As only the fifth woman president of NAMB throughout its 51-year history, Saunders said she’s determined to continue advocating for equality in the industry. “I definitely want to make sure that in the future, women and minorities [are represented] so that we have a diverse leadership within our organization,” she told Mortgage Professional America.
NAPMW’s president Annette Watkins (pictured, top right), meanwhile, highlighted the trailblazing role its founding members had played in the industry in the 1960s, and emphasized the importance of continuing that push looking ahead.
The partnership with NAMB will prove a significant step, she said. “We’re just really trying to keep education and empowerment [at the forefront] as well as diversity, making sure everyone is surrounded by good people,” she said.
“And that’s part of NAMB right now: education and events. Every time I go onto their website or I get an email, it’s like, ‘Wow, look what they’re doing now.’ It’s always forward-moving. And that’s what we’re trying to do.”
High mortgage rates and ever-climbing prices have pummeled would-be homeowners’ budgets, making the prospect of purchasing a property a distant one for many – but the outlook is improving, according to First American.https://t.co/OlYMaxIko1
— Mortgage Professional America Magazine (@MPAMagazineUS) October 4, 2024
What should female newcomers keep in mind about joining the industry?
For younger women stepping into the industry for the first time, Saunders highlighted the importance of communication and education in helping forge a successful career. That starts, she said, by getting involved with a trade association. “Go attend a meeting. Go to as many conferences and events as you can. Go seek out as many people as you can,” she said.