PERMISSION NOT REQUIRED
ELIZABETH MIX ON ASKING FOR MORE, TAKING RISKS, AND REDEFINING LEADERSHIP ON HER OWN TERMS
THE NEW CO-PILOT
AI WON’T REPLACE THE PILOT — BUT IT’S MAKING NAVIGATION SMOOTHER FOR WOMEN
THE ROI OF GIVING A DAMN
TREATING PEOPLE LIKE PEOPLE ISN’T SOFT — IT’S STRATEGIC, SCALABLE, AND SHOCKINGLY EFFECTIVE
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE WOW
MEET COURTNEY VALVO, THE MULTITASKING FORCE SHAPING OCN’S BIGGEST STAGES AND THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT GROW FROM THEM
Game shows, screenplays, travel, and a gospel nightclub all shaped Mae Mackey’s journey to becoming a senior leader in the mortgage industry — and she’s still adding chapters
We hope you've enjoyed recieving complimentary editions of Mortgage Women Magazine. New issues will be exclusive to members of the Mortgage Women Leadership Council.
Mortgage Women Magazine is the official magazine of the Mortgage Women Leadership Council. Membership not only guarantees your subscription to the digital magazine but also provides you with a wealth of benefits designed to empower and elevate women in the mortgage industry. These include access to a dynamic network, editorial opportunities, awards, community support, and much more. Join us in this exciting chapter by becoming a member of the Mortgage Women Leadership Council and ensure you stay connected and informed.
As we begin 2026, Mortgage Women Magazine enters the year grounded in experience, strengthened by connection, and energized by what lies ahead. The past year reminded us that progress doesn’t always come easily, but it does come through leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to moving forward together.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey continues to be amplifying the voices of women across our industry. Through your stories, insights, and willingness to lead with authenticity, you shape not only this publication but the broader mortgage community. The growth of the Mortgage Women Leadership Council has been a powerful reflection of that
collective effort, reinforcing the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and meaningful support.
This first issue of the year sets the tone for what 2026 can be: thoughtful leadership, intentional growth, and continued celebration of women who are making an impact every day. While challenges remain in the market, opportunity still exists for those willing to adapt, innovate, and lean on one another.
As always, I’m grateful, for the community we’ve built, for a career that continues to challenge and inspire me, and for the privilege of sharing these pages with so many remarkable women. Here’s to a year of purpose, momentum, and continued connection.
Kelly Hendricks Managing Editor, Mortgage Women Magazine
VINCENT M. VALVO
CEO, PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ALISON VALVO
PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
ANDREW BERMAN CEO, NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL
BEVERLY BOLNICK ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
KELLY HENDRICKS MANAGING EDITOR
JENNIFER RIDGEWAY ACCOUNTING MANAGER
NICK BONADIES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
KOREY BELLAMY, GREG SHIMER MEDIA & EVENT SPECIALIST
SUSAN VALVO
BUSINESS DEVELOP MANAGER
ERIC PECK MANAGING EDITOR
KATIE JENSEN ASSOCIATE EDITOR
LAURA BRANDAO, JACQUELINE 'JAX' CRIDER, LORRAINE GIRON, ASHLEY GRAVANO, SHELLY GRIFFIN, JENNIFER MANNION, MINDY STEARNS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
TIMOTHY BURT MARKETING DIRECTOR
MEGHAN GOLDEN MARKETING SUPERVISOR
KATHERINE SALA MARKETING MANAGER
KARA COLLETTI MARKETING ASSOCIATE
NAVINDRA PERSAUD EVENTS DIRECTOR
COURTNEY VALVO EVENTS COORDINATOR
MELISSA PIANIN VP OF EVENTS
JULIE CARMICHAEL PROJECT MANAGER
STACY MURRAY, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGERS
KRISTIE WOODS-LINDIG CLIENT EXPERIENCE LEADER
MATTHEW MULLINS
MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST
Whether she was winning on Hollywood Squares, designing graphics, or underwriting loans, Mae Mackey kept reinventing herself — and discovering new passions along the way.
BY SLOAN BREWSTER
6
The Road Didn’t End — It Shifted
Why the most challenging seasons often lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.
22 Raised Hands, Open Doors
How women mortgage leaders built influence by saying yes, trusting themselves, and stepping beyond the job description.
44
Teaching the Market Beats Gaming the Feed
When mortgage content focuses on clarity instead of clever tricks, the result is higher retention, stronger trust, and a healthier referral ecosystem.
10 She Didn’t Wait To Be Noticed
Elizabeth Mix believes speaking up — for yourself and other women — changes everything.
16 From Spam Folder To Spotlight
Interactive newsletters are helping MLOs stand out in a sea of sameness.
28
AI Isn’t Taking Your Job — It’s Taking Your Busywork
From content to compliance to operations, women are using AI to amplify their brilliance, not erase it.
56
Leading With Influence
36 Brewing Community, Pouring Opportunity
Courtney Valvo once crafted beer; now she crafts spaces where mortgage pros grow, learn, and link up.
40 Kindness: The Ultimate Power Play
Why betting on people — not just pricing or products — is the ROI strategy tech can’t touch.
Two women driving progress, opportunity, and change across lending and banking in the Northeast.
60 Excellence, Exemplified
The Sandra J. Pattie Award honors two women setting the highest standard in banking leadership.
TBY ASHLEY GRAVANO, CONTIBUTING WRITER, MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE
Why the long way around led to clarity, growth, and a more intentional mortgage career
here’s something about that first quiet sip of coffee in the morning — before the phone starts buzzing, before the inbox fills up — that invites reflection. It’s in that stillness that the truth of a moment hits you.
For me, that moment came not long ago when I celebrated my 46th birthday.
Birthdays have a funny way of sneaking up on you. One day you’re 30, full of hustle and caffeine, and the next you’re in your mid-forties wondering where the time went and how you learned so much — sometimes the hard way. My birthday weekend was filled with simple joys: family, laughter, good food, and that rare pause where life slows down just enough to take inventory.
And as I sat with that cup of coffee, thinking about another year gone by, I realized how closely birthdays mirror the turning of a calendar year. Both are markers — little checkpoints that remind us to stop chasing for a moment and simply look around.
If I’m being honest, the last few years have brought more change than I ever expected.
Back in 2022, my world turned upside down. I went through a divorce, faced thyroid cancer, battled health challenges that tested every ounce of strength I had, and was laid off from a role I poured myself into. It was one of those seasons that strips you down — the kind where you’re forced to rebuild from the ground up and decide who you truly want to be on the other side.
Looking back, I see now that those moments were the foundation for everything that followed. They taught
me resilience. They taught me grace. They reminded me that sometimes life pushes you out of your comfort zone not to punish you, but to push you toward something greater.
Then came 2025 — a year of renewal.
I left a role I felt deeply comfortable in, one that had become second nature, to take a leap into something entirely new: the world of AI-driven mortgage technology. It was exciting, challenging, and a reminder that growth often
begins where comfort ends.
It was also the year I became a grandmother for the first time — an experience that instantly reframed my definition of time, purpose, and joy. I spent as much time as I could with that little girl, soaking in moments that reminded me what truly matters.
Between new beginnings, new adventures, and planning trips that reminded me to start living more — 2025 became a year that changed my perspective. It taught me that when you’re brave enough to step into the unknown, life rewards you with clarity, purpose, and a deeper sense of peace.
If there’s one word that sums up the past few years for me, it’s detour.
We all start out with a map — a sense of where we’re headed, what success should look like, how life and career are supposed to unfold. And then … life happens. The road closes, the path shifts, and suddenly you find yourself somewhere you never planned to be.
That’s what 2022 felt like for me — a major detour. Divorce, health battles, a layoff — those moments rerouted my life in ways I couldn’t have predicted. But here’s the thing about detours: they don’t erase your destination. They just change your direction.
Every detour I’ve taken — personal and professional — has brought me closer to clarity. It’s where I’ve learned the most about who I am, what I value, and how
resilient I can be. And when 2025 came around with all its new beginnings — a new role, a new granddaughter, a new chapter of living fully — I final ly understood that the detours were never setbacks. They were reroutes to something better.
In mortgage and in life, we live in con stant motion. The deadlines never end, the mar ket never fully stabilizes, and there’s always a new initia tive, integra tion, or project that demands attention. But here’s the thing — growth doesn’t happen only in motion. It hap pens in the pause.
That’s what I’ve learned at 46: to honor the pause. Reflection doesn’t slow you down; it grounds you. It gives you clarity to move forward with intention instead of reaction. And that’s a lesson I think our entire industry could benefit from.
When I look back at my own career — the chapters, the pivots, the de tours — I can see how every pause, even the uncomfortable ones, created space for something better to emerge. Sometimes those pauses came from burnout. Other times, they came from opportunity. But they always led somewhere meaningful.
When I look back at my own career — the chapters, the pivots, the detours — I can see how every pause, even the uncomfortable ones, created space for something better to emerge.
Balance isn’t a luxury — it’s survival. For years, I equated success with pace. The faster I worked, the more I produced, the more valuable I was. Sound familiar?
But the truth is, running at full speed with no recovery time doesn’t make you a leader; it makes you exhausted. And exhaustion blurs perspective.
Finding balance is not about perfect scheduling — it’s about boundaries and grace. It’s saying no when your plate is already full. It’s leaving space for yourself in between the meetings, the client calls, and the constant demands of the job.
At 46, balance looks different for me. It’s quiet mornings with coffee and my thoughts. It’s long walks that clear my head instead of long nights staring at a laptop. It’s learning that you can’t pour from an empty cup — and
that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is refill it.
The mortgage industry has changed more in the past five years than it did in the previous fifteen. AI, automation, new lending models, credit-union expansion, and a redefined borrower experience — growth is no longer a buzzword; it’s survival.
But here’s the catch: personal growth and professional growth are intertwined. You can’t show up for the evolving needs of your company or your clients if you’re not showing up for yourself.
Growth takes humility. It means being willing to unlearn old patterns, embrace new tools, and stay curious even when you’re the most experienced person in the room.
As women in mortgage, we’ve learned to adapt — sometimes faster than we’d like — and that’s a strength we don’t celebrate enough. We’ve learned to juggle home and work, nurture relationships, and lead teams through constant change. And we’ve done it while still making time to lift each other up. That’s growth in its purest form.
If there’s one truth that has stood the test of time, it’s this: relationships outlast results.
Technology will keep evolving. Companies will merge. Market conditions will shift. But the people we meet along the way — the ones who mentor us, challenge us, laugh with us through the chaos — they’re the real markers of success.
