Leadership, Female Style

SPECIAL SECTION: INSPIRING WOMEN

Leadership, Female Style

In an industry that often runs on swagger and braggadocio, there are times it’s reassuring to step back and pay attention to those in the mortgage world whose work serves as an inspiration to all of us. And given the additional hurdles that women in the workplace have to deal with, we’re especially proud of this year’s selection of National Mortgage Professional’s Inspirational Mortgage Women.

To be inspirational doesn’t mean that someone has achieved all their goals yet. It doesn’t mean, necessarily, that they have achieved the pinnacle of their career. It simply means that when we look at this person’s accomplishments, their philosophies, the way they support those around them, that we can find in them a spark that makes us want to be better ourselves. Can we do more for clients? Can we be better mentors to our colleagues? Can we set goals for ourselves to achieve what others have shown is possible?

The women on these pages each has a personal story of their success, and in those stories each of us can connect to something that can inspire us to be better in some way. And in that inspiration, we can also find its sibling, admiration. Because while we strive to do as well as these honorees, we also realize that they’ve already done it. So please join with us at NMP as recognize the 2020 class of Inspirational Mortgage Women.

Kimberly Bigham

President | Fay Servicing LLC

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

My career started in the banking industry. I had the wonderful opportunity to work for a small community bank where I was able to get my hands involved in everything. When I left the bank, I started working for a small sub-servicer that also allowed me the opportunity to learn all aspects of servicing. Mortgage servicing is an ever-changing business that has new rules and challenges, but it is still built on a foundation of core knowledge. I stay motivated as I believe my knowledge is needed to teach new staff how to understand that foundation and successfully manage the ever-changing environment. This industry fuels my need for change and keeps me coming back for more.

What do you consider your greatest success?

I consider my biggest career success to be the development of my analytical skills that always has me questioning why and how. Those questions are first and foremost in my every day. This skill has led me to growing with every position that I’ve had the privilege of holding. I’m always looking to improve myself, my team and my company.

Sarah DeCiantis

EVP, Chief Marketing Officer | United Wholesale Mortgage

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take a decade’s worth of experience at various advertising agencies and leverage it to support the growth and success of United Wholesale Mortgage. What has motivated me to stay is a combination of things -- The pace, the daily challenge, and the opportunity to help entrepreneurs succeed while fulfilling hundreds of thousands of dreams of home ownership.

Have you had any great female mentors?

What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on? I’ve had the privilege of having several influential and amazing female mentors throughout my career. Each has shaped and guided me in different ways and at different times. Surrounding yourself with people who can give you a different perspective allows them to leave impactful breadcrumbs at every level of your career that help to shape you.

What is your favorite TV show? Why?

It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but currently my husband and I are watching “Yellowstone.” It’s not the type of show I would traditionally gravitate to, but I am hooked!

Sarah Engstrom

Loan Originator | Priority Mortgage Corp.

Here’s what Sarah Engstrom’s nominator had to say:

Sarah Engstrom is not only an accomplished loan originator, she is a natural leader within our company and community. Her dedication to professionalism is admired by colleagues throughout the mortgage industry.

She commits time and donations to local animal shelters through a program she established called Lend4Good, in which a donation is made on behalf of each of her clients to a local animal rescue organization. Over $30,000 in donations have been made to date.

Sarah is involved with industry events that benefit groups such as Real World Real Money at local high schools and the Columbus Boys and Girl Clubs. She has been a mentor to many within our company. She serves her customers and referral partners with the highest level of customer service possible within our industry as evidenced by her recognition by Social Survey as a Top 100 Loan Officer Nationally in 2019 for customer satisfaction.

Sarah Gonzalez

Chief Operating Officer | First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

I got into this field by accident. I wanted to pursue a degree in teaching, but along the way I started taking processing jobs. I ended up finding my niche in the mortgage industry and never looked back. I have come full circle on my original dream of being a teacher because now I am able to teach others valuable skills through mentorship and help others advance. This industry has also given me the opportunity to get involved with causes that are personal to me such as our corporate non-profit, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and advocating for gender equality.

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

Two that stand out are my mother and Kathleen Vaughan. My mother demonstrates what true strength is, which has inspired me. Her ability to rise up in the face of adversity is something that I have adopted in my own life and I am so thankful for her. I met Kathleen when I worked at Stearns and I immediately admired her character. Her mentorship allowed me to change my mindset from trying to reach certain goals, to establishing a legacy within the industry.

Catherine Haddad

Mortgage Sales Manager | Atlantic Home Loans

How did you get into this field?

