SPECIAL REPORT
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE ISEELA IBRAHIMI Co-owner Paragon Home Capital
In the midst of continual industry changes, Iseela Ibrahimi focuses on ways to obtain approvals for her clients by building relationships that continue long after closing. “[Clients] appreciate the time I take to customize solutions,” she says. “The rules continue to change and affect how we operate. This impact is felt across the industry on a daily basis, and it’s important to understand the immediate impact and work with your clients and lenders to provide the best solutions available.” A member of DLC’s Elite Hall of Fame, Ibrahimi ranked among the top 20 for annual revenue in 2017 and achieved master level for outstanding performance in 2016 and 2017. Outside of the office, she supports Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, which dedicates its resources to providing quality and sustainable education programs for Afghan women and girls.
DARLENE VILAS Mortgage broker The Mortgage Centre
With an honest and direct approach to finding solutions for her clients, Darlene Vilas leverages her strong industry relationships to secure financing, even for hard-to-place mortgages. As a single mom herself, Vilas particularly enjoys helping other single mothers keep their children in their homes and schools, close to friends and family. Vilas attributes her success to mentors who encouraged her to be her best and strike a balance in her life, and she puts a high priority on sharing her knowledge and giving back. She mentors new agents and supports financial literacy through an annual scholarship for high-school students aimed at improving their financial awareness. Vilas is also a member of Trafalgar Toastmasters, was president of Powerhouse Oakville from 2016 to 2017, and is a regular public speaker and guest blogger.
MARLENE FERREIRA Co-founder and mortgage specialist Urban Lending
After working at RBC for 20 years, Marlene Ferreira left to start Urban Lending. Within a few months, she had grown her team to 11 people, including two underwriters and seven salespeople, and she has plans to open a second location next year. This past summer, Ferreira also started PinkHaus, a female entrepreneurs group, and she continues to play an active role in several local charities, in addition to mentoring young women.
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JANET MCKEOUGH Mortgage broker Verico Success Mortgages
Currently celebrating her 15th year as a mortgage broker and 25th year in the financial services industry, Janet McKeough joined the broker world so she could advocate for the client’s best interest. Along with her colleague, McKeough met twice with Finance Minister Bill Morneau to discuss the impact of regulatory changes on Canadian homebuyers, particularly the unintended consequences that have been felt in Atlantic Canada. Together with her peers, McKeough reviewed and made submissions to both federal and provincial regulators for policy and regulatory recommendations. Always active in community groups and charitable work, McKeough has supported CIBC Run for the Cure, FEED Nova Scotia and Bryony House, among other charities. She is also a member of the Nova Scotia Liberals Women’s Commission, CMBA Atlantic and was twice recognized in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly for her volunteer work. In addition, McKeough serves as treasurer and a board member of CMBA.
www.mortgagebrokernews.ca
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