SHANNON ALEXANDER

Senior Mortgage Loan Consultant

Fairway Independent Mortgage

Belton, Texas

Have you had any great female mentors? What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on?

I have had a few great mentors. One was my coach. She taught me to face my fears and to be bold. She also taught me to “breathe” when anxiety would creep in. I mentor other women in our industry. It is a passion of mine to help women be successful.

Which of your leadership qualities do you think contributed most to your success?

Excellent customer service skills. Attention to detail. Always keeping the needs of my clients first. But my biggest quality would be building relationships.

What is the most important or valuable advice that can offer to women starting their careers in the mortgage industry?

Embrace your uniqueness: Don’t try to fit the mold of what you “think” a mortgage professional should look like or act like. Embrace your unique personality and strengths.

What contributions are you making to the future success of women in the mortgage industry?

I coach and mentor loan officers and mentor real estate professionals. I am always giving advice to women when I can. I am approachable and continue to encourage the women around me.

What are the main problems that women in the industry are facing today and what have you done to address or resolve them?

Work/life balance for women is a huge pain point, as well as mom/wife guilt. It is easy to get overwhelmed and feel guilty that we aren’t doing enough for those that we love. I feel as though my transparency of what I have been through can help other women to understand that they are not alone in what they are facing. I try to share my wins and losses as well as offer advice to women on the things that I have done to help create a better work- life balance.

What significant changes would you like to see in the mortgage industry?

Elimination of trigger leads. Loan officers should be able to have a buyer’s representation for clients, so that the time and effort you put into the clients is not wasted if they decide to flip lenders after months of helping them. All originators should be required to be licensed, to include banks and credit unions. H

CERITA BATTLES

Managing Director, Head of Community and Affordable Lending Chase

Jacksonville, Fla.

What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on?

A mentor once told me, “People are not going to seek out your competencies — you have to find a way to bring your competencies to them.” Before gaining that valuable insight, I would focus on keeping my head down and doing a good job with the hopes of being recognized and/or tapped by a leader for promotional opportunities.

What is the most important or valuable advice that you can offer to women starting their careers?

Respect your small beginnings because leadership doesn’t start at the front — it starts at the back. Every role — no matter the title — provides you with an opportunity to lead. Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it; therefore, we must autograph our work with excellence!

One of my mentors shared this quote that has stuck with me, “you rent your title; you own your character.” Leadership starts with character. Character is not built or created in a week – it’s learned and developed over time and it’s purposeful and built on a foundation of love, honesty, compassion and respect for others. Character matters! We bring our best selves to work everyday and it’s a choice. I choose my character.

I have learned that you have to leverage every opportunity to promote your work and your worth. I have passed this wisdom down to those I now mentor. When you sit at the table, have something on your plate that adds value to the meeting, share your perspective, be courageous in your conversations, and be a part of the solution.

What contributions are you making to the future success of women in the mortgage industry?

My goal is to stress the importance of authenticity. I am who I am, and my goal is to leverage my existing platform to edify, motivate and inspire all women to do what they never thought they could. I aim to build up women, particularly those who look like me, and empower them to soar!

There’s a level of faith that is necessary to see beyond what’s right in front of you and see yourself winning! You can’t be afraid of failure because when there’s no struggle – there’s never any progress. Therefore, be courageous and give them an experience! H

MEG BENNETT VP Strategic Partnerships Insellerate

Atlanta

Have you had any great female mentors? What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on?

Many talented women and men have helped me succeed. Mentoring and being a mentee are extremely important to personal and professional growth. If you’re open to learning, both individuals can grow from the relationship.

Which of your leadership qualities do you think contributed most to your success?

Willingness to work with other women and support my partners helping them be the best that they can be.

What is the most important or valuable advice that can offer to women starting their careers in the mortgage industry?

Dive deep, don’t give up and never be afraid to voice your opinion.

What contributions are you making to the future success of women in the mortgage industry?

Currently involved with MBA’s mPact. I offer my time to any new young professionals, women or men. I help them understand the different MBA courses they can take to learn more and encourage them to get involved in their local MBA chapter. Ultimately, making sure they know they’re the future of the industry and be the change.

What are the main problems that women in the industry are facing today and what have you done to address or resolve them?

Women supporting women vs women feeling threatened by other women. Accepting that there is room at the table for all of us will help resolve this. I try my best to help those willing to learn by mentoring and helping other queens get their crowns!

