MBA Education Path to Diversity Scholar Profile: Dianna Rodriguez

(One in a recurring monthly series featuring efforts of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, part of MBA’s commitment to increase racial, gender, sexual orientation and ethnic diversity within the mortgage banking industry.)

Dianna Rodriguez is a Paralegal with First Guaranty Mortgage Corp., Arlington, Va., where she has spearheaded several important projects including licensing, acquisition of Goodmortgage.com and an intense Vendor Management overhaul. She is a recipient of the MBA’s Path to Diversity Scholarship and is a member of the 2019 class of MBA Future Leaders. She graduated from Gettysburg College and has earned Paralegal and Project Management certifications from Georgetown University. She has dedicated herself to learning the legal ins and outs of the mortgage industry through MBA’s School of Mortgage Banking I & II courses and her daily pursuit of excellence in her career.

MBA INSIGHTS: How did you hear about the Path to Diversity program?

DIANNA RODRIGUEZ: I came across the Path to Diversity scholarship while I was on LinkedIn. The opportunity to advance my career through MBA intrigued me. I knew I had to apply for this great opportunity.

INSIGHTS: What inspired you to get more involved?

RODRIGUEZ: When I first started with FGMC, I was not a mortgage professional. My legal career was primarily based in private law firms and I had a lot to learn coming into my role at First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation. I’m always striving to do my best, and my drive inspired me to seek out opportunities for growth within the mortgage industry. I needed a place that could help me understand how the mortgage process works and how to help our company succeed. The MBA’s resources and the School of Mortgage Banking were a perfect place to start.

INSIGHTS: Did you find the application process to be easy?

RODRIGUEZ: The process was simple and straightforward. It encouraged me to reach out to my coworkers and get support for my endeavor through recommendation letters and encouragement, which in turn brought us closer as a team.

INSIGHTS: Have you had a mentor or mentors who encouraged/supported you?

RODRIGUEZ: In August of 2018, FGMC hired a new General Counsel, Laura C. LaRaia, who has been my mentor throughout my MBA involvement, including the Future Leaders Program. As a Future Leader herself, she taught me the importance of the MBA and the program in my future career. She has been a constant source of encouragement during this journey. Laura has empowered me to step out and utilize the network and knowledge available to me to enhance my career and understanding of the mortgage industry. I’m so grateful to have her support as I grow professionally through programs like these.

INSIGHTS: How has the Path to Diversity scholarship benefited you, personally and professionally?

RODRIGUEZ: This scholarship has made it possible for me to participate in the Future Leaders program. This opportunity has expanded my mortgage expertise, taught me leadership skills, connected me with like-minded industry professionals and provided invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Future Leaders Program experiences of advocating on the Hill in Washington D.C. and working with my team on our final project have challenged me both personally and professionally.

On the personal and professional levels, I am not only a mortgage banking professional, student wife and mother. With the Future Leaders Program and my career I am able to show my children that there are opportunities everywhere and when you take a chance, you can succeed. Being bold has been instrumental in my career growth. If I had not taken a chance six years ago on the mortgage industry, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

INSIGHTS: What have you been able to bring back to your company as a result of the Path to Diversity program?

RODRIGUEZ: By using the scholarship, I have developed skills that have made me a better co-worker, employee, paralegal and mother. I have been able to bring back new methods and experiences to share with my team that have enhanced our work environment. I have also encouraged other coworkers to take the chance and apply for the scholarship and take an advantage of the variety of programs and conferences offered by MBA.

INSIGHTS: What would you say to someone considering applying for a Path to Diversity scholarship?

RODRIGUEZ: We all have an equal chance to succeed and if you don’t take the step forward, you will not know how far you can go. The process to apply for a Path to Diversity scholarship is simple, straightforward and eye opening. Taking this opportunity will bring you closer to your team and help you learn who you are and what potential you have. Take the opportunity and run with it!

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The MBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee was formed in 2013 to provide leadership and guidance to help the real estate finance industry gain a competitive advantage by increasing diversity in leadership, workforce and suppliers.

MBA encourages its members to support these efforts and to recognize the competitive advantages of embracing a diverse and inclusive workforce and marketplace. For more information about the MBA Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, click https://www.mba.org/who-we-are/mbas-diversity-and-inclusion-initiative/about-mbas-diversity-and-inclusion-initiative.