At 46, I value those relationships more deeply than ever. I think about the early mentors who saw potential before I saw it myself. The peers who became lifelong friends. The clients who turned into collaborators. Every connection, every conversation, has shaped my journey.
In a people-driven business like ours, we can never forget that trust is built one interaction at a time. Relationships are the roots that keep us grounded, no matter how many times the landscape shifts.
Now, as we step into 2026, that reflection from my birthday feels even
more relevant. A new year always brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Will rates stabilize? Will technology outpace our capacity to adapt? Will we finally find that elusive “balance” between efficiency and human touch?
The truth is, we don’t know. But what we can control is how we show up for it.
This year, I’m choosing to show up differently — with more clarity, more empathy, and a greater focus on intention. I want to be more present in conversations, more curious in challenges, and more courageous in decisions.
And I hope our industry does the same.
Mortgage and home-equity lending are standing at a crossroads. We’re balancing innovation with regulation, automation with empathy, and data with trust. It’s not easy — but that’s exactly why reflection is so critical right now.
If we pause long enough to look inward, both as individuals and as organizations, we can make smarter, more human-centered decisions. We can identify what’s working, what isn’t, and where we need to evolve — not just for profitability, but for people.
As I sip that first cup of coffee each morning, I try to ask myself one question: What kind of energy do I want to bring into today?
That simple question changes everything. It reminds me that mindset shapes momentum. And momentum shapes results.
But here’s the thing about detours: they don’t erase your destination. They just change your direction.
So here’s my challenge to you as we step into 2026:
Take time this year to look inward. Don’t wait for burnout or a birthday to make you reflect. Create space to check in with yourself — your goals, your habits, your values.
Ask the hard questions:
• What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?
• How can I prepare for the challenges I know are coming — without losing myself in them?
• How can I show up better — for my team, my clients, and my own peace of mind?
The truth is, challenges aren’t going away. Work will stay demanding. Markets will fluctuate. New technologies will keep reshaping how we operate. But how you handle those challenges — that’s where the growth happens.
If we learn to respond instead of react, to listen instead of rush, to pause instead of panic, we’ll not only lead better businesses — we’ll live better lives.
So here’s to another year — another cup of coffee, another opportunity to reflect, to grow, to connect.
Whether you’re 26 or 46, new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, we all have the same opportunity each morning: to begin again, with a little more grace, a little more wisdom, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Reflection fuels direction. And direction, when paired with intention, leads to growth that truly lasts.
So pour that first cup. Sit in the quiet for a moment. And remember — sometimes the most important work we do isn’t in the next meeting or email. It’s in the detours and pauses we take to reflect and realign before the day even begins.
Here’s to a 2026 filled with growth, gratitude, and the courage to face both the calm and the chaos with equal grace.
BY LAURA BRANDAO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER, MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE
Elizabeth Mix was born in Germany while her father served in the military. Her childhood was spent moving across several states, which she says made her feel like she was “raised everywhere.” With three siblings and a close-knit family, those frequent relocations taught her adaptability and confidence.
“I had to make new friends and adjust to new environments regularly,” she explains. “It taught me to try new things with less fear than many of my peers.”
Elizabeth says as a teenager, she worked a lot of retail jobs and that made her realize that those were not the jobs for her. After joining a temp agency, she accepted a position as a receptionist at a mortgage company. That opportunity sparked her passion for the mortgage industry and set her on a career path.
She and her husband and their Bernadoodle, Remy, live in St. John, Indiana.
Elizabeth is the Vice President of Warehouse Lending at Western Alliance Bank. She has also achieved her Paralegal Certification from Duke University and her Certified Mortgage Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association during her tenure at the bank, accomplishments of which she is very proud.
How did you get your start in the mortgage industry?
I found the industry by accident. I was tired of retail jobs and signed up with a temp agency who sent me on a job as a receptionist at a mortgage company. After a few weeks, the
company asked me if I’d like to stay on and I happily agreed.
I was taught the basics of loan processing, and when the head underwriter moved on to another organization, she asked if I’d come with her. I did take that offer and learned the underwrit-
ing and closing parts of the industry. I’m forever grateful she saw my potential and took me under her wing.
I spent 12 years working for IMBs before moving to the banking side of the business where I am now.
What does being a trailblazer mean to you?
Taking risks, forging your own path, and, hopefully, empowering and inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.
I grew up in a low-income household, which meant that, if I wanted something badly enough, I had to work to earn the money for it. I left home and moved across the country at 19 because I was determined not to be caught in a cycle of dead-end jobs.
I learned to look after myself first and made my share of mistakes. But I kept going, pushing forward, and refusing to compromise on the things I value. I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
> Elizabeth gathers with family, including her beloved pup.
Where do you see yourself and women in general in the industry over the next five years?
I’m very grateful for everything the mortgage industry has given to me, and now I’m committed to giving back by supporting others.
I have the privilege of serving as a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel and, this year, I taught my first School of Mortgage Banking class for the MBA. Both of those endeavors have given me the chance to contribute to the careers of the up-and-coming women in our industry. I do enjoy mentoring and sharing my knowledge and experience to
help others achieve their goals.
For women in general, I have seen real progress. More women are stepping up and speaking out, pursuing roles traditionally held by men — and being chosen for them. As a woman in a leadership role, it is satisfying to see that women are being taken seriously in their bid for equal representation in the upper administration positions.
What is your professional superpower?
My professional superpower is tenacity. I don’t quit. If things get hard, I push back harder and find a way to get things done. Even if I’m fearful of
the outcome, I don’t back away from the challenge.
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought. That is not quitting but retiring from the battlefield with the ability to fight another day.
Growing up as I did, taught me about balancing my needs and the needs of the people I serve in my profession. I learned to work hard and not give up, but also how and when to move on. Life experience and my years in the industry have given me the perspective and wisdom to choose well.
Tell us something about your career in the mortgage industry that was pivotal to your achievements today.
I’ve had several, but the most impactful was moving from an IMB to a bank. That shift changed how I viewed the industry and opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise — like earning my paralegal certification. After 24 years in operations, I made a shift to sales, a change I swore I’d never make, but I am so glad I did. My first year in, my boss encouraged me to apply for the MBA Future Leaders Program. Not only was I able to gain new skills in leadership, but I made connections on a personal and business level that I have found invaluable. Being successful in sales is heavily predicated on building and maintaining networks. Joining the program allowed me to expand my personal and professional network..
I think there is an important distinction to be made between quitting and knowing when it is time to walk away. That willingness to step back doesn’t show weakness but takes strength and practicality of thought.
I have also had the honor of being a board member for the Mortgage Women’s Leadership Counsel for the last two years. That has also expanded my network of connections and allowed me to contribute to the changes shaping our ever-changing industry, which is both fascinating and deeply satisfying.
looking forward to all the adventures ahead.
I don’t crave material things (although I wouldn’t sneeze at a Chanel handbag!), but it is the experiences and connections that life brings that make me feel I have succeeded and continue
Holding on to outdated or irrelevant ways of doing something will slow you down and you’ll possibly get stuck. Taking a leap of faith and having confidence in yourself to shift direction will take you further.
I hope to inspire others to take leaps of faith and trust they can succeed. A stumble isn’t the end — it’s a sign to keep moving ahead.
What advice would you give to a woman entering or trying to move up in their mortgage career?
Learn to speak up for yourself. No one will advocate for you as well as you can. Don’t hesitate to ask for that raise or promotion when you know you’ve earned it. Go into the meeting prepared with a list of your accomplishments and reasons why you deserve it. It’s not about ego; it’s about ensuring your contributions are recognized. Making that request isn’t easy, but it is the only way to ensure you are given the opportunities you want and need to move forward.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success is a feeling. It is being happy, grateful for all that I have, and
to do so as my life unfolds.
What do you enjoy doing outside our industry?
I am a scuba diver, I love riding my motorcycle, and traveling around the world. I am also a devoted dog mom to my very spoiled three-year-old Bernadoodle, Remy.
How do you recommend navigating change in an industry that is always changing and growing?
Keep your mind and options always open. If you are flexible and ready to pivot, you can grab opportunities that arise without having to hesitate. Always be learning and willing to learn something new. There’s nothing wrong in saying you don’t know something and asking for more information.
Do you think it’s important to have a mentor?
Absolutely. Mentors come in all different forms and it may not always be another woman you look to for guidance. It may not even be someone older than yourself or even in the mortgage industry.
Be open and find someone you trust to tell you the truth when you ask for advice.
What do you want to be remembered for in our industry?
I want to be remembered as a good partner and friend — someone who mentored, taught, and supported others as they navigated their careers. That’s the most important contribution I can make to ensure
the industry thrives with talented, well-prepared leaders.
How do you find your voice?
Learning to speak up comes with age and maturity. One of the hardest things to do is advocate for yourself. It feels counterintuitive sometimes, so we tend to downplay our ideas and accomplishments.
It can be incredibly intimidating to speak up in a big meeting for the first time, or to hold a dissenting opinion in a group of co-workers. It takes confidence and preparation to be the one voice that changes the conversation.
When you are the one scheduling the meeting, remember that it is YOUR meeting. You have set the agenda and if you arrive fully prepared you can proceed without the worry that the conversation may get hijacked and spin off topic.
It is critically important to take emotion out of the equation and focus on
the conversation. It can be easy to get frustrated or upset if there is pushback on your agenda or ideas, but if you come prepared and ready to answer questions and defend your position with facts and solid information, you should feel good about making your opinion known and allowing it to be discussed openly and with an eye to finding the best solution to an issue.
What’s your favorite book or podcast that you would recommend and why?
My favorite book that I would recommend is Worthy, by Jamie Kern Lima. I literally could not put it down. The book posits that it is not just about being worthy, but about truly believing in yourself and letting go of old things in life that simply do not serve you well.
The podcast I like to listen to is Joe Rogan. I appreciate that he speaks to a whole host of different people no matter their politics, religion, or other beliefs. I usually feel as if I have learned
something new whether I agree with it or not and it is often delivered with a good dose of humor, so it is entertaining as well.
How do we propel more women into leadership roles within our industry?
It is not enough for women to just speak up for themselves — we need to speak up for each other.
When we support and lift each other up, we become stronger. It is often the case that women are passed over for leadership roles when, in fact, they have been overlooked.
Making it clear to managers and senior leaders that we are not only interested in a higher position, but ready to put in the work to get there, is the first step to avoiding a situation where the role goes to another simply because we didn’t step forward. Waiting for someone to notice your contributions is ineffective and may cost you opportunities. When you speak up, you are signaling interest and confidence.