What significant changes would you like to see in the mortgage industry?

Stronger push for innovative minds to push our industry forward, allowing for higher adoption in technology and affordable housing. H

BLAKE BOYER Senior Marketing Consultant Art Vs. Math Carlsbad, Calif.

Have you had any great female mentors? What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on?

I will never forget the moment Beth came into my life in 2014. I could not wait to learn from her. Right out of the gate, she was welcoming, so kind and smart. She was the type of person that lit up a room. She had the most incredible laugh

What is the most important or valuable advice that can offer to women starting their careers in the mortgage industry?

Never underestimate your worth. You have to be your own No. 1 advocate. Speak up, share your ideas, and don’t be afraid to negotiate for what you deserve.

What contributions are you making to the future success of women in the mortgage industry?

By highlighting the importance of marketing in driving success, I am breaking down barriers and opening doors for women to advance. My vision, creativity, and expertise are paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative industry.

What are the main problems that women in the industry are facing today and what have you done to address or resolve them?

— it was contagious. She provided guidance so gracefully through the most challenging times. She was pure magic, and I cherish the trust and respect we built. I felt that sharing a small bit about our relationship would best convey how strongly I am in support of having a mentor. In 2022, I lost a great friend and mentor to metastatic breast cancer, and I often find myself asking, what would Beth do?

Which of your leadership qualities do you think contributed most to your success?

Grace and humility have been the defining qualities of my leadership style. Grace has taught me to be patient, compassionate and forgiving. Humility has taught me to listen and learn, to be open to new ideas, and to accept my mistakes.

The lack of leadership opportunities for women to advance and earning less than their male counterparts in many cases are at the forefront. Another important issue is that women face the prevalence of hostile work environments.

What significant changes would you like to see in the mortgage industry?

Understanding a borrower’s unique journey is key to a personalized experience. Lenders must prioritize customer service, communication, and transparency to build long-term relationships. H

NELDA F. CALES Regional Manager EVP Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group

New Bern, N.C.

Have you had any great female mentors? What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on?

My biggest mentors have been successful female realtors, builders, and entrepreneurs. They helped me create impact and fostered my success. Not having access to women in leadership throughout the years meant I had to push to self-motivate and advocate for opportunities.

Which of your leadership qualities do you think contributed most to your success?

I am generally calm in the face of worry/unknown or conflict, and it has served me well with teammates and customers. One of my core values is to handle relationships fairly and be open to hearing everyone out before rushing to judgment or taking action.

What is the most important or valuable advice that can offer to women starting their careers in the mortgage industry?

Always make what you do about helping others. Open yourself up to the aggressive pursuit of personal and business growth.

What contributions are you making to the future success of women in the mortgage industry?

I set an example of lifting up other women, even if they are a competitor. I am open with my own focus on personal development. I share books, podcasts, or anything that I think will help strengthen their business or give them a safe outlet to share something they were unsure of.

What are the main problems that women in the industry are facing today and what have you done to address or resolve them?

I remember early in my career working until 8 or 9 p.m. on a regular basis. I loved everything about it except not feeling balanced. And now, 20-plus years later, women in the workplace still struggle to be their best at home, best with their kids and spouses, and, in many cases, they are the breadwinners for their families. I believe it’s my role to help my teammates prioritize their family commitments, and have the confidence to set boundaries.

What significant changes would you like to see in the mortgage industry?

I’d love to see the playing field become more normalized on the value we bring to the client. I’d like the investment of time made with a prospective homeowner and the advice we give to have precedent over price shopping alone. H

STACY CAPRIOLI Chief Appraiser Nationwide Appraisal Network Oldsmar, Fla.

Have you had any great female mentors? What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on?

I grew up with a strong mother who worked a corporate leadership position. She would go to work wearing the suit, come home after making hard decisions, and still make a balance of time for her family. She mentored me to not let anyone stand in my way of a goal. Her advice was not to be the “woman” in the room, just to try to be the most knowledgeable. I continue to mentor my team with similar advice and goals.

What is the most important or valuable advice that can offer to women starting their careers in the mortgage industry?

Educate yourself across all lines of the industry. Find opportunities to expand your knowledge base. Be the person in the room who has the solution.

What contributions are you making to the future success of women in the mortgage industry?

