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MortgagePoint » Your Trusted Source for Mortgage Banking and Servicing News 54 2 0 2 4 F I V E S T A R C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O Rising Star Executive Award KATHRYN WALTERMAN Manager of Default Administration, Mountain America Federal Credit Union Q: What are your proudest career achievements thus far? One of my proudest career achievements has been receiving the Rising Star Executive award and being nominated alongside such inspiring leaders. This recognition fuels my commitment to uplifting other strong female leaders and driving meaningful changes in the industry. In addition, recently I identified the need to align multiple high-risk teams under one cohesive umbrella, encompassing Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, REO, and Deceased areas. I aimed to ensure these teams had the same positive experience and streamlined processes. This initiative was completed in September 2023, garnering praise and significantly improving compliance, employee engagement, and member experience. It stands as a testament to the power of strategic alignment and empathetic leadership. These accomplishments reflect my dedication to fostering a collaborative, sup- portive environment and my commitment to continuous growth and improvement. They serve as milestones in my journey to make a lasting impact in my field. Q: Are there any women who have served as career mentors for you, and what did you learn from them? My greatest mentor has been my sister, Shannon. With nearly two decades of experience ahead of me and thriving in a male-dominated industry, she has been a beacon of inspiration and guidance. Watching her navigate her career with grace and determination, I found a role model whose example I could emulate. Shannon has consistently emphasized the importance of leading with empathy. This lesson has profoundly shaped my professional approach. Whether I'm interacting with borrowers during their most vulnerable moments, guiding my team, or developing new initiatives to assist delinquent members, empathy remains at the core of my actions. Her ability to balance strength and compassion has taught me that true leadership involves understanding and addressing the needs and emotions of others. Shannon's mentorship has not only equipped me with practical skills and knowledge but has also instilled in me the value of kindness and consideration in all professional interactions. By following her lead, I've learned to create an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters collaboration and trust. Shannon's influence continues to inspire my career, reminding me that empathy is a powerful tool for achieving both personal and professional success. Q: What is the most critical piece of advice you would give to women beginning their careers in this industry? To women embarking on their careers in this industry, I cannot stress enough the importance of lifelong learning and continual growth. Never stop asking questions, seeking knowledge, and advocating for what matters to you. Find your niche, master it, and always strive to expand your expertise. Do not, I repeat, do not shy away from negotiating for what you deserve—your contributions are valuable and your voice matters. It's equally important to share your knowledge and celebrate the achievements of others. By uplifting one 2024's WOMEN IN HOUSING RECIPIENTS SHARE INSIGHTS & ADVICE B y DAV I D W H A R T O N