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MortgagePoint ยป Your Trusted Source for Mortgage Banking and Servicing News 60 The Rising Star Executive Award Micole Booker AVP, Senior Preservation & Post-Sale Disposition Manager, Flagstar Bank What are your proudest career achievements thus far? The proudest moment of my career was learning that my team and peers had nominated me for the Rising Star Execu- tive award. It was a proud moment because it truly meant that people I interact with everyday see my impact and cared enough to share that impact with our industry. As a leader, there is no better accomplishment than for those you serve every day to show- case what you mean to them, how you've helped them, and what they are learning from you and what you are learning from them. I was tremendously humbled, and it made me feel valued. Are there any women who have served as career mentors for you, and what did you learn from them? There have been so many women I have learned from and owe so many lessons to and, unfortunately, I can't name them all. But I'd like to shine a light on a couple. My first mentors being the women of my family, like my dearly departed mother, Aunt Mona, and cousin Nather- dia, who taught me to master being myself and never be afraid to take a chance on my dreams and goals. My industry mentor is fellow award winner and nominee Jodi Gaines, from whom I've learned how to lead with authenticity and to know my worth. Jodi has helped me bring my whole self into all rooms, and to be unafraid in doing so. I have also been blessed with oth- er women who have challenged me, like Marcelina Smith of Flagstar Bank, Steph- anie Orrico of Rocket Mortgage, Leavetta White of Rocket Mortgage, and Stephanie Robotnik of ServiceMac. These women taught me to dig deep, that improvement is constant, to be fearless, and that it is okay as a woman to go after what I want. What is the most critical piece of advice you would give to women beginning their career in this industry? The most critical piece of advice I would give a young woman starting out is bet on yourself. You are your biggest advocate, ally, and critic. So much power lies in knowing the impact of those roles for ourselves. Learning when to use the critic will open doors, but it isn't the role you should use the most. Also, learn to connect and don't be afraid to show other women your kindness, strengths, and your insecurities. Nobody is perfect, and showing up as a whole person shows the world you have grit as well as grace, all of which are needed to succeed. The Leadership Award Robin Wright Managing Partner, Wright, Finlay & Zak, LLP What are your proudest career achievements thus far? Going back almost 22 years (January 2002), my two partners and I started Wright, Finlay & Zak (WFZ). We began with two and a half associates, a secretary 2023 WOMEN IN HOUSING LEADERSHIP AWARDS Continuing an annual tradition, MortgagePoint once again brings you the Women in Housing Leadership Awards recipients, as presented at last month's Five Star Conference and Expo. 2 0 2 3 W O M E N I N H O U S I N G A W A R D S