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38 | M R EP O RT LAURIE MAGGIANO EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR Ali Haralson President, Auction.com What are your proudest career achievements thus far? Haralson: Fortunately, I've had many outstanding moments during my career, but I can whit- tle it down to two. Starting and growing my company, SLS, to over $50 billion in servicing and 1,400 employees was a significant accomplishment. But working at Auction.com has transformed me into the leader I am today. It also gives me the unique opportunity to influence the industry and do what I love, which is optimiz- ing programs that benefit our buyers and sellers, ensuring the preservation of homeownership, enhancing neighborhood stabiliza- tion, and guiding our people and amazing organization. Are there any women who have served as career men- tors for you, and what did you learn from them? Haralson: I always say that a successful leader must have strength and grit, and I got much of mine from my grandmother, who was measured and dis- ciplined. She came to the U.S. without being able to speak English. She worked hard, raised her family, and helped me build the work ethic I have today. Then, during my career, I've had many mentors who have helped shape who I am today. This includes my current team, which has the most impressive group of dedicated women I've ever worked with. They make me better every day. What is the most critical piece of advice you would give to women beginning their career in this industry? Haralson: A critical piece of advice to women beginning their career is to build a support system. This includes finding the right mentor and surrounding yourself with people who are determined, thoughtful, and willing to help you succeed. Life is a journey, so expect to have many mentors throughout your career. RISING STAR EXECUTIVE Theresa Dumais VP of Government & Industry Relations, Freddie Mac What are your proudest career achievements thus far? Dumais: Certainly, being one of the youngest officers at Freddie Mac is a proud career achieve- ment. I am also proud of my 15+ year career focused on providing housing opportunities for individu- als and families. I didn't grow up with stable housing myself, so it's personal for me. I was very inten- tional early on in my career about the impact I wanted to make to help as many people as possible obtain safe, healthy, and stable housing. I am a houser for life! Are there any women who have served as career men- tors for you, and what did you learn from them? Dumais: My former boss at Freddie Mac, Barbara Fox (former VP, Government Affairs), has been a tremendous mentor and coach. She took the time to really pave the way for my success here at Freddie Mac, and I cannot thank her enough. She is the kind of thoughtful, caring, and action-oriented female leader that you hope you get to work with during your career. She has since happily (and deservedly!) retired, and I work to emulate those traits she taught me not only in my professional life but also in my personal life as well. What is the most critical piece of advice you would give to women beginning their career in this industry? Dumais: Two things: find yourself a solid mentor (see above), 2021 Women in Housing Leadership Awards Continuing an annual tradition, MReport once again brings you the Women in Housing Leadership Awards, as presented at last month's Five Star Conference and Expo. In the September edition of MReport, we profiled all 25 finalists across five categories. It is now our pleasure to bring you a look at this year's final award recipients. An MReport Issue Featuring Five Star Conference's Award Recipients