If you are willing to step forward and ask for consideration even if you think they have already chosen someone else, you are still making the point that you are interested in advancement and believe in your ability to succeed.
I have seen great strides made in the number of women in leadership in our industry, but there is more to do. I believe we are capable of amazing things if we support each other and we must find the courage and confidence to make ourselves visible. If we can do that, we will achieve remarkable things.
How interactive newsletters are turning “just another email” into referrals, relevance, and actual engagement
BY LORRAINE GIRON, CONTIBUTING WRITER, MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE
Mortgage loan officers today are working in one of the noisiest digital environments the industry has ever seen. Every borrower, every realtor, every past client, and every lead is constantly flooded with messages. Podcasts, social feeds, breaking news, interest-rate alerts, email blasts, text campaigns, and “market updates” all start sounding the same.
In that kind of climate, staying top-of-mind isn’t just about showing up — it’s about showing up in a way that makes people actually want to engage with the content.
This is where newsletters, and especially interactive newsletters, go from “nice to have” to “non-negotiable.”
PR and marketing specialist Danielle Octavia Taute said it perfectly in her LinkedIn article “Interactive Newsletters vs. Static Newsletters”
“The most powerful newsletters today aren’t just good emails,” she posits. “They’re strategic brand amplifiers.”
And she’s right. When done well, a newsletter becomes one of the most valuable pieces of marketing an MLO can produce.
This article has two core goals:
1. To underscore why every MLO should consistently send a monthly or bi-monthly newsletter to their database and referral partners.
2. To show why interactive newsletters … not static ones … are the key to standing out, creating engagement, and building long-term trust in today's market.
Let’s break this down.
There’s a misconception that newsletters are outdated. The truth? Newsletters have quietly become one of the most effective tools for building trust and maintaining visibility, especially in relationship-driven industries like mortgage lending.
Dustin Owen, host of The Loan Officer Podcast (TLOP), breaks this down beautifully in one of his most widely shared clips. When discussing how to generate five times more loans from the clients you already have, he cites newsletters as one of the simplest and most overlooked ways to leverage your database.
That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because newsletters create connections. Connections build trust. Trust leads to conversations. And conversations lead to closed loans.
A monthly or bi-monthly newsletter is more than an email; it’s a digital nudge that keeps you top-of-mind long after the loan closes. It builds familiarity, reinforces your expertise, and keeps your audience thinking of you when questions or opportunities arise.
Think of your newsletter as the heartbeat of your brand: a consistent rhythm that keeps your presence alive in the minds of borrowers and referral partners.
“ The most powerful newsletters today aren’t just good emails — they’re strategic
> Danielle Octavia Taute, PR and marketing specialist
To drive it home, he shared a powerful story about an MLO who started with:
• 100 newsletter readers
• A 20% open rate
Nothing flashy. Nothing special. Just a starting point.
But he stayed consistent. He showed up every month. He educated. He told stories. He added value.
Three years later, that same loan officer had:
• Over 7,000 readers
• A 70% open rate
A traditional (static) newsletter pushes information outward — a one-way broadcast.
An interactive newsletter sparks engagement. It’s designed for participation. It invites your audience to click, vote, watch, choose, react, or explore. And in return, it gives you meaningful data.
This shift mirrors the way today’s consumers prefer to learn: through short, visual, immersive, and interactive experiences. The more interactive the content, the longer readers stay, the more they connect with you, and the more likely they are to remember and trust you.
Some of the most effective interactive elements include:
Short 30–60 second videos answering a question or breaking down a concept. Even better?
Use interactive video platforms such as AdventR or Mindstamp that allow viewers to click mid-video for:
• Quizzes
• “Choose your scenario” paths
• Save-for-later buttons
• Request-a-call triggers
2. Polls
• “Which local spot serves the best weekend brunch?”
• “What’s do you feel is your biggest challenge in owning a home?”
These micro-engagements boost click rates and give you insight into your database.
3. Quizzes
People love testing themselves—even more when the quiz teaches them something valuable.
• “Test Your First-Time Homebuyer IQ”
• “Is It Time to Refi? Take This 30-Second Quiz”
Most CRMs already come with form builders. You just embed the link. No fancy tech needed.
These turn your newsletter into a lightweight advisory tool.
In short:
Static newsletters inform.
Interactive newsletters transform.
1. Engagement skyrockets
Interactive newsletters get more clicks, more scrolls, and more time spent reading. When people participate, they naturally build a deeper connection with you.
2. You gain real-time insight into your audience
Imagine knowing:
• What your readers are worried about
• Which topics they’re confused by
• What questions keep coming up
• What style of content they respond to most
3. You position yourself as an educator … not just a loan officer
Consumers gravitate toward MLOs who teach, inform, and empower. Interactivity enhances your reputation as a trusted guide.
4. You grow your brand footprint organically
Every newsletter becomes another piece of digital real estate reinforcing your expertise. Over time, you’re not just recognizable; you’re trusted.
Consistency matters … but consistency with intention matters more.
That’s the power of interactive elements. They become your mini-market research machine.
A strategic newsletter should focus on themes that strengthen relationships and reflect your brand as a resource.
Great topic series include:
• First-Time Homebuyer Education: mortgage basics, myths, readiness signs
• Community Spotlights: local neighborhoods, events, market pockets
• Financial Literacy: credit tips, budgeting, interest rate explanations
• Seasonal Homeowner Tips: winterizing, spring cleaning, insurance reminders
• Real Estate Investing: beginner tips, rental insights, cashflow basics
• Market Updates: quick, digestible, value-packed summaries
When you follow a series model, readers begin to anticipate your newsletter rather than ignore it.
If you want to grow an online presence but aren’t ready to jump onto TikTok or Instagram Reels, the newsletter becomes your safest launchpad.
If posting publicly intimidates you, newsletters offer a gentle on-ramp.
Every video you debut in your newsletter becomes:
• A future Instagram post
• A future LinkedIn snippet
• A future YouTube Short
• A future snippet embed in your website
• A future clip for a realtor partner
In other words:
An interactive newsletter sparks engagement. It’s designed for participation. It invites your audience to click, vote, watch, choose, react, or explore.
Newsletter Video Social Media = Instant content pipeline
This system is less overwhelming and gives you consistent content without reinventing the wheel.
And if you don’t want your videos on YouTube?
Platforms like Vimeo and Wistia offer beautiful, clean, ad-free hosting perfect for newsletters.
This is one of the most overlooked benefits.
Featuring your referral partners in your newsletter:
• Elevates their expertise
Here’s why:
• It’s private
• It’s targeted
• It’s low-pressure
• It builds your confidence
• It helps you refine your voice on camera
Short, helpful videos — 30 to 90 seconds — fit beautifully inside newsletters. They don’t need professional production. They just need substance and clarity.
• Exposes them to your audience
• Makes them feel valued
• Gives them a reason to share your content
• Builds long-term loyalty
Feature short clips or articles from:
• Realtors
• CPAs
• Attorneys
• Title/escrow officers
• Home inspectors
• Appraisers
When you shine a light on them, they naturally shine a light back.
AI has changed the game for MLOs who struggle with content creation.
Tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude can help you:
• Brainstorm topics
• Write scripts
• Summarize market updates
• Draft full newsletters
• Create quiz questions
• Generate interactive content ideas
• Rewrite content into different tones
AI is not replacing your voice. It’s giving you a starting point so content creation feels effortless instead of daunting.
Step 1: Launch a LinkedIn Newsletter
It’s the easiest place to begin:
• No design needed
• Built-in audience visibility
• Simple posting
• Highly shareable
• Great for establishing expertise
LinkedIn becomes your low-pressure “practice zone.”
Step 2: Migrate Into Your CRM
Once you build consistency, move your newsletter into your CRM where you can:
• Segment audiences
• Automate delivery
• Track engagement
• Embed polls and quizzes
• Personalize content
This is where interactivity truly starts to shine.
Step 3: Focus on the “Who,” Not the “How”
You don’t need to become a CRM specialist, automation expert, copywriter, or designer.
If you don’t already have access to a marketing specialist, start by asking friends and family for referrals, or explore gig platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find someone who can handle the setup for you.
Your role is the voice.
Their role is the execution.
In a market where everyone is fighting for attention, interactive newsletters give mortgage professionals a powerful edge. They blend education, engagement, and personality in a format readers genuinely enjoy.
They help you:
• Stay top-of-mind
• Strengthen relationships
• Build authority
• Generate conversations
• Increase referrals
• Grow your social presence organically
And most importantly — they help your audience feel supported, informed, and connected.
Start with one newsletter. Add one video.
Embed one poll. Then build from there.
Your future clients and future referrals will remember the loan officer who showed up with value, not noise.
Lorraine Giron is the founder of Standout Mortgage Marketing.
Three women leaders on why curiosity, courage, and raising your hand matter more than checking every box
BY SHELLY GRIFFIN, CONTIBUTING WRITER, MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE
When I joined the mortgage industry right out of school, I never imagined myself in the leadership role I have today. Where others saw my growth potential, I had more modest expectations. The people in higher level positions had more education than I did, and I assumed that would limit me. But then I unexpectedly won an Award of Excellence and my worldview started to change …
In the months before that recognition, I’d transitioned from a post-closing to a secondary marketing position. My job was demanding. I’d work very late balancing the wires — but my days still didn’t end when I walked out the door. If we’d missed the cutoff time for Federal Express, I’d drive boxes of files to the airport on my way home, and hand them to the people loading the plane. This was certainly beyond my job description, but I had never thought twice about it, or realized that my manager had noticed.
That taught me a valuable lesson: Regardless of my past or present circumstances, I was in control of my success. I was self-conscious about my lack of a college degree, but that wasn’t on my manager’s radar. She saw and appreciated my
passion and drive for excellence. Those were factors that I could always control.
It’s been more than two decades since that pivotal day, and I’ve come further in my career than I could ever have imagined. I love this industry and I’ve explored every facet of it — holding positions in processing, underwriting, training, quality control, counterparty risk, and now sales leadership. Every new position is both a joy and a test of my ability to create my own destiny. In the process, I’ve learned that:
• When people underestimate me, it just strengthens my resolve to keep growing: Early in my career, some of my colleagues left to form a startup, and it was common knowledge that they’d ask some of us to join them. My manager told me, “I’m not worried about losing you. You’re risk averse, and I don’t see you taking that leap.” His apparent belief that I wasn’t adventurous enough made me feel I had maxed out my growth opportunities at my current company. That pushed me right into the startup’s arms.
