About the Initiative

D&I Vision and Mission

Vision

A Real Estate Finance industry that reflects the diversity, inclusion and opportunity within the communities we serve.

Mission

MBA fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion within the real estate finance industry. Together with our members, we exchange information on best practices, tackle issues sand potential barriers, and create networking opportunities that advance overall diversity and inclusion within the industry. 

Five Pillars of D&I

  1. Connect our diverse members to one another
  2. Facilitate diversity and inclusion learning
  3. Promote and market diversity and inclusion
  4. Attract, retain and promote diverse talent at MBA 
  5. Create a culture of inclusion at MBA

D&I Advisory Committee

The member-led Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee, a Board-appointed body, provides leadership and guidance to the MBA to help the real estate finance industry gain a competitive advantage by increasing diversity in leadership, workforce and suppliers. 

Christopher George 
2018 Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Mortgage Bankers Association
2018 Chairman-Elect, Mortgage Bankers Association
President & Chief Executive Officer CMG Financial 

Brian Stoffers
2018 Vice Chair Global President, Debt & Structured Finance
CBRE Capital Markets

Patricia Arvielo
Co-Founder and President 
New American Funding 

Richard Bechtel
Executive Vice President - Head of U.S. Mortgage Bank
TD Bank 

Kris Benson
Vice President of Human Resources
Envoy Mortgage

Leslie Branson
Head of Human Resources
Berkeley Point Capital LLC

Barrett Burns
President & Chief Executive Officer
VantageScore Solutions, LLC

Virginia Essandoh
Chief Diversity Officer
Ballard Spahr LLP

Debbie Garcia-Gratacos
President
Your Home Now Mortgage

Zahira Gonzalvo
Senior Vice President-Operational Risk Director
Flagstar Bank, FSB

Nikki Holsopple
Managing Director, Community Reinvestment & Community Partnerships
Chase

Maurice Jourdain-Earl
Managing Director
ComplianceTech

Kim Lanham
SVP Client Services
Digital Risk, LLC

Kristin Messerli
CEO/Multicultural Consultant
Cultural Outreach

Catherine Pharis
Head of FHA, Managing Director
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Erik Richard
Founder & CEO
Landmark Network, Inc.

Niki Scott
Executive Vice President
SunTrust Mortgage, Inc.

Trina Scott
Director, Diversity and Inclusion
Quicken Loans

J. Tony Thompson
Vice President, Growth & Strategy
Silverton Mortgage Specialists