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44 | M R EP O RT THE TRAILBLAZER AWARD Cecelia Raine VP, Servicing Strategy & Integration, Freddie Mac What are your proudest career achievements thus far? Raine: One of my proudest achievements is being able to raise an amazing family while also having a fulfilling career. Through the support of wonderful leaders who recognized me as a whole person, not just their employee, allowed me to balance doing it all. There have been sacrifices that my husband and children made, but it has all been worth it as we look back over 30+ years. My other proudest achievement is the success of Reimagine Servicing at Freddie Mac. Our leadership, servicing partners, and internal and external stakeholders all embraced our vision and went to work by staying focused, listening to our constituents and putting the customer and homeowner first. It is amazing what can get done when the stars align and you have support from the top down. No one achieves much in their career alone, and Reimagine Servicing is a true example of so many people putting the vision ahead of themselves. Are there any women who have served as career men- tors for you, and what did you learn from them? Raine: I have had numerous mentors, both women and men. We work in a world with both, so it is important to know and understand how men and women operate and what makes them tick. But specifically, there have been a few women who stand out in helping me shape my career. For example, I was blessed to have a mentor who had a long career in the mortgage industry, and I worked for her for several years. She helped guide me in many ways and supported me when I wanted to try new things, but most importantly, she always allowed me to be myself. Long after I no longer worked directly for her, she would give sound advice. To this day, I ask myself what she would do when I'm faced with tough decisions. What is the most critical piece of advice you would give to women beginning their career in this industry? Raine: This is a tough question because you want young women starting out to be true to them- selves, bring their own wonderful style and skills to the table, and not to try to be like someone else. But if not for people who were frank with me, who gave me constructive and helpful feedback early in my career because they saw my potential, I would not be who I am today. So, my advice is to treat everyone the way you want to be treated. Be honest, be kind, don't let fear stop you from doing new and big things. Most importantly, know your subject matter better than anyone else. Never stop learning and listening. Do the homework to be prepared. Help others by serving them, making them look good, and your success will naturally come. Oh, and have fun! THE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD Darcy Chapman VP of Strategic Partnerships, Auction.com What are your proudest career achievements thus far? Chapman: In 2015, I had the opportunity to join a wom- an-owned startup company during its infancy. Helping lead a new company through the grow- ing pains of establishing clients, writing procedures, and building a user-friendly system of record was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. It was a period of rapid professional growth for me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. Last year, I was a fi- nalist for the Women in Housing Rising Star award, which was a tremendous honor and testament to the passion and dedication I have for my clients and delivering them a best-in-class service. This year's award for Corporate Social Responsibility is quickly making its way to the top of my list of accomplishments. To me, it high- lights the most important work: using our resources to help others in any way we can. Are there any women who have served as career men- tors for you, and what did you learn from them Chapman: I am fortunate to have grown up around strong women. Both my mom and my stepmom have an incredible work ethic and did whatever was needed in order to provide for their families. Their example taught me to discard any gender stereotypes because I saw that women could raise beautiful families while being successful businesswomen—you don't have to choose. I have also had the privilege of working for two women-led companies in this industry. Jami Sherr, President of Sterling Claims Management, has been a tremendous mentor to me. I had the opportunity to work alongside her as she opened her own company and quickly earned a place as one of the top hazard claims management companies for mortgagees. Lastly, working at Auction.com, I am surrounded by amazing women—both on my team and in leadership. One of the qualities I admire most about our President, Ali Haralson, is her insistence on work-life balance. It's so refreshing to work for someone that encourages us to truly priori- tize all aspects of our life. What is the most critical piece of advice you would give to women beginning their career in this industry? Chapman: Can I give two? First, find your voice and don't be afraid to use it. You are your biggest advocate, so always cham- pion yourself. It's easy to plug along with your head down. Step outside of your comfort zone and embrace challenges. Second, as women, we tend to put our- selves last. Juggling being the best employee, boss, wife, mother—it all can be overwhelming and exhausting. Do not, I repeat do not, neglect yourself. If you're not taking care of you, you can't take care of others. Find time to go for a walk, read a good book, get that facial, and have the girl's night out! An MReport Issue Featuring Five Star Conference's Award Recipients