• To truly reach your potential, embrace startups. There is no better place to stretch, test yourself, and expand your influence. In the months before the aforementioned startup’s formal launch, I was testing systems, doing IT work, writing policies and procedures, and diving into other ar-
Our industry is small and tight, and the relationships we form early in our careers often carry us through the next decades. Nurture them and never burn a bridge.
> Shelly Griffin
eas that were completely new. Even as an underwriter and later a trainer, I had a direct impact on the process flow and the workplace environment. It built a foundation of strength and possibility I’ll always carry with me.
• The most energizing words from leaders are “You’ve got this.” In my own career journey, I’ve often stepped into roles for which I had no formal training, but my managers have known I was ready. I started in sales, for example, with no territory and the directive to “just find accounts.” Knowing that these leaders were confident in me, and would never set me up to fail increased my confidence and resolve. Now I hold a national sales leadership role and I love every minute of it.
That leads to another important lesson: Eschew perfection in favor of possibility. There is no need to feel you don’t have the ideal resume — checking every box — when an opportunity opens. Jump in and know it’s yours.
• Treat people like family. In this industry, they are. Mortgage women have a special connection. Our industry is small and tight, and the relationships we form early in our careers often carry us through the next decades. Nurture them and never burn a bridge.
• Seek out mentors and be one yourself. These roles don’t have to be formal, and you can often be helpful to people who have more professional experience than you do. Showing individuals new ways to work and being their new right-hand person who sees situations from a different lens can be invaluable. Even as you’re still growing, you can help others grow too, increasing your collective impact.
and care about those around them would lay the foundation for my success. But in the end, it’s up to me. If I believe in my own strengths, others will too.
People often talk about career paths, especially for women, as if they’re ladders — linear, predictable, rung by rung. My career never looked like that. If anything, it looked more like wandering off the ladder entirely, finding a side door, letting curiosity drive me into rooms I didn’t even know existed, and eventually realizing I could build something better than the structure I started in.
I began as a real estate finance lawyer — first at a tiny firm, then at very large ones — and by all traditional measures, I was right on track to become a big-law partner. I was maybe two years away. That’s the moment where the movie version of this story would show determination, grit, and some triumphant montage of “leaning in.”
Instead, I left.
Not for a startup, or a dream job, or a passion. I left to become in-house counsel at a national title agency — a job I thought would offer balance and predictability. I didn’t have an ambitious master plan. I had exhaustion and a sense that the life I was barreling toward didn’t feel like mine.
Here’s the part I don’t think we admit enough: Sometimes women move forward by opting out of what no longer feels right — not by pushing harder inside it.
JESS KENNEDY
Co-founder and COO
Beeline
My memories of my first years in the mortgage business fill me with gratitude. That experience taught me that passion, resolve, an avid interest in learning, and people who genuinely trust
The in-house legal work ended up feeling boring to me. That boredom — something we’re often taught to hide — became the most honest compass I had. It pushed me to explore other departments like operations, HR, finance, and technology. I didn’t ask for permission to explore; I followed curiosity and dealt with consequences later. Turns out no one minded. Curiosity, when paired with competence, is rarely seen as trespassing.
That’s when I fell in love with how companies work. Not the sanitized textbook version — the real organism of people, incentives, frictions, systems,
A title can be bestowed. Impact has to be earned. When you focus on the footprint you’re leaving — the work, the humans, the decisions — you’ll end up in the right places, even if the path there doesn’t look traditional.
> Jess Kennedy
messiness, and breakthroughs. I realized I cared far more about building something special — a place where people thrive and where innovation isn’t just a buzzword — than I did about titles or “the path.”
And that was the moment I stopped being a passenger in my own career.
The question people ask me most is: “How did you go from big-law associate to business owner?” They expect a roadmap or a five-step plan. I don’t have one. But I do have truths I wish more women heard — because they don’t sound like the usual advice.
1. Curiosity is a strategy. Don’t underestimate it. Sometimes the thing that looks like a detour is really the doorway. A lot of career advice focuses on intention and planning. Planning is good. Curiosity is better. It grows your surface area for luck.
2. “That’s not my job” is the fastest way to shrink your world. Every time you decide something isn’t for you, you’re making your universe smaller. Careers aren’t built by clinging to job descriptions; they’re built by walking toward things that spark interest — even if they’re messy or undefined.
3. Staying close to the work makes you a better leader than any seminar ever will.
People don’t follow titles. They follow leaders who understand their reality. Roll up your sleeves, not because it’s humble, but because it keeps you sharp.
4. Know yourself so you don’t chase things you don’t actually want.
Women are often given advice that sounds like, “Get the title. Take the promotion. Push forward.” But does that promotion actually align with who you are? Your strengths? Your joy? Your energy? The worst mistakes I’ve seen have come from chasing “shoulds.”
5. Impact > optics. Always.
A title can be bestowed. Impact has to be earned. When you focus on the footprint you’re leaving — the work, the humans, the decisions — you’ll end up in the right places, even if the path there doesn’t look traditional.
6. When you find people you admire, take notes. Literally. I built my leadership style from borrowed pieces of people I respect — a phrase here, a habit there, a way of listening or caring or questioning. Humility is an underrated growth strategy. It’s okay to “steal” pieces of what you love and admire in others if those things are aligned with your spirit and authentic self.
7. Emotional intelligence is not a “soft skill.” It’s the infrastructure of influence.
You can teach almost anyone a process. You cannot teach everyone how to earn trust. In my company, emotional intelligence is a hiring filter — not a bonus trait.
8. Ignore the office politics. Play the long game. Women are often told to be strategic — a coded word that sometimes means “play along.” The real power comes from opting out of that game entirely. Do not play. It’s very simple, even though it is hard. Competence plus integrity compounds, and you will end up well respected and doing it all on your own terms in a way you are proud of.
The truth is, I didn’t climb a ladder. I wasn’t on one. I followed curiosity, let boredom redirect me, learned relentlessly, stayed human, and refused to trade authenticity for advancement.
If there’s anything I hope women take away from my story, it’s this:
Get off the ladder. Know yourself. Trust yourself. Throw out the rules and the shoulds. Use your intuition to guide you.
Chief Operating Officer Interlinc Mortgage Services
I was a 22-year-old college recruit in 2002 when a growing subprime lender took a chance on me. I had zero experience and zero clue, but the company invested serious time and money in my development — classroom training, sideby-side mentoring, and a real paycheck while I learned the craft from the ground up. They didn’t just give me a job; they built me into an underwriter. Within four years I became the youngest underwriting manager in the company, was later hand-picked for the corporate fraud-investigation team, selected as the company-wide AUS trainer, and tapped for countless special projects. Why? Because every time someone asked, “Who can help with this?” my answer was always, “I will.”
That single habit — raising my hand to help — carried me through the boom years, the 2008–2009 crisis, the postDodd-Frank rebuild, and ultimately to Chief Operating Officer of an independent mortgage bank and President of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association. Here’s the exact playbook I still follow two decades later.
The fastest way to stand out is to volunteer for the work others avoid. In 2003 that meant staying late and working weekends to clear the file backlog when everyone else wanted to leave at 5:00. In 2007 it meant hopping on a plane to India to train our offshore team. In 2013 it meant leading the charge on Dodd-Frank implementation. Today it means staying ahead of constant guideline changes, legislative priorities, and evolving credit-report strategies.
Pay attention in meetings and hallway conversations. Note every pain point — every bottleneck mentioned on manager calls, every compliance snag that delays closings, every new guideline tripping up originators, every system inefficiency. Think through solutions before leadership even identifies the problem. I call it “find a need and fill it.” That mindset is responsible for every promotion I’ve ever earned.
Titles are static; reputations are dynamic. Companies don’t promote the org-chart box labeled “Senior Underwriter.” They promote the person who:
• trains every branch on the latest guidelines,
• flies to corporate for a mission-critical project,
• and still closes the month as a top performer in their day job.
Stepping into tasks outside your normal scope demonstrates commitment to the team’s success, builds new skills, and positions you for roles you wouldn’t otherwise be considered for. Being the reliable utility player is how you leapfrog ahead.
Do not see people as merely an entry in your Rolodex, regardless of current “value.”
> Erin Dee
Early in my career, I assumed, “They’ll never give a 25-yearold that much authority,” or “There’s no way they’d consider me for that role.” Then I watched peers calmly ask for the full package — title, span of control, compensation — and get it because they brought data. My rule ever since: ask for the whole order.
Track your wins and quantify the value you create:
• Efficiency improvements
• Cost savings
• Reduced risk exposure
• Enhanced customer or originator experience
When you can clearly show you deliver more value than you cost, your odds of a yes skyrocket. If the answer is no, you learn the real constraints and can either solve them or explore opportunities elsewhere. If you never ask, the answer is no by default.
Building processes, departments, and even companies from scratch has been incredibly rewarding, but the relationships I’ve formed along the way are the true fuel behind my personal and professional growth.
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside brilliant, generous people. I worked hard to prove my value to them, and in return they became mentors and lifelong friends. As I’ve advanced, I’ve had the privilege of hiring and developing
talented individuals who have gone on to build outstanding careers of their own. Watching them succeed — raising families, buying homes, earning promotions — is perhaps the greatest joy of my professional life.
Two lessons I live by when it comes to relationships:
1. Be authentic. People can sense inauthenticity a mile away. Be yourself; genuine connections create trust and open doors.
2. Do not see people as merely an entry in your Rolodex, regardless of current “value.” The junior processor you encourage today might be the EVP who hires you tomorrow. Never burn a bridge you don’t have to.
From wide-eyed trainee to COO and industry president, every rung on my ladder was forged the same way: I saw a need, raised my hand, delivered undeniable results, asked for what I had earned, and invested deeply in the people around me.
2026 is here. Rates may remain elevated, volume will stay competitive, and the regulatory landscape will keep shifting. But on every leadership call, someone is still going to ask, “Who can help us with this?”
Make sure the answer is you.
Shelly Griffin is Senior Vice President, Client Development, Deephaven Mortgage.
Forget the fears — AI isn’t propping women up. It’s helping them fly faster, farther, and with more control over their business.
LBY JACQUELINE 'JAX' CRIDER, CONTIBUTING WRITER, MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE
et’s cut straight to it: AI is not the future of the mortgage industry. It is the present.
And if we’re being honest? You have two choices: Get run over by the bus… or hop on, take the wheel, and let it take you further, faster, than you’ve ever gone before.
