TheMReport — News and strategies for the evolving mortgage marketplace.
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TH E M R EP O RT | 21 COVER STORY in the future and drive financial recovery in compromised com- munities. "I would say the end goal for diversity within my firm is to continue to grow the number to surpass the 35 percent mark as far as vendor diversity and by doing so hire specific diverse groups that live within or come from the com - munity that they will be servicing," said Bryan Lysikowski, Co- Founder and CEO, ZVN Properties Inc., and AMDC member. He further explained, "If we can do that it will put a sense of pride back into some of these blighted communities and help bolster the financial recovery in those areas. I also think if we can add to our network with diverse firms it will help correct some of the problems the National Fair Housing Alliance sees with the condition of some of the blighted properties inside of the urban areas." As mentioned earlier, Nationstar already hosts a pretty diverse staff, but sustainability problems persist. "I think our overall diversity numbers already look strong," Dillard said. "Our challenges are how to sustain the numbers for the long haul and continue growing the numbers within our leadership ranks. Through mentoring, career pathing, and a concentrated effort in encouraging the next generation of leaders, I'm hopeful we can get there." VRM Mortgage Services would like to see every company in the industry adopt the proposed standards outlined in Section 342 of the Dodd-Frank Act. "The initiatives proposed by 342 would drive an enterprise- level of employee awareness around a company's commitment to diversity and inclusion and the programs in place," Travis- Johnson explained. "Most impor - tantly, every program would be designed to ensure that everyone has equal access to employment, succession planning, and sourc- ing opportunities with selection and retention practices based on proven performance. I see this as a natural progression towards true inclusion for the mortgage and real estate industries. In short, equal access to opportunities for employees, solution providers, vendors, and the consumer." Bien-Amie also mentioned that "the ultimate goal for diversity for both Global DMS and the indus - try is growth." "The industry participants need to vastly increase their ability to sense new opportunities, develop creative solutions, and execute with much greater speed," he not - ed. "The only way to reach these goals and ultimately grow your business is through a revamped workplace culture that embraces diversity so that opportunity awareness, creativity, and speed are all immensely improved." XHEVRIJE WEST is a Dallas, Texas-based writer and editor. She has worked for a number of publica - tions including The Syracuse New Times, Dallas Flow Magazine, and Bellwethr Magazine. She completed her Bachelors at Alcorn State University and went on to complete her Masters at Syracuse University. She is currently online editor for theMreport.com. MORTGAGE LEADERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE The American Mortgage Diversity Council (AMDC), launched in June 2015 by the Five Star Institute, is a member organization comprised of industry leaders and advocates focused on shaping the diversity agen- da for the mortgage industry. Michael Ruiz, Director of Corporate Procurement with Fannie Mae, was named the organization's chairman. "This is an industry-wide commitment that will have important and sustainable benefits for our mem- bers and mortgage professionals at large," said Ed Delgado, president and CEO of the Five Star Institute. "Mike's expertise and industry perspectives are invalu- able and necessary as the incoming chairman, we are honored that he has accepted this position." On September 16, 2015, the AMDC held their Inaugural Fall Summit at the Five Star Conference & Expo at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. Among the topics discussed were: Dodd-Frank Section 342 guidelines, developing inclusive business partnerships, creating supply chain diversity, demonstrating good faith efforts, and other best practices. The American Mortgage Diversity Council Goals: » Drive results that support the application and promotion of the mortgage industry's best diversity practices. » Advance solutions that support initiatives outlined by Section 342 of the Dodd-Frank Act–which focuses on minority and inclusion rules that call for greater supply chain diversity. » Encourage greater diversity in hiring and promot- ing in the workforce. Editor's Note: The Five Star Institute is the parent company of the AMDC as well as MReport and theMReport.com. American Mortgage Diversity Council Where Diverse Groups Share Common Goals. "The initiatives proposed by [Dodd-Frank] 342 would drive an enterprise-level of employee awareness around a company's commitment to diversity and inclusion and the programs in place." —AMDC member Cheryl Travis-Johnson, COO, VRM Mortgage Services