I was around 19 and I had just started a new job as a receptionist for a home improvement company. One of my co-workers suggested that I give mortgage sales a try. That was the moment that changed my life forever. After taking this advice, I never looked back.

What is your favorite book?

One of my favorite audible books is “Think Big, Act Small” by Jason Jennings. I was intrigued by the title as it describes me in one sentence. It was based on research to identify a few companies that were able to be profitable by applying non-traditional strategies. There is no cookie cutter when it relates to sales. It’s the creativity and consistency that will aid with success. Another reason I loved this book was it conveyed the importance of remaining humble throughout the pass of success.

What do you consider your greatest success?

My greatest success is to be able to identify the positive in any situation and applying consistency to all targeted goals in life. If you remain humble, genuine and consistent, you are able to reach any goal you set your mind to.

Anna Kara Karapetian

CEO | Anna Kara Loans Inc.

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

I got out of law school due to changes in circumstances in my family. I had to make ends meet and I got hired at a mortgage and real estate company as a receptionist and it all began from there.

At the time my motivation was driven due to providing for my family but very fast it grew into helping and making a difference in people’s lives.

Have you had any great female mentors?

Yes - my grandmother and mother. Loving, kind and compassionate, yet strong and determined individuals who taught me to never give up on my dreams and live life to the fullest and, most importantly, always remember to give back.

What is your favorite book? Why?

“Act Like Lamb: Sell Like A Lion,” by Tom Haskins. It is the first and ONLY sales book that didn’t teach me how to sell but taught me how to understand people.

What do you consider your greatest success?

My family, my kids and my ability to always stay Humble.

Beth Keckley

Chief Mortgage Officer | CrossCountry Mortgage

Have you had any great female mentors?

What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on? In my professional life, I’ve been fortunate to have three strong female mentors. Each has been a source of encouragement, put me in my place when I needed it, and challenged me to be better than the day before. There is plenty of opportunity in the world to lift up people around you. They did it for me and I strive to be that person for others.

What is your favorite TV show?

I have to go with “Schitt’s Creek.” It was a much-needed laugh-out-loud type of show this spring with an uplifting message of perseverance, resourcefulness and redemption.

What do you consider your greatest success?

My greatest success was when I had first became a manager. I inherited a team member who was on a performance improvement plan. We worked together to outline a plan for improving her performance, delivering high customer service levels and thinking strategically on behalf of our customers. I needed to be blunt, to challenge her and document everything. And I was brand new to this. Within three months, we had a complete turnaround.

Tawn Kelley

President | Taylor Morrison Home Funding

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

Like many in our industry, I never planned a career in mortgage lending. I grew up practicing every day to be a ballerina. When the harsh reality of a dancer’s life hit as a young adult, I unexpectedly found myself in the mortgage industry. Starting from the bottom and growing through advancement opportunities earned through the drive to learn new things; I found my passion. The trust families place in us to secure their financial future and guide them to make the best financial decisions to take care of their loved ones is what makes this such a rewarding industry.

What do you consider your greatest success?

I started a company called Mortgage Funding Direct in January 2001 with my own savings and passion. With three employees, the company grew to one of the largest joint venture mortgage companies for production home builders and in 2009, I made a decision to sell to Taylor Morrison. Today we are the 5th largest production homebuilder in the US and mortgage has grown alongside the builder to be the respected company it is today.

Sarah Middleton

President of Sales Development and Recruiting / CEO | Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation / Fairway Ignite

Here’s what Sarah Middleton’s nominator had to say:

Sarah Middleton is a true force of nature in the mortgage industry. For the last 33 years, she has worked at all levels, serving as an originator, branch manager, regional manager, senior vice president, executive vice president and president. For 23 years of her career, she’s held a spot as one of the top 100 producing loan officers in the country ($100 million+ production per year for 20-yrs straight).

She has deeply impacted the lives of thousands of MLOs over the years by helping them achieve their dreams in the mortgage business by sharing, coaching, and teaching everything she has learned to help others succeed.

In her current role as president of sales development and recruiting at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, a position she’s held for the past 7 years, Sarah has spearheaded sales and recruiting team strategy.

She also serves as the CEO of Fairway Ignite, an internal and legendary coaching group that leverages insights and strategies from power users and adopters to level-up their game in serving customers, the company, and the community.

Alishea Pipkin

Retail Branch Manager | Planet Home Lending

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

I started in retail banking at a credit union in Germany. After my third child was born, I wanted more flexibility. I took a job as a processor, moved up to mortgage loan originator, and am now a retail sales manager. What keeps me motivated is the joy and financial security my clients experience from homeownership. When I’m grocery shopping and someone I helped get into a house gives me a big hug and shows me pictures of updates they’ve done, it makes me happy. Every time I get a 5-star review, I know I did my small part in making the world a better place.

