Upcoming Women in Mortgage Summit to bring together leading executives
Canada’s mortgage industry has historically been viewed as a male-dominated space – but that perception is changing, with women coming to the fore and forging a path as some of the country’s most seasoned, experienced and talented mortgage professionals.
For Jill Moellering (pictured top), an Edmonton-based broker at Mortgage Architects, it’s important that women in the industry look to the future with confidence and an innate belief in their ability to carve out a successful career in mortgages.
“I think the biggest challenge that women face is ourselves,” she told Canadian Mortgage Professional. “We have a lot of imposter syndrome in this industry, and that stems from how we’ve been raised and trained in other [professions]. And when we come to this industry, it’s a little bit of a shock to recognize, but the only thing holding you back in this is yourself.”
A tight-knit circle of trust and strong support offered to other women in the industry are essential components of continuing the push toward full equality in the mortgage space, Moellering said, as well as realizing the value women can offer as mortgage professionals.
“We just have to recognize that for ourselves and feel strong and empowered and being able to put ourselves out there, and go out and get that business,” she said. “I think it is one industry where we do have a big advantage in being able to go out and get those clients and close up business.”
Where does opportunity lie for women in the mortgage industry?
Of course, women in the professional realm face a variety of challenges that the vast majority of men don’t. In the US, for instance, a study found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, women were significantly more likely to carry a heavy load in childcare responsibilities than men.
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Moellering said the achievements of the industry’s top-performing women showed there was still plenty of opportunity at play in the mortgage space in spite of those challenges.
“It’s a great job that people can work around the home-life balance, especially for mothers with young kids that are still at home,” she said.
“And [despite] all of the challenges that come with that, some of the biggest brokers in this industry doing the biggest numbers that I know have four kids at home and are doing an amazing job of brokering over $150 million a year and still being a mom. So again, there’s lots of opportunity for women in the industry.”
Women in Mortgage Summit returns to Toronto
Moellering will moderate a panel on navigating industry challenges at the upcoming Women in Mortgage Summit in Toronto, set for June 5 at the Carlu.
That discussion will see Cynthia Clark (CMI), Caroline Rapson (CENTUM Financial), Rejean Roberge (CWB Optimum Mortgage), and Kate Wybrow (FCT) join Moellering to discuss how women can adapt to a changing landscape to build their business and gear up for future success.
Last year’s Summit was a huge hit – and for Moellering, the importance of events and conferences aimed at advancing the cause of women in the mortgage industry is clear.
“I’m always a big fan of getting out and supporting women in the industry and in getting to these events, showcasing the talent that we have with women in the mortgage industry,” she said. “I think there’s a big difference where a lot of men like to showcase their successes a little bit more or shout it from the rooftops.
“I think we have a lot of women in the industry who are absolute powerhouses doing a phenomenal amount of business. So it’s great to be able to showcase and highlight how they built their businesses and what their strengths are.”
Registration for the event is open now, with a line-up of the most prominent female executives from across the Canadian mortgage industry set to appear on a range of varied panels aimed at helping women maximize their potential and success in the sector.
“I think it’s fantastic that these types of events are taking place and I think the more stuff that we can get out to, the better,” Moellering said. “If you want to be successful, surround yourself with successful people – and there’s no better way to do that than to get out and meet people and attend these types of events and pick up as much knowledge from listening to the room as possible.”
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