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45 2 0 2 4 W O M E N I N H O U S I N G A W A R D S September 2024 » engaging stakeholders to discuss and showcase their initiatives and programs aimed at addressing affordable housing challenges. Sherri also plays a pivotal role as Chair of the NYMBA Legislative Committee, where she has actively contributed to drafting proposed legislation designed to support low- to moderate-income homeowners in realizing the American Dream. Sherri initiated and led a successful New York State Home Improvement Day, mobiliz- ing hundreds of volunteers to enhance existing housing options for LMI individuals. Sherri was honored as the NYMBA Homeownership Advocate of the Year in 2023. Sherri also worked with HUD, MBA, and the U.S. Council of Mayors on the Blueprint for the American Dream program." WHAT THIS NOMINATION MEANS TO HER "Being nominated for the Keys in Hand Award is an incredible honor that reflects the collective effort of the teams and partners I've had the privilege of working with. This recognition is a testament to our shared dedication to expanding home- ownership opportunities and making the dream of owning a home a reality for many first-time buyers. Together, we've tackled challenges, developed innova- tive solutions, and provided the support needed to help families achieve their homeownership goals. This nomination highlights not just my individual efforts but the collaborative spirit that drives our work. This acknowledgment reinforces the importance of teamwork in making a meaningful impact. It's a reminder of the difference we can make when we come to- gether with a shared vision and a common goal—to help families build their futures through homeownership." ROSA MUMM VP of Score Optimization, Xactus "With 17+ years of credit score experience, Rosa is a renowned industry expert who oversees Xactus' score optimization division. Her team is charged with helping lenders educate credit-challenged consumers to increase their credit scores through responsible financial practices that will improve their mortgage eligibility. She counsels Xactus' lender clients on their homebuyers clubs to assist potential borrowers—many of whom are first-time homeowners—with specific credit management actions that will ensure they become better stewards of their finances and can qualify for a loan. Rosa spends much of her time helping lenders expand homeownership by educating them on credit scores and score simulation technology, speaking at national lender conferences, and developing customized training to help lenders answer their borrowers' credit score questions. She prides herself on being a factual source, working directly with FICO and VantageScore to validate information and combat some of the misinformation that is in the market- place." WHAT THIS NOMINATION MEANS TO HER "I am honored and thankful for this nomination. Over the past 17 years, I've been dedicated to helping people achieve the dream of homeownership. It's been particularly rewarding for me to assist first-time homebuyers and those with credit challenges, who often feel excluded from the opportunity to own a home. Seeing them overcome chal- lenges and fulfill their dreams has been deeply gratifying to me. I'm committed to continuing my efforts of advancing homeownership and making it more attainable and am truly appreciative of this acknowledgement." MAHEEN QURESHI Senior Manager of Mission Operations, Freddie Mac "As the Senior Manager of Mission Operations, Maheen Qureshi leads U.S. national financial capability education for Freddie Mac, developing innovative, scalable solutions in support of Freddie Mac's housing mission to make home possible. She engages with internal and external partners, leveraging market insights and behavioral economics to create learning solutions accessible to all consumers. Examples of such solutions include: CreditSmart Homebuyer U, CreditSmart Essentials, and CreditSmart Coach. Homebuyer U and Essentials helped educate more than 100,000 consumers to prepare for homeownership in 2023. Maheen is a key contributor to thought leadership articles, blogs, videos, and in-person speaking. She has dedicated the past 20 years of her career to housing outreach and financial inclusion and has a proven track record for developing initiatives for people with disabilities, communities of color, women, LGBTQIA+ community, and military veterans." WHAT THIS NOMINATION MEANS TO HER "I feel honored and humbled to be nominated for the Keys in Hand Award. It's a privilege to be able to do the work of supporting access to credit and homeown- ership for underserved communities and first-time homebuyers. I am fortunate to work with committed, innovative profes- sionals who are champions of change. The team at Freddie Mac, along with our part- ners, help to support accessible resources and educational tools that renters and aspiring homebuyers can use to realize their life goals, including homeownership. Our Creditsmart® resources are not just about getting people in the door, but also supporting them on their journey beyond their home purchase. Throughout my ca- reer, I have learned so much from Freddie Mac leaders, who had the vision to create CreditSmart 23 years ago in tandem with nonprofit organizations and industry partners, informed by the needs of the populations we serve. We are motivated to continue building on that legacy. Thank you, Five Star, for recognizing this work."