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

I’ve learned a lot from women who’ve mentored me. Now, I pay it back by encouraging women to become homeowners and encouraging women to get into the mortgage industry.

What do you consider your greatest success?

I love the satisfaction of seeing the pride people have when they’re the first in their family to achieve homeownership.

Tonette Pipkins

Branch Manager | NRL Mortgage

Have you had any great female mentors?

What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on? Yes, two actually. One helped me get my foot in the door at the company I am at today. She helped set the standard of what I could expect in the mortgage industry. She explained how I could position myself for greatness and introduced me to this wonderful yet tough accountability coaching program called The CORE.

The other young lady was more motivation. She shifted my mindset forever. It was the first company I worked for (having no mortgage experience is was tough landing a position fresh off from passing the test). She explained by me being Black and a female I wouldn’t thrive and it would be best if I worked as a real estate agent. She said Asians would only work with Asians, Blacks would never work with their own kind, Hispanic works with Asians, and whites would think I’m less than and never give me an opportunity. Roughly five years later I’m a branch manager staffed with a wonderful team. My clientele base is extremely diverse and the majority of my business is referral based.

Crystal Raines

Chief Compliance Officer | NewDay USA

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

Growing up, my mother worked in the mortgage industry. She would frequently bring me into the office. As soon as I could, I applied for a part-time position in the post closing department. I am motivated to stay for two reasons. Helping someone achieve and maintain their dream of homeownership is rewarding. Second, this industry is forever changing and every day is different. It motivates me to continue learning.

Have you had any great female mentors?

I have been blessed to have great female mentors. Of course, it started with my mom. At NewDay USA, May Khieu our chief administrative officer, has been a mentor to me from day one. She provided support to me in credit and compliance where I worked my way through various positions to become the chief credit officer and currently, the chief compliance officer. The mentorship that I have received is invaluable.

What is your favorite TV show?

“Jeopardy” is one of my absolute favorites. I have always believed that knowledge is power. There is not one night when we watch that I do not learn something new.

Chrissi Rhea

Co-Founder/President | Mortgage Investors Group

Here’s what Chrissi Rhea’s nominator had to say:

When Christine “Chrissi” Rhea cofounded Mortgage Investors Group 30 years ago, she set out to create the kind of customer-focused, loan officer-empowered company she wished existed. Her vision was forward-thinking, but her investment in loan officers and the borrowers and communities they serve allowed MIG to evolve and become an industry leader others. Chrissi’s hands-on approach and her genuine desire to do right by everyone she encounters has long made her a powerful woman in the mortgage industry.

Chrissi’s ability to quickly adapt to economic and market fluctuations, evolving industry regulations and rapidly changing technologies has also stood the test of time. But her strengths as a leader have never been as tested as they have in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition to swiftly implementing a work-from-home program for more than 300 employees across multiple states, she has regularly communicated positive messages of hope, solidarity, compassion and concern to all staff and borrowers to encourage them during this uncertain time.

Chrissi also has a genuine desire to lift up the communities served by MIG. She prioritizes putting MIG’s support behind the causes important to its employees.

Cynthia Rock

Producing Branch | Manager NRL Mortgage

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

I went to work for my father’s mortgage company after college. He gave me the opportunity to try out the different career paths within the field. I enjoyed originating so I kept working as a loan officer after my father retired and sold his company.

Have you had any great female mentors?

Unfortunately, I never had a female mentor. Although I have built a strong career and learned from a number of great male co-workers, I felt the absence of a female leader who may have helped me learn and grow earlier and more easily. I often struggled with the balance of work and family life – particularly heightened by the 24/7 nature of a 100% commission job. I would have appreciated the insight of an older female colleague to help me navigate the challenges of building a business while raising a young family. Later, I longed for a female mentor to help me develop an effective management style. I felt pressured to incorporate “traditionally male” traits such as decisiveness, competitiveness and raw sales bravado without sacrificing the empathy and polite demeanor that came more naturally.

Leora A. Ruzin, CMB

Director of Real Estate Lending | Valley First Credit Union

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

I got into this field by accident. I started my career nearly 14 years ago, after I was hired by a small independent mortgage bank in Colorado to handle payroll and accounting. During my five years there, I was given the opportunity to learn more about the mortgage industry. I became the proverbial mortgage sponge. By the time I left, I successfully developed closing, post-closing and funding departments, while helping the company grow by over 300%.

