DSNews delivers stories, ideas, links, companies, people, events, and videos impacting the mortgage default servicing industry.
Issue link: http://digital.dsnews.com/i/1541210
MortgagePoint ยป Your Trusted Source for Mortgage Banking and Servicing News 38 November 2025 F E A T U R E S T O R Y E ach year during the Five Star Conference, the Women in Housing Lead- ership Awards spotlight the vision, resilience, and innovation of women making a lasting impact across the mortgage and housing industries. These leaders exemplify excellence in their professions while championing collab- oration, mentorship, and inclusion throughout the industry. The 2025 honorees represent a cross-section of housing finance, from servicing and compliance to government and community leadership. In the following conver- sations, this year's recipients share the lessons that shaped their careers, the mentors who guided them, and the wisdom they hope to pass along to women following in their footsteps. Rising Star Executive Award ERIN KINKIN VP of Transaction Management, Lakeview Loan Servicing Q: What are your proudest career achievements thus far? It's always hard for me to identify my achievements because I genuinely feel like I am doing what I love and what I am supposed to do. But if I think about what matters most in the contributions I make, I always come back to the people I get to work with. I'm very much a people person. I get so much joy serving my team and building relationships with the partners we collaborate with every day. The industry itself is complex, and the outcomes are important, but it's the human side that truly drives me and has in every role I have occupied over the years. I'm extremely proud of what our team achieves together. Our team at Lakeview manages large MSR transactions, and it's not easy, but that's what makes it so rewarding. We know what's at stake, and we care deeply about getting it right. But because of the trust and commitment we share, and the friendships built, nothing is impossible. Q: Are there any women who have served as career mentors for you, and what did you learn from them? Absolutely. I've been fortunate to have countless mentors throughout my career, some formal, many informal. I truly believe mentorship is everywhere if you pay attention, remain open to learning, and listen. There are several outstanding women who continue to inspire me. First is my aunt, Darlene DiMarco. Darlene first introduced me to the industry. She is a fearless leader with determination, kindness, and an incredible work ethic. Nancy Irurzun, a precious friend and former colleague, encouraged me to pivot from origina- tions into loss mitigation and servicing in 2009, a move that changed the trajectory of my career. Nancy is a constant source of valuable advice. Etienne Jouard, my current manager, leads with quiet confidence and strong moral character, setting an example I strive to follow. And Sara Niemann-Davis has been a constant source of support, offering wisdom, soli- darity, and a safe space to think out loud. Each of these women has inspired, guided, and shaped me in countless invaluable ways. They are examples of The 2025 Five Star Conference & Expo HONORING THE WOMEN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HOUSING MortgagePoint shares insights from the 2025 Women in Housing Leadership Award recipients to discuss their proudest achievements, mentors who inspired them, and advice for the next generation of industry leaders. B y DAV I D W H A R T O N