The professionals — especially the women — who are embracing AI right now are not just keeping pace. They’re not just ‘in the game.’ They are blowing up their industries in bold, undeniable ways.
They’re the ones building bulletproof, scalable systems while others are still drowning in emails. They’re increasing their volume, leveling up their team’s efficiency, and creating a level of personal brand visibility that used to take an entire marketing department to manage.
AI isn’t replacing them. It’s amplifying them.
Before we dive into the how, let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s the single biggest misconception I hear from the sharpest women I know: “AI sounds generic.” “AI won’t sound like me.” “AI can’t possibly capture my personality, my empathy, or my unique voice.”
Let me be clear: AI only sounds generic when you feed it generic inputs.
Asking AI to “write a blog post about interest rates” is like hiring a brilliant, world-class chef and asking them to “just make some food.” You’ll get something edible, but it won’t be your signature dish.
But when you give it your stories, your tone, your quirks, your humor, your values, and your hardwon opinions — it doesn’t just reflect your voice. It evolves it.
It becomes your creative partner. Your second brain. Your accelerator.
It’s not a replacement. It’s not a shortcut. It’s not a threat. It’s an exponent. It’s an amplifier. It is a clarity engine.
And in an industry like ours — one that runs on precision, compliance, complex communication, reliability, and trust — having a tool that makes your thinking sharper and your work faster isn’t just a game changer — it’s a revolution.
If you walk away with only one sentence from this article, let it be this: AI is not a “do it for you” tool. It’s a “do it better, faster, and smarter” tool.
It doesn’t think for you. It helps you think like the best version of you. Anytime, anywhere.
That is the magic.
AI isn’t just for tech people. You don’t need to know Python or coding. You don’t need to be a “creative” or a marketer.
If you know how to think, ask questions, and solve problems — AI is your tool. Let’s be real here, we work in mortgage, isn’t that kind of our MO? And whether you’re in sales or operations,
Let me be clear: AI only sounds generic when you feed it generic inputs.
Think of AI as the most brilliant, efficient, and affordable colleague you’ve ever had.
This colleague:
• Expands your half-formed ideas into fullblown strategies.
• Challenges your blind spots and asks, “Have you considered this?”
• Organizes the chaos of your inbox, your guidelines, and your brain.
• Sharpens your messaging so it lands with clarity and impact.
• Speeds up your most tedious workflows.
• Catches the small mistakes and compliance gaps you didn’t notice.
• And pushes you, relentlessly, into your highest level of excellence.
This colleague works 24/7, never gets tired, and costs less than a week of your Starbies habit.
AI makes your work faster, cleaner, sharper, and more aligned.
This isn’t just about speed; it’s about scale and connection. AI will help you:
• Write emails that convert (in your voice, not a canned template).
• Brainstorm an entire month’s worth of video scripts for social media.
• Draft compelling, educational content for your referral partners and clients.
• Generate hyper-specific marketing campaigns tailored to your ideal client (e.g., “first-time homebuyers in this zip code” or “VA buyers”).
• Build lead-nurture sequences that actually build trust and sound human.
• Turn 80 pages of complex mortgage guidelines
into simple, compelling messaging.
• Create educational presentations, workshop outlines, and speaking proposals.
• Roleplay difficult conversations, like handling rate objections or prepping for a tough realtor meeting.
AI can take your half-formed idea for a client newsletter and turn it into a polished, insightful script in minutes. And because you control the final product, it still feels like you — just the you from your most focused, well-rested, and articulate day.
Imagine onboarding a new hire with a fully personalized 30-day training plan, custom workflow maps, pre-written email templates, and stepby-step process guides — all created in under an hour. That’s what AI can do.
I don’t speak about AI from theory. I speak from daily practice. I use AI to accelerate almost every part of my businesses — PBJ Mortgage and Financial Mastery Simplified.
Think of AI as the most brilliant, efficient, and affordable colleague you’ve ever had.
AI isn’t just creative — it’s insanely functional. This is about precision and efficiency. AI helps you:
• Build detailed SOPs and workflows 10x faster.
• Turn dense underwriting guidelines into clear, scannable summaries anyone on the team can understand.
• Create step-by-step job aids, checklists, and screen-share video scripts for training new hires.
• Draft complex ‘needs-list’ emails or update requests with exceptional clarity and empathy.
• Build checklists for file intake, pre-underwriting reviews, and post-closing QC.
• Standardize processes across the entire team to eliminate “that’s just how I do it” gaps.
• Document and improve your systems in minutes, not months.
• Summarize long email threads or meeting transcripts into actionable to-do lists.
Here are just a few ways I use it every single day:
• Content Creation: When my brain is fried but I need to post something helpful online, AI expands a small thought into a powerful message — in my voice, with my analogies, and my brand personality.
• Marketing Strategy: AI gives me new angles, concepts, hooks, and story-driven marketing I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.
• Video & Podcast Scripts: Every script for PBJ Mortgage TV or my podcasts starts with AI and ends with my edits — saving hours and giving me a polished message, fast.
• Hiring & Training Workflows: AI helps me build onboarding systems, training guides, comprehensive job descriptions, and evaluation tools in minutes instead of weeks.
• High-Level Strategy: Sometimes I use AI as my personal sounding board. I’ll feed it a new business idea and say, “Act as a multi-million dollar CEO. Challenge me.” And it will ask me the ex-
act hard questions I didn’t think to ask myself.
It’s like having a chief strategist, a creative director, a copywriter, and an operations leader — all in one tool.
Let’s speak directly to the women reading this — the leaders, the changemakers, the doers, the ones carrying both the responsibility and the vision.
• Simplifying complex workflows and creating scalable, sellable businesses.
• Scaling their authority and impact beyond their one-to-one limitations.
• Freeing up critical time for family, personal growth, and high-level leadership.
• Stepping confidently into visibility because they know their systems can handle the growth.
• Shaping the industry from the front, not the sidelines.
If you know how to think, ask questions, and solve problems — AI is your tool. Let’s be real here, we work in mortgage, isn’t that kind of our MO?
For decades, women in this industry have thrived by leveraging their natural strengths:
• Intuition
• Empathy
• Deep communication
• Holistic problem-solving
• Relational understanding
• And an uncanny ability to see and connect patterns that others miss.
AI amplifies all of it.
This isn’t just another piece of tech. This is a tool that supercharges our greatest assets.
Women who adopt AI early are:
• Building powerful personal brands faster.
• Drastically reducing burnout by automating the “busywork” that drains them.
AI is the great equalizer. In an industry often dominated by “old-school” thinking, it gives women the leverage to out-maneuver, out-perform, and out-build the status quo. It gives us the tools and leverage we’ve always deserved — but haven’t always been given.
The mortgage industry is evolving. Technology is accelerating. Consumer expectations are rising. This is one of those rare inflection points where the people who embrace the change earn an advantage that compounds for years.
The question isn’t: “Will AI change my role?” The real question is: “Will I use AI to elevate the way I show up, lead, and perform?”
Because the women who choose that path?
They’re not waiting for permission. They’re not overthinking whether they’re “techy” enough. They’re not scared of losing their voice.
They’re using AI to amplify their impact — and redefine what’s possible in our industry.
AI isn’t here to take your job. It’s here to take the parts of your job that drain you — and give you back your brilliance.
your answers to the AI.
This is how you get your spin, your voice, and your brilliance, amplified.
For SALES Professionals (Your “Voice & Connection” Prompts)
Instead of asking AI: “Write a video script about interest rates.” First, ask yourself:
• What’s a specific story I have about a client who was terrified of rates but is now in their dream home?
AI is the great equalizer. In an industry often dominated by “old-school” thinking, it gives women the leverage to out-maneuver, outperform, and out-build the status quo.
Use it as your accelerator. Use it as your partner. Use it as your competitive advantage.
Because the women who harness AI today will be the leaders everyone admires tomorrow.
And I’d bet on those women every single time.
BONUS: THE “GENERIC-TOGENIUS” PROMPT GUIDE
You’re ready to get on the bus. But how do you start driving?
Remember: AI only sounds generic when you feed it generic inputs.
The secret to getting “super solid output” isn’t just what you ask AI; it’s what you ask yourself first. Before you type your next prompt, stop. Answer these questions for yourself, and then feed
• What’s the one analogy I always use to make rates “click” (e.g., “it’s like a subscription cost for the house”)?
• What’s the exact emotion I want the viewer to feel at the end? (e.g., “reassured,” “empowered,” “curious”).
Then, tell your AI: “Act as a mortgage strategist in my voice (empathetic, direct, and witty). Write a 60-second video script based on this specific client story: [your story]. Use my analogy [your analogy]. The goal is to make viewers feel [your emotion] and bust the myth that rates are the only thing that matters.”
Instead of asking AI: “Write a marketing email to realtors.”First, ask yourself:
• What is the one thing I do for my realtor partners that they actually value? (e.g., “I pick up
my phone on Saturdays,” “My operations team is faster than anyone else”).
• What is their biggest pain point this week? (e.g., “slow closings,” “uncommunicative lenders”).
• What is the one simple call-to-action I want? (e.g., “Reply with ‘coffee’ and I’ll buy,” “Forward this to your new agent”).
Then, tell your AI: “Act as a top-producing LO who partners with elite realtors. Draft a short,
the 10 current steps: [list your steps]. The biggest bottleneck is at [your failure point], which causes [your cost]. Create a new 10-step checklist that builds in a specific quality control check at that exact step to prevent the failure. The tone must be clear, direct, and unambiguous for a new hire.”
Instead of asking AI: “Write a training guide for a new processor.” First, ask yourself:
AI isn’t here to take your job. It’s here to take the parts of your job that drain you — and give you back your brilliance.
compelling email to a realtor I want to work with. The email must highlight my unique value prop of [your value prop] and show I can solve their pain point of [their pain point]. The tone should be confident, concise, and professional. End with the call-to-action: [your CTA].”
Instead of asking AI: “Create an SOP for onboarding a new file.” First, ask yourself:
• What are the exact 10 steps in our current (messy) process?
• Where is the single biggest failure point? (e.g., “Step 4: We always forget to order the title,” “Step 7: The ‘needs list’ email is unclear”).
• What is the cost of that failure? (e.g., “a two-day delay,” “a frustrated client”).
Then, tell your AI: “Act as an expert mortgage operations consultant. I need to create a detailed SOP for our file intake process. Here are
• What are the three costliest mistakes a new processor can make? (e.g., “miscalculating income,” “issuing an inaccurate needs list,” “not reading guidelines”).
