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At the NAWRB Nexus Conference Power Luncheon, attendees gathered before our executive women panel- Tami Bonnell, CEO, Exit Realty; Cheryl Travis-Johnson, COO, VRM Mortgage Services; Toni Moss, CEO, AmeriCatalyst, LLC; Stacey Walker, Director, Housing Outreach Affordable Lending and Access to Credit Single Family Business, Freddie Mac; and Desiree Patno, President & CEO, NAWRB- as they shared their insights on the status of C-suite women, personal development, and connecting Millennials to the housing ecosystem.
Moderator Vanessa Montanez, NDILC Co-Chairwoman and NAWRB Certified Delegate Spokeswoman, started the discussion by asking the panel how they were increasing the landscape of C-suite women. Tami Bonnell emphasized the importance of increasing women’s representation in executive boards, and the representation of the various, unique cultures that every individual represents.
Toni Moss added that we need to make sure to include women of color in our dialogue. Beyond gender and race, Cheryl Travis-Johnson suggests we pay attention to age as well, specifically the inclusion of Millennials into the industry.
A diverse industry can increase diversity in homeownership. In her work of educating people on homebuying and homeownership, Stacey Walker states that 80 percent of those who came to her for information were women. Women often take the lead in decisions about homebuying, and they are encouraged by talking to women who are as diverse as they are. Diversity plays an important role not only in business production but also in outreach.
To increase the number of executive women, the panel emphasized the importance of mentorship and encouraging women at middle management, a stage where women’s careers often meet a roadblock before reaching the C-suite.
The panel gave the audience tips on how to ensure their personal development. From always being a student and being willing to learn from everyone you meet to taking responsibility for your education and setting personal goals, these women shared invaluable advice that the audience will not soon forget.
The luncheon concluded with an honest dialogue about self-confidence. These women share that one can work on her confidence by deciding to be a role model for others and embracing humility. Thank you to these inspirational women for sharing their words of wisdom and empowering other women at the NAWRB Nexus Conference.