March is Women’s History Month, with March 8 home to International Women’s Day. Women’s History Month was authorized by Congress on March 7, 1982, first as Women’s History Week, then eventually as the entire month in 1987. Each year, the president issues a proclamation calling for programs, ceremonies, and activities in honor of the powerful women shaping our society.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a statement commemorating Women’s History Month how, as the 18th secretary of the agency, she “stands on the shoulders” of so many leaders before her. She specifically named Patricia Roberts Harris, the first Black woman appointed to a president’s cabinet and the first Black woman to serve as HUD secretary.

“Secretary Harris never forgot what life was like for those who society often deemed outsiders,” Fudge said. “Her advocacy and commitment ensured the voices of Black and Brown people, poor people, and others who are often overlooked and forgotten did not go unheard by those in positions of power. I am proud to uphold her legacy in the work we do every day to expand access to opportunity for all, invest in our housing supply, and empower people to build better futures for themselves and the generations that will follow us. Today, because of Secretary Harris’s legacy, there are a historic number of women leading housing finance in the Biden-Harris administration.

“As we celebrate the achievements and resilience of women throughout history, let us honor them by continuing to strive for equality and justice in all aspects of society.”

Fudge’s acknowledgement of Harris coincided with the theme chosen for this year’s celebration by the National Women’s History Alliance: Women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.

To mark Women’s History Month, RESPA News reached out to some of the many women making strides in our industry for words on how they got there, how the industry supports them, and what they’re looking forward to in 2024.

How did you get started in the industry?

Title Alliance Chief Strategy Officer Lindsay Smith: No one ever says “when I grow up I want to be in title” – however life has a funny way of happening. When I was in high school I worked at the front desk for one of our Title Alliance offices during the summer…. When I graduated, I had visions of becoming an event planner extraordinaire. I was hired by a startup company in Maryland to do just that – but the catch was that they only needed part-time support. As luck would have it they partnered with another business also looking for part-time support – a title company. The startup didn’t make it … and I found myself working full time for a title company. In 2005, I moved back to Pennsylvania and began working again at Title Alliance as a project manager. Since then, I’ve held about six or seven different roles within the company, spanning from operations to marketing to sales to leadership.

Franzén and Salzano President Loretta Salzano: My journey was from commercial closing attorney to in-house counsel positions at a bank and then a consumer finance company. When that company closed, it was the perfect storm to launch the firm. Thanks to my mortgage background and RESPA expertise, I harnessed that into an expansion of our client base to tangential businesses and delivery channels (real estate, title, insurance, tech platforms, etc.).

Westcor Land Title Insurance Co. CEO Mary O’Donnell: I was moving from New York to Florida and was introduced to Roy Lassiter, at the time president of American Pioneer Title, who gave me my first job in the industry as underwriting counsel.

SoftPro Director of Regulatory Compliance Leslie Wyatt: Like most people, I kind of “fell” into the industry. I started working for a commercial and residential real estate developer in 1996. The company was also a real estate office, so I was fortunate to learn both the residential and commercial sides of things. I quickly earned my real estate license in North Carolina and have been in the industry ever since! At the start of my career, I primarily worked on the commercial side, handling due diligence, zoning and re-zoning properties, and attending community meetings. Once I got my license though, I split my time between the commercial and residential side of things. I was fortunate to join the team of one of the largest agents in the area and learned so much about the industry from her. Later, in 2002, I joined SoftPro and immediately knew I wanted to work on this side of the title industry. I’ve held various positions over the years at SoftPro but have primarily focused on compliance and speaking at industry events. 

Proper Title Chief Operating Officer Kathy Kwak: While I was working at the Chicago Board of Education, I was looking for a move back into real estate and saw a job posting at First American for a “national commercial underwriting counsel.” I thought “…hmmm, this position sounds super important!”

Mayer Brown, LLP Partner Holly Bunting: I began working with real estate, mortgage and title insurance entities during my first year of private practice in 2003, although being assigned to the mortgage and consumer regulatory practice group was luck of the draw! It turned out to be the perfect fit, and I have enjoyed working through the legal and regulatory issues that my clients have faced over the past 20-plus years.  I have learned a tremendous amount about the realities and nuances of the real estate, mortgage and title insurance businesses, and there’s always more to learn! 

Arrive Home co-founder and President Tai Christensen: My career in the mortgage industry began in January 2003 through a very unlikely source – my husband’s ex-wife. My husband and I had just had our first child and his ex-wife suggested I look into becoming a remote loan processor. She had been working from home as a loan processor since the late 90s and she thought it would be a perfect fit for me. Fast forward 20-plus years and I am still in the mortgage industry, thanks to her suggestion.

What is your favorite achievement?

Smith: My favorite achievement would be helping to create new territories and being integral in our westward growth in 2015.

Salzano: My favorite achievement is successfully creating a “kinder and gentler” law firm experience for both our employees and clients. I am grateful to celebrate our firm’s 27th anniversary this month!