My desire to advocate for those less fortunate is the fuel in my fire. An Army veteran, I have an affinity for my fellow servicemembers and their families. This has been the driver of my advocacy work with the MBA, ACUMA and other organizations.

What is your favorite book?

Right now, my favorite book is “The Diabetic Code,” as I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I plan to kick this disease into remission and need to be equipped with every tool possible to be successful, which is how I arm myself any time I am presented with a challenge.

Nancy Sapper

Broker Owner | Rising Star Home Loans

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

I had a career in biotech that I loved but left to raise my three children. Once they were mostly autonomous, I knew I wanted to go back to work. One of my best friends has been a processor for several decades. She was achieving what I was setting out to do and so she convinced me to give the industry a try.

I love what I do. I liken it to shopping at Nordstrom. Would I like to go in and buy anything I want at full price? Sure! Do I feel so much better when I find a screaming good deal on the clearance rack? ABSOLUTELY! I want my clients to feel like they received the Nordstrom experience with clearance rack pricing!

Have you had any great female mentors?

Rather than saying I had great female mentors, I have had many females that taught me how I do not want to be. I have taken these experiences and created an office full of women who support one another. We do not find it necessary to cast a bigger shadow on anyone else.

Kristen Sieffert

President | Finance of America Reverse

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

After graduating college, a friend told me about this great opportunity with a reverse mortgage company. I had no idea what a reverse mortgage was, but I was intrigued by the prospect of working with a good friend and seeing what could come of it. That was 16 years ago! Since then, there have been several pivotal moments when I almost left. Each time I entered into a new rewarding growth phase. Now at FAR, I have found a sense of purpose in my work that I couldn’t have anticipated early on.

Have you had any great female mentors? What is the importance of mentoring?

I’ve never had a formal mentor, female or male, but I’ve had a number of “accidental mentors”—people I’ve worked for or with—who took the time to invest in me and help me grow, and played a pivotal part in my success. Now that I’ve served as a mentor—mostly to women I’ve met outside of our industry—I’m finding how transformative and rewarding of an experience it can be for the mentor as well as the mentee.

Cristen M. Talbert

Director, National Underwriting and Credit Risk | Gold Star Financial

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

After leaving the Air Force, the Department of Veterans Affairs placed me in a position working for the SBA. I processed disaster home loans for borrowers in need of relocation due to the Flood of 1993 in Southern Illinois, and soon found my passion in helping people retain and secure homeownership. When the Disaster Field Office closed, I looked for a local mortgage company in order to continue my work in the field. Aside from believing that what my company does truly makes a difference in our customers’ lives, I’m also energized by the hectic pace and ever-changing landscape of mortgage lending.

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

My Mother has always been my strongest mentor. She is a retired USAF Colonel and was presented numerous awards during her military career. Her drive to make a mark as a female officer when it was largely unpopular had a dramatic effect on my own work ethic and my determination to never be limited by my gender.

Valentina Wilber

VP Washington DC Metro Region / Sr Loan Officer Homespire Mortgage

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

I was in the right place at the right time! Back in 2012 I was a relationship banker where my boss now happened to be a client. He approached me with a job opportunity at his mortgage company that I originally politely declined. After reconsidering I decided to try to conquer a fear of the unknown and give it a shot.

My motivation to stay revolves largely on the direct impact that I am privileged to have in my clients’ lives.

Have you had any great female mentors?

What is the importance of mentoring and is this something that you focus on? Since the mortgage industry is very male dominated, I focused on connecting with female Realtors early in my career. I would pick their brains to help me develop the confidence that I was lacking professionally. By helping me grow it instilled in me I would do the same for other women. I used to think that being a woman within the mortgage industry was a disadvantage but now I think of it as a strength!

Sue Woodard

Chief Customer Officer | Total Expert

How did you get into this field? What keeps you motivated to stay?

Weirdly enough – fear for my life. The credit union branch I was working in was robbed at gunpoint, and my roommate and good friend was the head teller. I decided to seek a job in another branch – and the only job open was mortgage processor – so the rest is history.

What keeps me motivated to stay?

The love I have for what the mortgage industry does. It helps people get into homes; provides guidance on the largest financial transaction of most people’s lives; and advises during what is a major life event.

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

Many, including my first manager in financial services 30 years ago Sharon Bolster, who is a dear friend to this day. Mentoring is so important. And not only to be mentored, but to BE a mentor – always important to be thinking of not only whose help you may need, but who can YOU help. Like Maya Angelou said, “Prepare yourself to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”