2023
Branch Manager
INTERNATIONAL
AWARD
Melissa G. Mason
She works at a diverse mortgage company — and she knows that more companies can do better in DEI
Education: High School Diploma Company Name: New American Funding Industry: Mortgage Company CEO: Rick & Patty Arvielo Company Headquarters Location: Tustin, CA Number of Employees: 4,800 Your Location: Norwalk, CT Words you live by: Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. Who is your personal hero? Maya Angelou What book are you reading? Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy by Bob Goff What was your first job? Shoff Darby Taylor & Golden – after school insurance company just filing away files Favorite charity: Breast Cancer Interests/Hobbies: Reading Family: My Husband of 34 years, Two daughters – Tianna & Sierra, Son-In-Law Christopher 3 Grandchildren – Zoe, Maia and Logan.
68
2023 Fourth Quarter
Today’s leaders can support the next generation of black business leaders by fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. This includes providing mentor-ship, offering opportunities for skill development, and promoting diversity within their organizations. Investing in educational and networking initiatives, creating pathways for advancement, and actively seeking out and promoting talent from diverse backgrounds are essential steps. Moreover, leaders should use their influence to advocate for policies that address systemic inequalities and discrimination. By demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, today’s leaders can help pave the way for a more diverse and successful generation of black business leaders. I’m passionate about learning, and the thrill of mastering new products and processes truly energizes me! Playing a role in someone’s journey towards homeownership is incredibly fulfilling. Whether they’re 25 or 65, being able to demonstrate to another African American or Hispanic borrower that homeownership is achievable, not just a dream, is what drives and empowers me. Unconscious bias influences hiring decisions by favoring candidates who align with prevailing stereotypes, while hindering the advancement of diverse employees. It can lead to overlooked talent and unequal opportunities, perpetuating disparities in career growth. Raising awareness, implementing bias training, and using objective evaluation criteria can help mitigate these effects. That is why being a part of New American Funding whose whole focus is diversity in hiring and lending speaks to my soul, as an African American and a Woman sometimes the battle is uphill both ways in business. When my youngest daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, and I was juggling a corporate job that required a lot of travel, I needed something more flexible. I wanted a job that would allow me to be there for her, advocating for the services she needed in person, not just over the phone. That’s when I found mortgages, and it was the perfect fit. I absolutely love working with mortgages because it’s like putting together a unique puzzle each time. No two loans are the same. One time, we had a situation where a client had been denied by another lender due to their DTI (debt-to-income ratio). We took on the challenge, switched the program, got the condo unit approved for FHA, and closed the deal, all within a 10-day window. One thing about me is that I have an unwavering tenacity that drives me to provide exceptional service to everyone, regardless of the price point they are purchasing at. It’s crucial to me that all borrowers, as well as our referral partners, feel like they are our most important clients. On a lighter note, I have a great sense of humor, and I’m a die-hard 49ers fan! www.diversityjournal.com