• What’s the one core principle I wish they understood from Day One? (e.g., “Communicate, communicate, communicate,” “Assume nothing, verify everything”).
• What is a real-life, anonymous example of when a mistake happened and how it was fixed?
Then, tell your AI: “Act as a lead underwriter and master trainer. Create a ‘First 30 Days’ training module for a new processor. The module must be built around my core principle of [your principle]. Focus on preventing these three critical mistakes: [list the mistakes]. For each mistake, explain why it’s critical and how to prevent it. Include a section for a short, anonymous case study based on this scenario: [your example].”
Jax
Crider is managing partner at PBJ Mortgage LLC.
Introducing MaxClass, your new premier provider of continuing education.
We’re not just bringing you a lecture. We’re bringing you the fuel to spark your competitive fire, the plan to win the game on the merits, the confidence to know the rules and master them.
We’re MaxClass, and we’re where loan originators go to put their career in high gear.
— LaDonna Lockard, CEO
BY MEGHAN GOLDEN, SPECIAL TO MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE
By the time this issue goes to print, I’ll be just shy of hitting my fourth year in the mortgage industry. In that time, one thing has become crystal clear: the mortgage industry isn’t always a career people set out to join, yet somehow, everyone seems to find a home here. I’ve been endlessly fascinated by the origin stories of those who end up in this world, and even more intrigued by the people working behind the scenes to connect mortgage professionals to each other. They play a critical role in forming deals, partnerships, and lasting relationships that keep the industry moving.
Coming from a background as a graphic designer, I feel a kindred spirit with those quiet orchestrators who make meaningful connections happen every day. People like Courtney Valvo.
Courtney assists in producing large-scale events for the Originator Connect Network (OCN), and I had the chance to travel with OCN this past September to Dallas, Texas, where I heard her story firsthand. It’s one that proves curiosity, courage, and adaptability are not just assets in this industry. — they are essential.
Much like Courtney’s preference for scenic routes, her career path took the road less traveled. She began managing stylists’ schedules at a busy Charlotte, North Carolina salon. At first glance, working in a salon and managing a trade show floor may seem worlds apart, but in reality,
both are high-energy environments fueled by constant movement, tight schedules, and people with highly individualized needs. That early experience laid the foundation for the skills Courtney would continue to build throughout her career.
Feeling the pull to explore something more creative, Courtney dove into art curation and event planning. She co-managed an art collective and ran an underground supper club, blending creativity, hospitality, and operations into one seamless experience. That unique intersection, creating intentional environments where people connect, would later become central to her work producing national mortgage conferences.
Her entrepreneurial streak soon led her into Charlotte’s craft beer scene, where she assisted in the startup of NoDa Brewing, the city’s second brewery. Wearing many hats, from marketing to serving as the face of their first beer, Ramble on Red, Courtney mastered the art of multitasking and public engagement. Today, she channels
“All experience is good experience.”
> Courtney Valvo's deceptively simple philosophy about work, through successes and failures alike.
that same energy into mortgage events, many of which include networking receptions and, yes, drink tickets.
But Courtney’s career has always been about more than business. She eventually transformed her supper club into a nonprofit, working with community organizations including Heart’s Beat As One. That giving-back mindset aligns seamlessly with OCN’s annual partnership with Homes for Our Troops, where the organization’s largest regional event in Las Vegas combines industry networking with tangible impact for veterans.
Along the way, Courtney accumulated an extraordinary toolkit of skills. From Colorado cannabis farms to CBD startups, cardiology, phlebotomy, and veterinary care, each role added a new layer of adaptability and problem-solving. By the end of 2025, Courtney had become an integral part of nearly 20 Originator Connect Network shows, helping support more than 15,000 live attendees annually.
Courtney’s philosophy is simple: “All experience is good experience.” Through successes and failures alike, she believes we develop unique toolkits that serve us well in the future. She takes each new opportunity or challenge head-on as a chance to grow, because “the more you try, the more opportunity you have to succeed and fail.” Those lessons, she says, are essential to filling in the gaps until you figure out what works.
Today, Courtney orchestrates dozens of moving parts to ensure attendees leave OCN events with meaningful connections, while exhibitors and sponsors are given the platform they need to share their message and build lasting relationships on the expo floor. She also helps facilitate post-conference mortgage education classes with OCN partner MaxClass, an NMLS-approved educator. While Courtney doesn’t originate loans herself, her work directly empowers those who do, helping mortgage professionals network, learn, and thrive in a constantly changing market.
And in between travels and expos, Courtney prioritizes something just as important: rest.
“I would not be able to show up with patience, compassion, or focus without recharging.”
It’s easy to imagine how someone with Courtney’s schedule could burn the candle at both ends, but she is intentional about protecting time at home with family, most importantly her dog, Tula. She values being able to bring her stories of work and travel back to the people she loves most.
“Being able to share my adventures with the people who love me most is always a good time.”
Courtney’s journey is just one example of how eclectic ca-
“The more you try, the more opportunity you have to succeed and fail.”
> Those lessons, Valvo says, are essential to filling in the gaps until you figure out what works.
reer paths can become powerful assets within the mortgage and financial industries. In just four short years, I’ve met countless creative problem-solvers, multitaskers, and individuals who thrive under pressure. Her story reminds us that a career in mortgage doesn’t always begin with a finance degree. It often begins with curiosity, courage, and connection.
If you find yourself at an Originator Connect Network event in 2026 — and I imagine many of our readers will — be sure to say hello to Courtney. She will greet you with a warm smile, take a genuine interest in your journey, and perhaps even help steer you in the right direction.
Meghan Golden is the marketing supervisor for National Mortgage Professional.
Why humanity is the most valuable currency in mortgage lending
IBY MINDY STEARNS, SPECIAL TO MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE
’m often asked what sets Kind Lending apart from other mortgage companies. In an industry driven by rates, regulations, technology, and an ever-shifting market landscape, many assume that competitive advantage comes from whoever possesses the best rates, the next great system, product, or automation breakthrough. But there are some things we have no control of, such as market conditions. We have learned that the greatest return on investment doesn’t come from software or strategy — it comes from people. More specifically, it comes from a factor of which we have complete control; how we treat people.
People also ask, “Is Kind just a title? Are people really kind at your company?” Kindness is not a marketing tagline for us. It is a mandate.
products, comparable pricing, competitive turn times, and efficient automation. Technology has leveled the playing field — and it will continue to do so. What cannot be automated, replicated, or replaced is the human nuance behind every great experience. Put simply: Human nuances matter.
AI cannot call someone who is grieving.
Automation cannot look an employee in the eye and say, “Your voice matters.”
Software cannot replace empathy, presence, or connection.
People also ask,
“Is Kind just a title? Are people really kind at your company?” Kindness is not a marketing tagline for us. It is a mandate.
And unlike a slogan, kindness cannot be put on like a jacket when it’s convenient. It must be lived, breathed, modeled, and felt. Authentic kindness — real, human kindness — requires presence. It requires listening. It requires seeing people for who they are, not just what they produce. And that presence has a measurable impact on everything from retention and productivity to innovation and customer loyalty.
In this industry, every company will eventually offer similar
Kindness becomes an ROI driver when it shapes how people show up to work, how they treat one another, and how confidently they bring forward ideas. When employees feel valued, they give more discretionary effort, collaborate more effectively, and serve customers with genuine care. Kindness isn’t a feeling — it’s a performance multiplier.
Kindness begins with understanding what employees need most: to be seen, to be heard, and to know they matter.
People want to contribute. They want their voice to count. They want leaders who don’t just say they care — but demonstrate it consistently.
Servant Leadership is crucial not as a concept we reference occasionally, but as the backbone of how we operate. We ask
for employee feedback often. We don’t have an ego in the game. We believe great ideas come from everyone. And we want our employees to be successful. The more we know, the more we can grow. The more systems, programs, and past experiences they bring forward, the better we can become — together.
We refer to our team members as Kind Ambassadors because the way we show up each day influences everything we touch — from culture and productivity to customer experience.
Being a Kind Ambassador means more than representing a brand. It means adopting a mindset of positivity, integrity, and accountability. It means approaching challenges with empathy. It means understanding that kindness is not passive — it’s powerful.
Culture isn’t built in allhands meetings or quarterly memos. It’s built through thousands of small moments that communicate, “We see you. We know you. We’re glad you’re here.”
ers should know the human being behind the title.
Every day, we highlight birthdays and personal details in a company-wide message. When someone loses a loved one, flowers are sent. When babies are born or marriages are made, we celebrate. When an employee is struggling, managers alert us — and a member of our leadership team personally checks in. With over 1,000 employees, this level of care takes time. But it pays dividends that no technology or automation can replicate.
Kindness becomes an ROI driver when it shapes how people show up to work, how they treat one another, and how confidently they bring forward ideas.
Research across industries is clear:
• Employees who feel valued are more productive.
• Teams that trust leadership innovate more.
• Companies rooted in empathy experience stronger retention.
• Kindness increases psychological safety, which increases performance.
But beyond the data, the truth is simpler:
People stay where they feel cared for.
One of the clearest ways to show people they matter is to give them access.
At Kind Lending, employees receive our direct cell phone numbers — not as a gesture, but as an invitation. We want their ideas. We want to hear their frustrations. We want them to know leadership is reachable and responsive. We conduct surveys that go far beyond job satisfaction. We ask about favorite things and dreams: movies, travel bucket lists, favorite flowers, pets’ names, milestones, books, quotes, and personal preferences. We do this because lead-
When employees know they matter, it shows in their work. Customers feel it. Partners feel it. Culture strengthens. Teams stabilize. Momentum builds.
This is why kindness is not soft. Kindness is a strategy.
Kindness remains the differentiator — and the ultimate ROI.
In a world that is increasingly digital and transactional, we choose to invest in the one thing that will never lose its value: people. And the return we see every day — in culture, performance, and loyalty — proves that kindness isn’t just the right thing to do … it’s the smartest investment we can make.
Mindy Stearns is chief kindness officer at Kind Lending.
PALM SPRINGS, CA
FEB. 10, 2026
FEB. 17, 2026
The new social playbook favors relevance over volume — and the mortgage pros who adapt are winning with quieter, smarter content
BY JENNIFER MANNION, CONTIBUTING WRITER, MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE
Social media continues to evolve rapidly, and in 2026, the landscape looks more sophisticated than ever for mortgage professionals. Where once volume, frequency, and an endless stream of hashtags were the dominant strategy, platforms now reward clarity of message, relevance, topical alignment, and authentic engagement. Loan officers, branch managers, mortgage brokers, and support professionals who adapt to these shifts will find themselves better positioned to build
long-term influence, strengthen referral networks, and educate homebuyers in an increasingly digital-first environment.