I view the team I work with as the future leaders. It is my job to make sure they are highlighted for their achievements, coached on areas of improvement, and encouraged to keep reaching for their ideal positions.

What are the main problems that women in the industry are facing today and what have you done to address or resolve them?

Which of your leadership qualities do you think contributed most to your success?

First, connecting with individuals and understanding what each person needs to succeed. I repeat to my team often, “I can’t help if I don’t know.” Welcoming honest feedback and encouraging individuals to approach me with what blocks them from success clears out negativity and workflow issues.

As women, we often are faced with pressures to change or adjust items based on the volume of the request. I would encourage any woman to understand the limitations of specific items, have a defendable response, and speak up. My way of bypassing any limitations is to find a seat at the table.

What significant changes would you like to see in the mortgage industry?

The common goal is to help place people in homes, help them refi in hard times, help them pull out equity to cover expenses, and so on. I would like to see more of a unification among the roles that impact those deals. H

VERONICA CASTILLO CEO

Prestige Residential Loans LLC

Beaver, Ore.

Have you had any great female mentors? What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on?

My grandmother served as one of my greatest female mentors. She shared the importance of being authentic, optimistic, patient with others, and persistent with goals. My grandmother shared stories which helped me to resolve complicated situations. I use my personal experiences to mentor in the workplace, and it helps to prevent complicated situations, as well as reducing workrelated stress and anxieties.

Which of your leadership qualities do you think contributed most to your success?

People are attracted to my integrity and transparency with the way I conduct my business. I am great at adapting to the many changes in the industry, and I believe in influencing other people to grow and keep them motivated. When people see a strong, confident, and happy leader, people will follow, regardless of gender.

What is the most important or valuable advice that can offer to women starting their careers in the mortgage industry?

To stay focused and 100% committed. Learn your guidelines and stay updated with the evolving changes on products and requirements, and offer the best quality of service. To be flexible and knowledgeable will set yourself apart. Women need to embrace their strengths such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, empathy, and a stronger ability to multitask. Young women should know that our industry is dynamic and ripe with opportunity.

What contributions are you making to the future success of women in the mortgage industry?

I am a Latina immigrant, a single mother, and an entrepreneur. I use every opportunity I have to encourage and motivate women from similar backgrounds.

What are the main problems that women in the industry are facing today and what have you done to address or resolve them?

The demands from personal and professional commitments can pressure a woman to decide to focus on her business or her family. I empower my female employees who are mothers to work from home remotely. This way they can exercise their careers while they are nursing their children or raising small children.

What significant changes would you like to see in the mortgage industry?

I would like to see continued advancements and equitable distribution of resources in new technologies, which are further capable of unlocking insights that can help underserved borrowers. H

KRISTEN EKLUND Loan Originator

Coast2Coast Mortgage

Cudjoe Key, Fla.

Have you had any great female mentors? What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on?

I have had several. The one that sticks out is my rep from Union Home Mortgage, Sherry Gallitz. She is always positive and is a problem- solver. I appreciate her wisdom and availability. This is what I try to be for my customers. I believe we all have a missing puzzle piece in life. When buying a home, it is my job to find that piece and get the loan closed.

What is the most important or valuable advice that can offer to women starting their careers in the mortgage industry?

Gain as much knowledge as you can and be available for clients. Never give up. I started over at 47 after a 20-year marriage ended, and I moved to Key West, only knowing one person. Two weeks later Hurricane Irma hit. I cried every night, but I pushed through. I wanted to help people after destruction, and that has pushed me to the tops of the industry.

What contributions are you making to the future success of women in the mortgage industry?

I have added three amazing women to my team. I want them to learn the right way, the hard way, so you appreciate the easy times and know how to weather the storms.

Which of your leadership qualities do you think contributed most to your success?

I make myself available to everyone. I like to learn, knowledge is power and the key to getting loans closed. I am very tenacious. I don’t like to let people down. It keeps me driven and focused.

What are the main problems that women in the industry are facing today and what have you done to address or resolve them?

Banking can be a guys’ world. But as we participate in golf, outings, and make our voices heard, we have made a dent in the world of lending. I try to partake in all events in the Florida Keys and on all social media outlets.

What significant changes would you like to see in the mortgage industry?

I want the politician to know the challenges we face along with what needs to be changed and what needs improvement. I want to be a part of progress and success for housing. H