MBA Education Path to Diversity Scholar Profile: Mario Gonzalez

(One of a continuing series of profiles of participants in the MBA Education Path to Diversity (P2D) Scholarship Program, which enables employees from diverse backgrounds to advance their professional growth and career development.)

Mario Gonzalez is a Loss Mitigation Underwriter with Colonial Savings, Fort Worth, Texas.

MBA NEWSLINK: Tell us a little about yourself.

MARIO GONZALEZ: I am a Loss Mitigation Underwriter and I am part of the five-year Leadership Development Program within our Servicing Site. I studied Accounting in the University Autonomous of Coahuila, Mexico. In 2006, I came to live in the U.S. and after a few years of working side jobs such as a lands keeper, construction, dishwasher and valet parking, the real estate industry gave me the opportunity to start this career during the mortgage crisis.

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

GONZALEZ: I heard about Path to Diversity program from a professional colleague in 2017.

NEWSLINK: What inspired you to get more involved?

GONZALEZ: I am passionate about serving my community through the mortgage industry, so I want to obtain solid knowledge and experience to cultivate a business model that goes beyond the ordinary.

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

GONZALEZ: The application process is not difficult. All you need is set up a time on your day, put your thoughts together, and follow the steps.

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

GONZALEZ: Yes, my Vice President of default services, and my Servicing Oversight Director. Both believed in me and they selected me to be part of a Leadership Development Program. The mentoring sessions have been extremely helpful and supportive to continue growing in my career.

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

GONZALEZ: The Path to Diversity scholarship has benefited me both personally and professionally as it offers an open door to obtain my CMB designation. I took a Management Essentials class with my first Scholarship award, and I am looking to take a Secondary Market class for this award.

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

GONZALEZ: The Path to Diversity program has become an exciting opportunity to accomplish my goals. It helped me in the decision-making, and to manage pressure and conflict as a leader. Therefore, I always share the benefits of this program and encourage my colleagues to apply.

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

GONZALEZ: Knowledge is power and MBA education is essential to those who would like to grow in the mortgage careers. The Path to Diversity scholarship is a tremendous opportunity to those who want accomplish their personal and professional goals.

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About the MBA Path to Diversity Scholarship Program
The Path to Diversity Scholarship Program recognizes existing industry professionals who are seeking to advance their careers through continuing education. Recipients receive a voucher to cover course registration fees, up to a maximum of $2,000, for popular MBA Education courses and designation programs. This education opportunity enables employees from diverse backgrounds to advance their professional growth and career development.

MBA recognizes that a strong, responsible and sustainable real estate finance industry requires a workforce that is reflective of our society at large.

For more information about the Path to Diversity Scholarship Program, click https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/mba-education/path-to-diversity.