The overview below provides a comprehensive, platform-specific plan of how hashtag usage and content strategy have changed, and what mortgage professionals can do to remain competitive without relying on outdated tactics.
The early and mid-2010s taught marketers that more hashtags meant greater visibility. By 2026, that approach is outdated. Algorithms on nearly all major platforms now evaluate context,
Mortgage professionals who interact — commenting on posts from real estate agents, local builders, and community influencers — gain stronger algorithmic placement.
topic matching, and the relationship between hashtags and the actual content of a post. Excessive hashtags — especially generic ones — often lower reach rather than increase it. For mortgage professionals, this is a crucial shift because the industry relies heavily on niche educational content, local expertise, and credibility. Hashtags must now reinforces, not dilute, that expertise.
The optimal approach includes:
• Using three to five highly relevant hashtags.
• Prioritizing specific, niche, and local tags over broad, saturated ones.
• Avoiding trending hashtags unless directly relevant to the topic.
• Eliminating hashtag stuffing entirely.
• Incorporating industry-specific tags such as #FirstTimeHomeBuyer, #MortgageTips, #FHALoans, or localized real estate tags.
These shifts aren’t arbitrary. Platforms want greater alignment between the intent of a post and the audience consuming it, helping users find higher-quality, more relevant information. Mortgage professionals who align their posts with purposeful tags experience higher engagement, longer watch times, and stronger audience retention.
Each major platform has adapted its algorithm differently, which means a one-size-fits-all hashtag strategy no longer works.
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes topic understanding and content categorization. Three to five hashtags in the caption — rather than a separate comment — are ideal. Relevance is everything; the platform can now determine
whether hashtags align with the actual content. Mortgage professionals should combine one broad industry tag (#MortgageTips) with two to three niche or local tags.
TikTok:
TikTok continues to dominate shortform education, and mortgage-related explainer videos perform surprisingly well here. The platform rewards three to six hashtags that blend niche topics (#FHALoanExplained) with discoverability tags (#HomeBuying101). TikTok is also the most forgiving platform when experimenting with new tags.
LinkedIn:
LinkedIn prioritizes professional relevance. Using two to five industry-specific hashtags at the end of a post helps categorize content, especially for longer commentary on market trends, rate movements, or regulatory updates. LinkedIn penalizes posts overloaded with hashtags, so restraint is essential.
X (Twitter):
One to two hashtags integrated naturally into the sentence structure work best. X rewards topical alignment rather than formatting, and overly produced hashtag blocks no longer gain traction.
Facebook:
Facebook continues to treat hashtags as optional. One or two can assist with categorization, but they do not significantly influence reach. Mortgage professionals should use them sparingly and focus more heavily on high-quality captions and video formatting.
Hashtags are only one piece of today’s social media environment. Content strategy has under-
Each major platform has adapted its algorithm differently, which means a one-size-fits-all hashtag strategy no longer works.
gone a significant transformation, with platforms prioritizing educational, authentic, community-oriented, and platform-native content.
Educational Content Is Still King:
Mortgage professionals continue to thrive when they teach, not sell. Short educational posts, myths debunked, step-by-step explanations, and program breakdowns resonate with first-time homebuyers and repeat buyers alike. With rising rates, affordability concerns, and ongoing inventory challenges, audiences crave clarity.
Short-Form Video Dominates:
Across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Reels, and YouTube Shorts, vertical video remains the top format for discoverability. Mortgage professionals who can communicate complex topics in 15 to 45 seconds with clarity and confidence gain significant visibility.
Mortgage professionals who align their posts with purposeful tags experience higher engagement, longer watch times, and stronger audience retention.
To maximize success on social platforms in 2026, mortgage professionals should:
• Focus on strategic relevance instead of posting volume.
• Build platform-specific content that feels native to each channel.
• Prioritize educational clarity over promotional messaging.
• Maintain a consistent posting rhythm that fits their workflow.
• Track meaningful engagement metrics, including saves, watch time, shares, and comments.
• Incorporate local expertise to differentiate themselves from national competitors.
Authenticity Outperforms Polish:
Audiences want real people, not scripted commercials. A quick video filmed in the office, a candid explanation, or a response to a common client question performs better than overly produced content.
Platform-Native Content Wins:
Cross-posting identical content to every platform is losing effectiveness. The mortgage space is highly local and relationship-driven, so tailoring tone, length, and format increases credibility.
Community Engagement Strengthens Reach: Mortgage professionals who interact — commenting on posts from real estate agents, local builders, and community influencers — gain stronger algorithmic placement. Passive posting without engagement limits visibility.
These priorities support long-term growth and ensure that content remains visible, engaging, and aligned with the information buyers are actively seeking.
The social media landscape will continue to evolve, but one constant remains: mortgage professionals who educate, engage, and show up authentically will always outperform those who rely on outdated tactics. Hashtags matter, but only when they truly reinforce a message. Content matters even more, and the professionals willing to adapt to shifting platform norms will find themselves leading their local markets. By embracing relevance, specificity, and community-centered communication, mortgage experts can build a powerful digital footprint that supports both short-term engagement and long-term career growth.
Jennifer
H Mannion is the Senior Integrated Marketing Manager at Delmar Mortgage.
Deadline: Februar y 20, 2026
Scan this code and nomiate someone today!
OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS: Deadline is March 20, 2026
It’s time to celebrate the women redefining what’s possible in mortgage. The 2026 Mortgage Star Awards honor brilliance, leadership, and the stories behind the success Nominate a woman who lights the path for others Winners will be featured in Mortgage Women Magazine and honored on stage at the July 2026 Mortgage Star Conference for Women in New Orleans
Scan the code and nominate today!
BY SLOAN BREWSTER, SPECIAL TO MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE
Mae Mackey’s journey has been full of unexpected twists and turns, with game show victories and playwriting serving as signposts along the way.
Sr. Vice President of Production Management at Sun West Mortgage, in Cerritos California, Mackey started out in education. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts, she accepted a teaching position with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Teaching was not a profession in which she expected to find a home, but a mentor convinced her she would do well.
She taught high school English, special education, and “everything but math and science,” she said. She even became a dean at the school. But, six years later, the district began to make changes Mackey didn’t agree with, which led her to retire.
That’s when her travels took a new turn and she made an appearance on Hollywood Squares, a revival of the 1960s game show, which aired between 1998 and 2004. In May of 2003, Mackey spent three days on the game show, winning $51,325 in cash and prizes, including a yellow mini Cooper.
“This is for my baby,” she said. “He wants it, and his favorite color is yellow.”
As she turned the key she selected hoping it would start the vehicle, a smile spread across her face and she repeated the 10-year old’s plea, “Mama, win a car mama! Win a car!”
With the ignition purring to a start, she did.
In each episode of the game show, contestants gave a short bio about themselves. On her first day, Mackey spoke of owning “LA’s premier gospel night club.” Called The Mustard Seed, the club was open Saturdays from 8 p.m. to
midnight in various rented venues, where patrons listened to fast-paced gospel music while sipping alcohol-free beverages, she told Mortgage Women Magazine.
On day two of her three-day escapade on Hollywood Squares, Mackey serenaded the crowd with a short verse from “Amazing Grace.” She recalled being nervous to belt out the tune with Gloria Estefan in the center square, but the Cuban-American pop star smiled and clapped.
“ I just love like putting all the pieces together. And then the cherry on the top was that loan actually closing and being able to, you know, help fulfill someone’s home ownership dream and seeing how excited people would be.
> Mae Mackey on enjoying the “investigative part of the business,” — reviewing documents to determine if applicants meet the criteria for loans they are seeking — and being there to pop a bottle of champagne with them to celebrate.
Hollywood Squares wasn’t the only game show she did. Mae was also on Balderdash and auditioned for Deal or No Deal and Flip Side, she said. Casting directors for Deal or No Deal promised to call her back but never did. She still aspires to more.
“I would love to do Wheel of Fortune,” she said.
Mackey coupled her Hollywood Squares winnings with her teaching retirement money and took some time off to figure out what she really wanted to do. While pondering her next career move, she took on “another love of mine,” graphic arts and design. In her spare time, she used her talent to help friends and family. The efforts led her to a position at Goldencrest Financial, in Inglewood, California — a company that was owned by a woman who also owned a beauty salon. While she started out as marketing director, she eventually shifted to the mortgage side of the operation.
“One day she just asked me like, do you want to learn the mortgage business?” Mackey said. “And I was like, sure.”
She found the work stimulating and specifically loved what she calls the “investigative part of the business,” — reviewing documents to determine if applicants meet the criteria for loans they are seeking. When they did, she said, she would call the family into the office and pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
“I just love putting all the pieces together,” she said. “And then the cherry on the top was that loan actually closing and being able to, you know, help fulfill someone’s home ownership dream and seeing how excited people would be.”
Mackey worked for that brokerage for three years and married the owner’s son. The shop launched a career in which she has moved onward and upward, working briefly for AFN, in Glendale California and moving to QT Funding, in Quartz Hills, California, where she remained until 2007 when the market started to crash.
“That was a strange time,” she said. “We went from working in this big, beautiful office building to working out of [the owner’s home] until there just weren’t any
more loans … I watched everyone leave. I watched him lose a lot of things.”
Once the business finally closed, she landed a new job at Sun West Mortgage with her first day starting on her 35th birthday.
Chasing new experiences has always driven Mackey, and her mortgage career has set the stage for even more adventures. Over the years, she has traveled to Singapore and Mumbai, India, where she one day hopes to return.
Her globetrotting isn’t always about work; sometimes she’s simply chasing the next place that sparks her curiosity. Her favorite countries to visit are Croatia — which she noted is beautiful — as well as Ghana and Puerto Rico. “I love Puerto Rico so much — I’m moving there next year,” she announced.
Mackey also loves to write. Under the name Mae Lynn Lee, she has written a screenplay, which is registered with the Library of Congress and the writer’s Guild of America. Mackey said she drew inspiration from a friend and from her own childhood. Called “Sometimes Love Ain’t 50/50,” it tells the story of two sisters who fall in love with prison inmates. While they navigate through the relationships, it appears one of the men is still a con while the other has cleaned up his life. Like Mackey’s own story, however, there are a few twists. One question that arises is if the allegedly reformed convict is really walking the honest path after all.
