GENERAL SESSION: An mPower Conversation with Maria Shriver
In this candid interview, Maria Shriver reflects on her extraordinary path—from growing up in one of America’s most iconic families to forging her own legacy as an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and thought leader. With her usual candor, Maria discusses the drive behind her decades-long career in broadcast news, and the unique pressures of public life. She offers insight into her work as the founder of initiatives such as The Sunday Paper and the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement. Join us to hear this wide-ranging conversation touching on journalism, legacy, resilience, and purpose, as well as her mission to open conversations around aging and brain health. The session begins with an update from the MBA Opens Doors Foundation. The session begins with an update from the MBA Opens Doors Foundation. Sponsored by FICO.
Speakers
Welcome
Deborah Dubois is the President of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, a 501c3 charitable organization founded by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). As President, Deborah is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Foundation, as well as the development and execution of strategies that ensure its sustainability and growth. In collaboration with MBA leadership and the Foundation's Board of Directors, Deborah plays a lead role in defining the Foundation's short- and long-term goals, including its hospital partnership strategy, grants program and revenue model. Previously, Deborah served as the Chief Development Officer for The Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit investigative journalism newsroom, where she led the fundraising and resource development operations, strengthening existing donor relationships and bringing new donors the organization's roster as a critical point in the organization's history. Prior to the Center for Public Integrity, Deborah spent 10 years in senior executive positions, overseeing development operations, marketing, communications and membership for social justice organizations, and 15 years in international, technology and consulting organizations. Deborah holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell University and an MBA degree from The George Washington University.
Introductions
Julie May is vice president and general manager of B2B Scores at FICO. In this role, she is responsible for global product and business development, delivery, and support for the FICO Score. Julie joined FICO in 2004. Over the course of her career, she has held senior roles in customer relationship management, business consulting, and strategic product management, development, and delivery. Her expertise spans enterprise software, advanced analytics, fraud management, cybersecurity, go-to-market strategy and strategic partnership development. Julie earned her B.S. in Economics from Emporia State University in Kansas.
Moderator
Marcia M. Davies is MBA’s Chief Operating Officer, responsible for ensuring cross-organizational alignment and facilitating the implementation of strategic initiatives, as well as maintaining oversight of key organizational priorities. She provides leadership, guidance and overall management to the Public Affairs, Marketing, Conferences, Membership, Education, Information Technology and Office Services divisions. She also provides management oversight to, and is a Board member of, MBA’s Opens Doors Foundation. Previously, Marcia worked at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner and in various roles at Freddie Mac for 21 years. She is the founder of mPower — MBA Promoting Opportunities for Women to Extend their Reach — MBA’s networking platform for women in the real estate finance industry. She is a member of the NAWRB Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council (NDILC), three-time recipient of Women with Vision award, and was honored by HousingWire as one of its 2015 Women of Influence.
Speakers
Maria Shriver is an icon in the realms of journalism, advocacy, media, and publishing with a distinguished career spanning over 40 years. As an Emmy, Gracie, and Peabody award-winning journalist, seven-time New York Times best-selling author, and NBC News Special Anchor, Shriver also founded Shriver Media. As co-founder of the mission-driven brain health and wellness brand, MOSH, founder of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, and Strategic Advisor for Women’s Health at Cleveland Clinic, Shriver has played a pivotal role in advancing some of the most critical conversations and research concerning women’s health today. Shriver’s work with the Alzheimer’s Association has changed the narrative around Alzheimer’s to include how women are affected by the disease. In 2023, Shriver partnered with First Lady Jill Biden to establish the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research that aims to transform how the federal government approaches and funds women’s health research. She was also instrumental in the formation of the new Women’s Health Research and Innovation Center at Cleveland Clinic, whose mission is to become the leading center for women’s health in the United States. Furthermore, her life-long work on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities has earned her the Best Buddies Spirit of Leadership Award. In all aspects of her life and career, Shriver continues to empower and uplift, encouraging millions to embrace their potential to make a difference in the world.

