Jump to winners | Jump to methodology
Canadian Mortgage Professional’s Top 50 Women of Influence for 2023 have had an extraordinary impact on the industry, significantly shaping the future of a dynamic market and lighting the path ahead for others. Selecting this year’s cohort proved daunting for the esteemed judging panel, which remarked that there was no shortage of accomplished women driving change and progress.
“I love hearing and witnessing how the women of the mortgage industry support their clients, communities, and each other,” says panel member Veronica Love, chair at Mortgage Professionals Canada, SVP of corporate development at TMG The Mortgage Group, and also a 2023 Woman of Influence. “Most understand that we are stronger when we work together and ensure all are supported.”
Fellow judge Kuljit Singh echoes those sentiments, adding that the achievements that most impressed him include:
nurturing emerging leaders and contributing to talent growth
contributing to industry associations’ growth and initiatives
conducting impactful community outreach, philanthropy, and initiatives that benefit underserved populations
Due to her extensive experience in private lending, Milanetti’s unparalleled underwriting expertise and client service are respected industry wide. Her nominators offer high praise, “Josie consistently goes above and beyond, never losing sight that behind every deal is a borrower, often a vulnerable or disadvantaged one.”
The now-three-time Woman of Influence counts among her noteworthy achievements:
growing her team by nearly 50% and skillfully managing rigorous due diligence to meet surging demand for private financing while simultaneously ensuring the quality of mortgage originations in 2022
underwriting 866 deals in 2022, a 41% annual increase with a 17% year-over-year increase in deals closed, all while leading Canadian Mortgages Inc. (CMI’s) large and growing underwriting team
The six-time finalist for Lender Underwriter of the Year at the Canadian Mortgage Awards is a highly regarded subject matter expert.
“I think I’ve helped CMI meet the huge demand for private financing that has grown over the last couple of years,” says Milanetti. “But we have to remember that if we’re not taking care of ourselves, we’re not empowering the people around us to feel that they could do the same thing.”
As a finance and mortgage industry veteran, Trama-Mayol has led her teams with empathy and positively impacted the lives of colleagues. Describing the motivation for putting her forward as a worthy nominee, a peer says, “Tina continuously mentors and coaches new agents, not only in financial matters but in life.”
She has received several prestigious awards as a top sales performer who models the highest industry ideals of integrity, trust, and sincerity. Out in the community, Trama-Mayol shares the success she has built.
“I feel it is my responsibility to pass it forward because there are a lot of people who aren’t as fortunate as me,” she says.
Within the mortgage industry and society, Trama-Mayol’s significant contributions include:
being the 2023 recipient of the Mortgage Alliance’s 5-Diamond award
fundraising and participating in events in support of the Canadian Cancer Society
dedicating 40 years to volunteerism
Instilling the importance of caring, giving, and striving for professional excellence is a legacy that makes Trama-Mayol proud.
“When you reach a point in your career when you’ve established an amazing team and are watching them flourish, that is when I can say I’ve arrived,” she says.
Colleagues describe Wybrow as “a thoughtful and intelligent leader who continuously contributes to FCT Canada’s overall profitability by developing meaningful relationships.” She, in turn, attributes her noteworthy collaborative approach and partnerships to the phenomenal women who have inspired her.
“If you look at our senior executive table at FCT, it’s primarily female, so, for me, it goes without saying that we are breaking the norm,” she says.
Over her nearly two-decade career, she has grown within the company and modelled the importance of balance, creating the space to celebrate wins as they come to other aspiring female leaders.
Among her notable achievements are:
building and growing a successful business in partnership with a team of people that she regards as close allies and friends
being an innovative thinker who consistently provides solutions to complex problems
“When we have challenging times, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a step back and think differently about our business,” she says. “I firmly believe that challenge creates opportunity and space for people to think differently and move forward, perhaps in a different direction.”
An in-demand speaker on market trend analysis, training, and education, Conroy’s style forges positive connections with industry peers. She passionately advocates supporting women to succeed in the mortgage industry and embracing a balanced approach to work, life, and well-being. She has twice been named a Woman of Influence.
Her remarkable career highlights include:
achieving the highest producing sales volume in Canada for two years
being a regular spokesperson for MCAN at industry events across Canada
being a co-chairperson of the Northern Ontario Lenders Association
“You have to be your own advocate and use your voice, whether or not you’re told it is too bold, too strong, or too outspoken,” Conroy says. “I encourage people to be autonomous, to set their own goals, and to create their own success.”
Conroy and the other influential women of 2023 encourage aspiring female leaders to step up into positions where they can use their skills to propel growth and prosperity in the mortgage industry.
As Woman of Influence Veronica Love says, “I hope all of the women who were recognized this year reach out to at least one woman they see talent in and share that they are willing to do all they can to sponsor, mentor, or cheer them on.”
The path to the top has differed for each of this year’s Women of Influence, but each offers their own insight on what has helped them get to where they are now.
A career change steered Conroy toward the mortgage market, but gaining confidence was a years-long process; however, it has since defined her ability to impact the industry.
“When I realized that I had confidence and could be successful, that was a defining moment for me,” says Conroy.
And Milanetti adds, “I got out of the mortgage business for a year, regrouped, and came back with a fresh perspective and an actual game plan.”
Whereas Wybrow’s career progression was built on hard work, building relationships, and adding value to her organization and clients.
“I’ve enjoyed each phase, and I’ve learned so much about the business along the way,” she says.
Being able to solve problems and help people realize their goals has enabled Trama-Mayol to shine.
“It’s not a job for me, and as I progressed in my career, it felt like I had the chance to do a little bit more each time to help someone,” she says.
These female leaders in mortgage have garnered a reputation for their inspiring achievements, track record of impactful ideas, mentorship, and demonstrated passion.
“Leading by example and illuminating a path for younger females entering the industry holds immense significance for the Top 50 Women of Influence,” judge Singh says. “I am convinced that by following in the footsteps of these influential women, the younger generation can emerge as future leaders within the industry.”
To compile the 2023 Top 50 Women of Influence list, CMP encouraged mortgage professionals to nominate outstanding female leaders from across the industry. Nominators were asked to provide details of their nominee’s achievements and initiatives over the past 12 months, including specific examples of their professional accomplishments and contributions to the industry as a whole.
The final list was selected by a judging panel made up of industry leaders and previous Women of Influence, including:
Caroline Rapson, Mortgage Brokers Institute of British Columbia
Kuljit Singh, Mortgage Professionals Canada
Marina Bournas, RFA Mortgage Corporation
Pam Pikkert, Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association
Petra Keller, Pineapple
Susan Thomas, M3 Financial Group
Veronica Love, Mortgage Professionals Canada
To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, the CMP team voided self-voting and votes for a judge’s own organization.
The 2023 Top 50 Women of Influence special report is proudly supported by the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association – Ontario.
About the supporting association
The Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association (CMBA) – Ontario is an inter-jurisdictional umbrella association consisting of provincial mortgage broker associations in Canada. The mandate of the CMBA is to strengthen the efficiencies of provincial mortgage broker associations and enable them to focus on providing regional services to their members while sharing certain cross-jurisdictional costs, programs, and advocacy initiatives amongst provincial associations.
The CMBA provides mortgage broker professionals with a forum to work cooperatively, better share resources, branding initiatives, programs, and information, and coordinate the engagement of members to identify trends and develop solutions to common industry and regulatory issues. The CMBA also offers education for all levels of experience. From the mortgage agent course for newcomers to the industry to continuing education for those renewing their license or wanting to enhance their key skills through its national library, the CMBA has education options that suit your needs.