Wyatt: As much as I love speaking on various topics and networking with my industry peers, my favorite achievement was when I was chosen to represent ALTA (American Land Title Association) at a congressional briefing. I briefed members of the House Financial Committee and the House Small Business Committee on critical issues facing the title industry – including the final proposed ruling by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) proposed settlement disclosure form. It was such a unique opportunity and an honor to represent our industry and be a voice for all title agents, both big and small.

Kwak: My favorite achievement would be watching my team grow into fearless, kind, compassionate leaders who have helped me maintain the culture at Proper Title.

Bunting: My favorite achievement is making partner in private practice, which, to me, was a recognition of hard work and gaining the trust of clients. 

Christensen: I have held many positions throughout this industry, but my greatest achievement has been co-founding our affordable housing program, Arrive Home, with my team in late 2022. Creating innovative housing solutions and assisting underserved markets with down payment assistance has been deeply meaningful work that has filled me with a sense of purpose and satisfaction. 

What ways do the mortgage and title industries support and empower women professionals? Where can it improve?

Smith: Our company specifically is about 90 percent female and two of our three executives, myself included, are female. I have never felt that in Title Alliance my gender impacted my trajectory or opportunities – and that is a testament to the leaders who have come before me within the organization. I think the most impactful thing that anyone can do for someone else is to expose them to something they haven’t yet seen.

Salzano: The launch of female-focused industry groups has been empowering for many women and fostered an environment of mentorship and mutual support. I think the focus on diversity and inclusion is also giving women – and women-owned businesses – a bit of a boost. In my experience, women have done – and still do – the bulk of the “behind the scenes” work that drives the mortgage and title industries, yet they rarely ascend to the C-suite. Gratefully that is changing, albeit slowly. On a discouraging note, a women-led fintech start up just shared with me the dismal statistics about female-led ventures in this quickly evolving space.

O’Donnell: The title industry, in particular, is a great feeding ground for women in the industry. It allows women to balance family and work while still excelling. The industry at the agent side is dominated by women. The industry could do a better job at enhancing the role of women at the executive level of the underwriters. There are only a few of us at that level[.]

Wyatt: The real estate and title industries are full of successful, empowered women…[.] There are many factors that likely made it both appealing and attainable for women to succeed in the title industry. By nature, women are problem solvers, planners, delegators, and multi-taskers. That’s not to say men don’t have the same qualities – however, when you pair those qualities with the flexibility, natural skill-sets and years of knowledge that many women in our industry have, it creates a great opportunity for women to succeed…[.] Our industry offers so much education and training, which allows women to propel their careers and succeed as business owners or through being promoted within their company. In recent years, with more women holding higher level positions, we’ve seen more women supporting women, which is incredible – and I hope this trend continues. There have been many women who had to fight hard for their place in our industry over the years. It’s lovely to see their hard work and everything they stood for impacting the industry – with women in leadership positions becoming the norm and not the exception.

Even though we have come so far as an industry, there is always room for improvement. Mentorship programs, support networks and continuing education are all great ways to assist women on their career journey. Women should also tap into their own strengths and make sure their voice is heard – by asking for what they want, whether it’s a promotion, raise or a different goal. Historically, women would rather look for a new position rather than just ask for what they feel they deserved! Learning to speak up and self-advocate is so empowering. Women tend to be very good communicators and they can use that to their advantage.

Kwak: This is a very tough and fully loaded question. I feel that women have done an extraordinary job supporting other women in the mortgage and title industries. Where I feel that there can be improvement is the “buy-in” from the male executives who need to “buy-in”: be proactive, be vocal, and be supportive of placing women in a role where we can become more empowered and valued for the work that we do. [Where can it improve?] I would have to say that it’s an ongoing journey. I have seen and felt a shift, but it’s small. We need more women in executive leadership, and we need more programs (i.e. mentorship) where we can groom the next generation of executive women leaders.

Bunting: As outside counsel to real estate, mortgage and title entities, I don’t remember that many instances of not working with women in executive roles on the legal and compliance side.  I also have been fortunate to have been mentored by many women with tremendous expertise in private practice.  And there is longevity with women in the mortgage and title industries, and I’m proud to work with these professionals.

Christensen: The mortgage and title industries have made great strides in empowering and recognizing the achievements of women professionals. There are incredible awards that highlight the efforts and hard work of females within the industry. There are many conference panels that focus on female empowerment and addressing the obstacles we still face as being women in a male-dominated industry. The Mortgage Bankers Association has an incredible conference series called mPower, which is headed by the very powerful Marcia Davies. This conference focuses on uplifting women in our industry and bringing us together to learn from each other, all in the spirit of sisterhood. I would love to see more females being promoted to C-suite positions and having their diverse voices heard at more decision-making tables.

What message would you like to share with women professionals in the mortgage and title industries?

Smith: Dress for the role you want – it helps you both internally and externally. Do not underestimate the impact of being polished. There is a time and place for everything, of course; however, someone who is polished in their vocabulary, their presentation and their demeanor will always win. Don’t be afraid to lean in – you never know the opportunity that could change everything for you. Statistics show that men will lean in to an opportunity if they believe they have just a handful of the traits necessary for success while women will wait until they feel they have them all. The most growth comes when you’re uncomfortable in learning – don’t miss opportunities because you don’t think you are ready. No one is really ready and that is part of the excitement you’ll learn as you lean in to the journey.

