused on connection, community, and supporting the women shaping the future of the industry.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that for many women, navigating major life stages while balancing demanding careers comes with invisible pressures that workplaces can no longer afford to ignore.
No theory — just the reality of constant change, rising pressure, and leading mortgage operations teams through it.
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MWLC members can use this free content guide for social media ideas.
MWLC Council Members can use this custom GPT to assist in their marketing needs.
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