Born in Chicago, she spent her early childhood in Baltimore and moved to LA in 1987. Her father was in prison from her infancy until she was 13.
Listening to her friend dealing with a similar situation brought back Mackey’s own memories.
“I just started talking to my mom about her relationship with my dad while he was locked up, and so I just decided to create this story,” she said.
With ideas for scripted television shows and other screenplays waking her up in the middle of the night, Mackey plans to continue writing.
“I write all of them down,” she said. “But it’s just unfortunate that I also love my nine-to-five job just as much, so I haven’t been able to put them all together.”
She recently discovered a penchant for comedy and has been writing down jokes. Maybe, just maybe, she’ll brave the stage at a comedy show some night and see if she can get some laughs … but no promises.
“
I write all of them down. But it’s just unfortunate that I also love my nine-to-five job just as much, so I haven’t been able to put them all together.
> Mackey on keeping track of all her story ideas, and why it's a struggle to pursue them over her mortgage career.
Mortgage Women recognizes two exceptional, powerful, and promising leaders who are shaping the future of banking and lending across the Northeast. These honorees have distinguished themselves through professional excellence, bold leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing their organizations and communities. Beyond their individual achievements, they are
changemakers — women who open doors, create pathways, and actively lift others as they rise.
Collectively, this year’s Northeast Women In Banking & Mortgage represent the very best of the region’s financial services industry. Their influence extends beyond titles and balance sheets, driving innovation, expanding access to opportunity, and setting a powerful example for the next generation of leaders. Through their vision, resilience, and dedication, these women continue to redefine leadership in mortgage, banking, and lending.
Chief Retail Officer
Webster Bank
What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in this industry and how did you overcome them?
Advancing and growing in the banking industry has required resilience, confidence, and a strong network of colleagues. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to lead a large-scale operation during a time of transformation. Rather than being deterred, I leaned into my frontline experience, using my understanding of banking center operations to deliver results. My focus then, and still today, includes collaboration and transparen cy, building trust with colleagues. I continue to embrace continuous learning, which has been invaluable, as adaptability and strategic thinking are powerful tools for success. My commitment to empowering others and creating programs like the Consumer Banking Career Development initiative have advanced my own career and also opened doors for others, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and progress.
Over the next five years, banking will become more digital, personalized, and sustainable, with a workforce and leadership focused on adaptability and strategic influence. I will contribute to them by leading, managing through the evolution, ensuring that we continue to be client and colleague focused. Investing in Customer Centric models, investing in the workforce by developing, investing, and recruiting the right talent to align with the current and future strategy.
What changes or advancements do you hope to see in banking and/or mortgage over the next five years and how do you plan to contribute to them?
Which sector of the baking and/or mortgage industry do you believe women make the most significant impact?
I believe women make the most significant impact in consumer banking. This sector offers the opportunity to influence thousands of bankers, depending on the size of the organization. By setting an example of what can be accomplished as a woman leader, we inspire others to lead with confidence and pride. Impact is achieved through actions, advocacy, and mentorship — demonstrating that leadership is not only attainable but also transformative. When women lead in consumer banking, they create a ripple effect that strengthens teams, enhances client experiences, and fosters a culture of inclusion and growth.
Customer Success Manager
Sagent Lending Technologies
Which sector of the baking and/or mortgage industry do you believe women make the most significant impact?
Throughout my career, I have worked in many different roles across the mortgage and banking industry, however something that was always consistent was the tangible difference women were making in pushing the industry forward — no matter their position. When women are provided with inclusive spaces for growth, there is nothing that they cannot do.
I work with many women across Team Sagent who each bring unique and innovative ideas and perspectives that are helping us on our mission to overhaul America’s mortgage servicing ecosystem. Without the perspective and skills of each and every woman in the mortgage and banking industry, we would not be where we are today.
How do you define leadership and how has your leadership style evolved over the years?
Today, I am Manager of Customer Success Management at Sagent, a team I built from the ground up. In this role, I not only lead Sagent’s Partner Success Team, but facilitate long-lasting relationships and forge success for Sagent customers and partners.
In everything I do, I prioritize being a reliable and respectful partner for growth. With a proactive and collaborative approach to leadership, I foster next-generation collaboration and push the industry forward.
What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in this industry, and how did you overcome them?
While women continue to be underrepresented in the mortgage servicing and technology industry, I am proud of the path I’ve paved in my more than twenty years of experience, not only for myself but also for the women following in my footsteps. I have made it my mission to uplift the women around me and foster the next generation of great female leaders in mortgage and banking.
Leadership is a collective force and something that is at its best when trust is built and growth is fostered. I come from a diverse background in mortgage servicing — having worked as a Help Desk Supervisor, Senior Client Relationship Manager, and Account Manager. Each one of these experiences taught me something and made me into a leader who is able to communicate across teams and think outside the box.
It is an honor to mentor the great female talent we have at Team Sagent and across the broader mortgage ecosystem, and to share my experiences in career development and navigating industry challenges.
I make it a priority to actively nurture inclusive spaces for growth to enable the women around me to recognize their potential and flourish.
Each year, Mortgage Women and Banking Northeast seek to recognize women in the banking industry who exemplify the very highest standards of leadership — professionals whose vision, integrity, and influence extend well beyond their own organizations. These are women who navigate change with confidence, inspire those around them, and make a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
This year, Mortgage Women and Banking Northeast are especially proud to honor two extraordinary leaders with the most prestigious distinction, the Sandra J. Pat
tie Award for Leadership. Named for Bank Newport’s longtime president and a trailblazer who served as a role model to generations of women CEOs across the region, the award celebrates individuals who embody her legacy of excellence, mentorship, and service.
The recipients of this year’s Sandra J. Pattie Award reflect the spirit of its namesake — leaders who lead with purpose, champion opportunity, and set a powerful example for the future of banking. Their careers stand as a testament to the lasting impact of thoughtful, inclusive leadership and the vital role women continue to play in shaping the financial services industry across the Northeast.
Judith Corprew’s career has been guided by a powerful belief: that banking can — and should —be a force for economic equity and community empowerment. With more than 40 years of experience in financial services, Judith recently stepped into the role of President and CEO of New Haven Bank, Connecticut’s only certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) bank. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in a career defined by purpose, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to underserved communities.
Throughout her career, Judith has embraced a mission-driven approach to banking, using financial tools to help bridge economic gaps for underbanked families and small businesses. She has been a pioneering voice in financial literacy and access, spearheading consortium funds that provide emergency banking services and leading grant programs designed to support
women-owned businesses across Connecticut. These initiatives have created tangible pathways to stability and opportunity for individuals and entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers to financial access.
Judith’s leadership extends well beyond New Haven Bank. She currently serves as President of the Connecticut State Housatonic Community College Foundation, where she helps expand educational access and workforce development opportunities. She is also an active member of Black Women on Boards, advocating for greater representation and inclusive leadership at the highest levels of governance.
In recognition of her extraordinary dedication to community impact and financial inclusion, Judith Corprew is a recipient of the Sandra J. Pattie Award. Her work ensures that “banking for good” is not merely an aspiration, but a lived reality for the residents and businesses of New Haven — and a model for the future of community banking.
We are honored to present the Sandra J. Pattie Award For Exceptional Leadership to Anne Tangen, a visionary who has redefined what it means to lead a community bank in the modern era. Since taking the helm of BankFive in 2020, Anne has masterfully balanced high-tech innovation with a “human-first” philosophy. Under her guidance, BankFive has been recognized as one of the
“Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts” and a “Top Place to Work” by the Boston Globe.
Beyond the balance sheet, Anne is a fierce advocate for professional development, recently overseeing the promotion of five women to the bank’s executive leadership team. Her commitment to the Southcoast community is unparalleled — from establishing a $1.2 million scholarship fund to her recent nomination to the American Bankers Association Board of Directors. Anne doesn’t just manage a bank; she champions a culture of inclusion and excellence that serves as a blueprint for the next generation of women in finance.
A warm welcome to you! I’m Kelly Hendricks, the Managing Editor of Mortgage Women Magazine and Senior Vice President of Delmar Mortgage, and it brings me great joy to extend this invitation to you. Throughout my career in the mortgage industry, I’ve been fortunate to have leaders and mentors who played pivotal roles in shaping my journey. I am thrilled to introduce a transformative initiative – the Mortgage Women Leadership Council, created by Mortgage Women Magazine.
In my role, I’ve experienced the challenges that women face in leadership within the mortgage sector. These challenges led to a profound realization — the need for a dynamic network to empower women in our industry. This realization is the driving force behind the creation of the Mortgage Women Leadership Council. I believe in the power of collective support, and I am excited about the opportunity to share and benefit from each other’s experiences.
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. Joining the
council comes with various benefits, including networking opportunities and access to industry-specific professional development resources. We understand the unique challenges women face in mortgage leadership and have tailored mentorship and support systems to address them.
I invite you to join this movement to empower women in the mortgage industry. The Mortgage Women Leadership Council is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment. Your involvement will not only contribute to your personal and professional growth but also play a crucial role in advancing women’s leadership in our industry. To join or get involved, simply click here to apply.
Thank you for considering this invitation to join the Mortgage Women Leadership Council. For further inquiries about the council and details on how to join, please contact Beverly Bolnick at bbolnick@ambizmedia.com. Let’s work together to advance women’s leadership in the mortgage industry — because collective action brings about meaningful change.
Kelly Hendricks Managing Editor, Mortgage Women Magazine
As a valued member, enjoy these benefits:
Access to a Powerful Platform: Amplify your voice and influence through Mortgage Women Magazine, exclusive sponsored programs, email newsletters, and impactful events.
Editorial Opportunities: Showcase your expertise and insights through editorial features in Mortgage Women Magazine, gaining visibility and recognition among industry peers.
Awards and Recognition: Receive well-deserved recognition through our award programs, celebrating your achievements and contributions to the mortgage industry.
Community Support: Become part of a dedicated community committed to celebrating and driving meaningful progress in the mortgage sector. Connect with likeminded women leaders, share experiences, and foster collaborative initiatives.
Mortgage Women Magazine: Enjoy your complimentary digital subscription to Mortgage Women Magazine, the premier publication for women in mortgage. Read advice, learn about industry updates, and take in the inspiring stories of your peers.
Become a member today.
Join us and be a driving force in creating a more inclusive and thriving mortgage industr y. Together, as a united community, we believe we can make real change.
Join MWLC Today for Just $79/Year
