DSNews delivers stories, ideas, links, companies, people, events, and videos impacting the mortgage default servicing industry.
Issue link: http://digital.dsnews.com/i/1532872
MortgagePoint » Your Trusted Source for Mortgage Banking and Servicing News 28 March 2025 F E A T U R E S T O R Y brought perspective because they weren't all in our industry. They would say 'we've been through this here's what happened' or 'this is what I see from the outside.'" Soukhamneut said the women provided encouragement and support by helping her see how to use the situ- ation as an opportunity to explore new horizons. Small group networking is valuable, but the mortgage industry also has its share of professional organizations that provide networking opportunities on a larger scale. The Mortgage Women Leadership Council (MWLC) is a network that empowers and advances women leaders in the mortgage industry. Members gain access to a platform where women executives can amplify their voices and influence through their own publication, exclusive sponsored programs, email newsletters, and impactful events. Kelly Hendricks, SVP of Delmar Mortgage, said she has experienced first- hand the challenges that women face in leadership within the mortgage sector. "These challenges led to a pro- found realization—the need for a dynamic network to empower women in our industry," Hendricks said. "This realization is the driving force behind the creation of the Mortgage Women Leadership Council. Our mission is clear: to promote and empower women's leadership in the mortgage sector. The council aims to create a supportive environment for professional growth, mentorship, and networking." Education T he second pillar for advancing wom- en in the industry is education. Sev- eral organizations provide opportunities for women to expand their knowledge, expertise, and leadership skills. MWLC sponsors the Mortgage Star Conference each year to help female mortgage professionals elevate their skills, expand their network, and gain insights from dynamic leaders in the financial mortgage arena. Founded in 1964, the National Asso- ciation of Professional Mortgage Wom- en (NAPMW) is particularly dedicated to education for women in the mortgage business. The organization hosts a national educational conference in the spring featuring motivational speakers, as well as presenters from across the mortgage industry. Mentoring T he final—and arguably the most im- portant—pathway for women leaders in the industry is through mentorship. The benefits of mentoring are well known. A mentor in the workplace can enhance a woman's professional develop- ment, improve work performance, be a conduit for generating ideas for depart- mental improvements, and boost the mentees' confidence and overall contribu- tion to the company. For personal development, a mentor can provide a confidential sounding board for problems and challenges encountered and provide insight and direction for future aspirations. Some regional organizations provide formal mentor programs, such as New York-based Women in Housing and Finance. This one-on-one mentoring program is designed to empower talented women in the affordable housing indus- try and cultivate a community of thought leaders and influencers. Members include women in finance and banking; architecture, engineering, and construc- tion; government; historic preservation; and more, providing a rich tapestry of information for the participants. In the very highest reaches of corporate leadership, C200 stands out as the most robust mentoring program in the country. C200 is a professional peer community that encompasses C-suite executives in the world's best-known corporations and trailblazing entrepre- neurs. Members of this elite mentoring program lead companies and business units, holding titles such as CEO, COO, Founder, General Manager, and Operat- ing President, and maintain significant P&L responsibility. "Our members have the knowledge and experience to serve as mentors and advisors to empower the greater C200 community of all women in business, current and rising leaders," the organiza- tion notes. "Together, members educate, support, advise, and inspire women across business and industry." Powerful Impact W omen are having a systemic impact on every aspect of the mortgage in- dustry, and much of their success can be credited to the women who came before them and shared their wisdom. Women are proving key to helping the industry reimagine its future. Their voices have become a powerful influ- ence for innovation and a conduit for change in the culture of the companies in which they serve. And most impor- tantly, they have been at the forefront of creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that matches up well with the diverse clientele that every mortgage company desires to serve. "These challenges led to a profound realization— the need for a dynamic network to empower women in our industry." —Kelly Hendricks, SVP of Delmar Mortgage FORUM