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18 | M R EP O RT FEATURE FEATURE T o celebrate Women's History Month, a panel of female employees from three different departments at Planet Home Lending joined MReport to discuss how they have found success in the mortgage industry and how other women are able to do the same. Sharing insights from their experiences on the front lines, ranging from originations to infor- mation technology to recruitment, the panel explores their experi- ences as minority women in the mortgage industry as well as the changes they have seen during their years in the business. This panel of women in- cludes Aneeza Haleem, VP of Technology; Dalila Ramos, VP of Talent Acquisition; and Alishea Pipkin, Retail Branch Manager in Shreveport, Louisiana. M // When you decided to enter the mortgage industry, what thoughts did you have regarding it being a male-dominated profession with few minorities? ANEEZA HALEEM: Coming to the mortgage industry was not very different from college, given that I majored in computer science engineering. I graduated in the early 2000s, and there were, and still are, very few professions where you feel truly represented. The mortgage industry did not stand out as that different from other industries when it came to minority representation. Growing up as a woman of color with a penchant for STEM, you are constantly required to prove your worth. ALISHEA PIPKIN: Honestly, I did not perceive the mortgage industry as a male- dominated field when I first began. At the time, I looked at a career in the mortgage industry as a dream job, as it served the needs of my family and lifestyle well. It was the perfect job fit, allowing for flexibility to care for my children when needed, without being stuck behind a desk. Now, after 10 years in my role, I am so glad to be a part of the industry. DALILA RAMOS: This question makes me laugh because I do not think anyone really "decides" to enter the mortgage industry. Often, individuals fall into it and stay for the entirety of their careers. I did not put much thought into it being male dominated until my mid-30s, when I started to grow and move up in my career. Then, I realized that no one looked like me, which could be hard at times, leading me to not speak up and feel uncomfortable on occasion. It was not until coming to work for Planet Home Lending that I was surrounded by so many powerful women in leadership. M // What has been your experience being a minority woman in the industry? HALEEM: I used to feel a lot of pressure because I felt like I represented women in every in- teraction that I had, needing to do well so more women could get an opportunity. Over the years, that pressure has died down. Part of it may be my own maturity and experience, but I believe the world is changing as well. Equality is no longer considered a "woke" con- cept. It is becoming more main- stream. I see it every day at Planet, surrounded by smart, capable women and men who are open- minded enough to accept ideas at their merit and not be blinkered by the source of the idea. PIPKIN: As a minority woman and a mother, I have found myself driven to work a little harder and feel the urge to prove myself every day. Though I love my career in this industry, it does not come without challenges, such as encountering and overcoming prejudices. For example, there have been male agents and other individuals who feel uncomfort- able working with me because I am a female and a minority. To overcome this, I work to be prepared and knowledgeable, while being honest and seeking to learn what I do not know. Over the years, I have gained a lot of respect from different agents, being a source of knowledge and guidance for many. The challenges only drive me to outwork my counterparts and bring the best possible quality to my clients. RAMOS: Learning and grow- ing over the past 20 years in my career, the experience has been great overall. However, it has come with many challenges, such as coming from a different edu- cational background than many others and wearing many hats throughout the day. However, being a woman of color and a single mother, I am only further Opening Up the Door In honor of Women's History Month, here's how several professional women working in mortgage for Planet Home Lending found their success and encourage the success of others. By Five Star Staff