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The MBA’s Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference is currently taking place from January 23rd-26th in Palm Springs, CA. Yesterday, NAWRB was personally represented at the event by our CEO and President, Desirée Patno, who enjoyed seeing the work the MBA’s mPower network is conducting on behalf of women. As a leader in the women’s diversity and inclusion movement since 2009, NAWRB covers organizations making a difference for women in the housing ecosystem.
Women’s Networking Event – Choosing Self-Confidence in Business & Beyond: brought to you by mPower was empowering, showcasing the potential of women who invest in themselves. Sponsored by Freddie Mac and hosted by mPower, which creates opportunities to “leverage the power and influence of women,” this session demonstrated the potential women possess when we strengthen our networks.
The event began with Christina K. Boyle, Senior Vice President, Head of Single-Family Sales & Relationship Management, Freddie Mac, thanking everyone in attendance for supporting women. Boyle expressed confidence in mPower’s ability to help women, shared the importance of mentorship in her life and stated that the value she brings to the table is continuing the women’s cause.
Lisa Sun, Founder & CEO of Project Gravitas—a confidence company with patented apparel innovations and fashion solutions helping women own their moments by feeling empowered and confident—shared her story.
A first generation Taiwanese immigrant with entrepreneur parents, Lisa used lessons learned as the daughter of business owners and her experience after 11 years of leading luxury, fashion and beauty brands at McKinsey & Company to make a success of Project Gravitas. After launching in 2013, she eventually received a two-page spread in O, The Oprah Magazine, was a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show and was able to establish call centers to sell her products.
Excellent client service, which is incredibly receptive to feedback, has created a thriving company enjoying two-thirds repeat business for Sun. She went on to describe that Project Gravitas sells self-confidence and emphasized the importance of women balancing self-criticism with self-love, especially in the dressing room. For every negative thought, Sun promotes three positive practices:
- Think about something you are the best at.
- Upon seeing the best in yourself, you will be able to identify similar traits in others and form meaningful relationships.
- Believe in the feminine architect—in other women and yourself—and her power in the world.
It is vital that women invest in themselves and their ideas. In creating a company that supports women, Sun actually received support from one of the most successful women in the business world, and Oprah’s network allowed Project Gravitas to reach more women in need of clothes that made them feel empowered. When a woman helps another woman, it creates a cycle that benefits our entire community.
Life is about purpose not position; by believing in ourselves, women can continue demonstrating our power as leaders in business and pave the way for future generations. Self-confidence is no small part in becoming a successful entrepreneur, and with the support of one another, women are headed for the top.