Carlene Graham

Carlene Graham imparts the “single most important” piece of advice she ever received to new lenders and that’s to honor their own instincts.

“You must believe in yourself and believe in you,” she says.

That self-love has propelled her up the ladder of success in the mortgage industry, climbing from loan processor to her current role as CEO.

The most important value to Graham is what defines her as a legend of lending.

“Demonstrating integrity regularly means building honesty into your everyday routine,” she says. “Living the value of integrity requires holding yourself accountable, accepting responsibility, and facing the consequences of your actions.”

A veteran of more than 20 years in the mortgage industry, Graham, 53, is committed to bringing young professionals into the business.

“We must do a better job at mentoring our young people and paving the way for them to succeed,” she says. “We have to invest in people. The most important asset that companies have is their human capital.” mitment to excellence, and ability to inspire others plays an integral part in the success of the company.”

For Graham, this translates into volunteerism and advocacy. A member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Structured Finance Association and a member of Women in Securitization, Graham has regularly hosted, moderated, or spoke on panels and events. She is also on the advisory board for the University of Colorado’s Leeds Business School and the board of directors of The Gathering Place in Denver, a service provider combating poverty and homelessness.

Tuan Pham, chief marketing officer at CoreVest Finance, nominated Graham.

“Carlene has demonstrated exceptional management and leadership skills during her tenure with Redwood and has earned the highest respect from her colleagues and peers,” Pham says.

“Carlene willingly takes on new challenges, leads by example, and engages her team to pursue their shared vision. Her positive attitude, com-

As she moves forward in the industry, Graham sees an increased need to help businesses reduce cybersecurity and technology risks by incorporating technology and data analysis into mortgage company operations, delivery channels, and platforms.

“Digitizing mortgage processes can also help reduce operation costs and improve the customer experience,” she says.