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47 2 0 2 5 W O M E N I N H O U S I N G A W A R D S September 2025 » NICOLE PARISHO Bankruptcy Team Manager, Valon Mortgage WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED: "As Bankruptcy Team Manager, Nicole led the successful implementation of critical process improvements, reducing turnaround times and enhancing compliance in a heavily regulated space. She played a key role in onboarding new attorney partners, developing firm expectations, and launching audits to ensure quality execution. Nicole is known for her ability to lead through change, mentoring team members, creating training plans, and fostering a culture of accountability and growth. Her deep knowledge of bankrupt- cy servicing, combined with her collabora- tive approach, has elevated team perfor- mance and delivered measurable results. Nicole is not only a subject matter expert but also a trusted cross-functional partner who regularly supports foreclosure, litigation, and compliance efforts. Her leadership, resilience, and commitment to excellence make her a deserving nominee for this award." WHAT THIS NOMINATION MEANS TO HER: "Being nominated for this award is an incredible honor and holds deep personal significance for me. I've always strived to grow, not only as an individual but also as a leader within the bankruptcy and default servicing space. In my current role as Bankruptcy Manager at a growing servicer, I've had the opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to improving processes, driving efficiency, and elevating the standards of default servicing. I'm con- stantly seeking innovative ways to manage workloads and streamline operations, always with the goal of making a mean- ingful impact. To know that my efforts are seen, valued, and appreciated—let alone recognized in this way—is truly humbling. Words cannot fully express how proud and grateful I am for this nomination. It is an honor I will carry with pride." ASHLEY PUCKETT AVP of Capital Markets, Novus Home Mortgage WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED: "I'm proud to nominate Ashley Puckett for the 2025 Women in Housing Leadership Award. Ashley trained me in my first capital markets role, teaching me how to create and settle GNMA securities. Since then, I've watched her build an incredible career—earning both her AMP and CMB designations in just five years. She's my go-to when I'm in a crunch, always offering guidance with patience and clarity. Beyond her professional accom- plishments, Ashley is passionate about giving back—encouraging others to attend industry events and sharing her knowl- edge freely. She leads by example, empowering women in housing every step of the way." WHAT THIS NOMINATION MEANS TO HER: "The Rising Star nomination is such an honor, and since I have never been nom- inated for an award, this means so much to me. I've been working hard over the last decade to learn, be mentored, network, and really put 100% of myself into the mortgage industry. This nomination rep- resents a team effort of the colleagues I've surrounded myself with, so a huge thank you and congratulations goes to them as well. I am glad to be a representative of the amazing women in this industry and can- not wait to elevate others as I have been." CASSANDRA TAPIA Business Project Manager, Agency Sales and Posting, ServiceLink WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED: "Cassandra Tapia leads by example with dedication, determination, and the drive to achieve. In her seven years at ServiceLink, Tapia rose from an entry-level sales position to Business Project manager, where she wows firms and clients daily with her industry knowledge and expertise. Wearing many hats, Tapia has become the face of ServiceLink at Dallas' Super Tuesday auctions and United Trustees Association conferences, where she excels at convert- ing interest into revenue. A people person who takes great pride in her work, Tapia has a boldness and fierce determination that have helped her achieve extraordinary results amidst fluctuating volumes and ever-changing market conditions. She continuously brings new ideas to the table and finds unique ways to educate vendors and clients alike. She excels at cross-selling and recently received ServiceLink's prestigious Champion Award for her work and the praise she has received from client executives. She is a true Rising Star." WHAT THIS NOMINATION MEANS TO HER: "I am truly humbled and honored to be nominated for the Rising Star Award. Like many, I have faced moments of doubt, but I've learned it only takes one person believing in you or being surrounded by a strong, supportive community of women to lift you up and help you realize your true potential. Over the past seven years, ServiceLink has provided unwavering support, mentorship, and countless op- portunities that have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. This recognition is a powerful reminder to nev- er lose sight of my goals, to keep striving, have faith, and most importantly, always believe in myself."