Salzano: Raise your hand, toot your horn, keep at it, and let your light shine!

O’Donnell: I think women have a superpower in our industry. Knowing what your superpower is will forge you ahead. For me, always having a sense of humor and never being afraid to speak up has served me well. Finding good mentors is also a positive. Always be yourself and know not everyone is going to love you. As long as you are true to yourself, treat others as you want to be treated, and always expect the best from others, you will be successful.

Wyatt: Women are definitely a force in title. Our industry is fast-paced and ever-changing and so are most women! From managing a home, a family or a business, or all of the above, women somehow just make it all work – and make it work well. It’s amazing to see what a woman can accomplish with the support of other women, from their village. Keep supporting and lifting up other women. We are so much stronger when we work together.

Kwak: We need to stick together. Let’s empower one another. Encourage one another. Understand and show compassion to each other. Life is already hard enough for women (I mean even packing for a conference is daunting – accessories, skincare, under garments, shoes, jewelry, etc.) we don’t need to turn on each other. We need each other, and together, let’s continue to make waves in this male-dominated industry!

Bunting: Form relationships with other women at every opportunity and don’t underestimate the power and influence of that network.

Christensen: At times in this industry, men are recognized for being forward thinking and go-getters when they exhibit certain patterns of behavior. Often when women exhibit these same patterns of behavior, we are labeled as difficult and aggressive. I would like to tell my fellow sisters in housing to stand firm in your beliefs, your personal convictions, and your commitment to keep adding cracks to that proverbial “glass ceiling.” It will take many of us leaving cracks so that one of us can finally break through. We have come so far in this industry and have still further to go. But through hard work, dedication, and working in partnership with our fellow females in housing, as the great Sam Cooke sang, “I know a change is gonna come.”

What are you looking forward to in the coming year?

Smith: Personally, I am looking forward to spending time with my children on various vacations, to being present in the little moments, and to creating experiences for those around me. Professionally, I am looking forward to helping to bring innovation to our industry; to developing new value propositions and strategies within Title Alliance to increase our market share; to working with RESPRO to revamp their conferences and assure there is continued emphasis on compliant AfBAs (affiliated business arrangements) and to working in a better market than the last several years.

Salzano: Working with clients who have novel business plans aimed at changing the landscape of financial products and services and how they are delivered to consumers. It is a very exciting time!

O’Donnell: I am looking forward to a year that for me and my company will bring us together in an even more cohesive manner.

Wyatt: Well, we are coming into “conference season” which I always look forward to.  I love traveling and speaking at various events and reconnecting with the many title industry friends I have made over the years. I’ve been so fortunate to meet so many wonderful people over the course of my career and have learned so much from so many.

Kwak: I started accepting requests to speak at various conferences. I’m an introvert at heart, so to be asked to step out of my comfort zone was tough, but well worth it (even through all the sweat!). I hope to continue to share my journey and experiences. I feel that I learn something from any one new person who crosses paths with me. It only makes me want to be better and to also share this feeling with others, or at least help them get to this place.

Bunting: I’m looking forward to connecting with my clients and friends in the real estate, mortgage and title industries at upcoming spring conferences and seeing the ingenuity of women helping their companies weather the current real estate market.

Christensen: With our company Arrive Home being just over a year old, I have been very focused on work and my available time to spend with my husband and our girls has been limited. I made a goal for myself to prioritize time with family more this year and let the elusive myth of being a “Supermom” go. Some days I am super, and other days I fall short – that’s motherhood for you. But, I am grateful to my family and to their unwavering love and support for me, even on the days that I am not-so-Supermom.

One of the ways October Research, LLC, RESPA News’ publisher, supports women professionals is the Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS). Introduced in 2022, WLS is an event meant to empower women in all industries, with a supportive network to help guide these professionals to their goals.

Past speakers include Linda Grahovec, FNF Family of Companies senior vice president, national agency, and director of communications, education, and marketing; Sam Verma, PrivoCorp CEO; and Beth Pritchard, former president and CEO of Bath & Body Works. Topics for discussion have included how to build and utilize your support network, getting funding to start, acquire, or grow a business, and using work-life balance as a way to retain talent.

As part of the above Q&A, Wyatt shared she is excited for WLS this year.

“I’ve both spoken at and attended this event for the last two years and look forward to seeing what this year’s event has in store,” she said. “Being in a room full of women lifting each other up and sharing ideas and knowledge is so powerful. That will definitely be a highlight for me this upcoming year.”

One of the opportunities established by WLS is October Research’s WLS Community. Free to sign up and attend, this group of professionals meets monthly to discuss ways to support each other in tackling today’s challenges. At the next meeting on Thursday, March 14, at 8 p.m. ET, the group will be discussing leadership styles and Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.

“We should continue to seek out speakers, authors, professionals and opportunities for women professionals to learn from,” Smith stated as one of the ways the mortgage and title industries can support and empower women professionals. “October Research has done an excellent job building the WLS Community to give women a place to gather and the potential there is limitless.”

WLS 2024 is still in the works – keep an eye on your email, or check the WLS website for updates.