MBA Education Path to Diversity Scholar Profile: Nicole Upshur
(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.)
MBA NEWSLINK: Tell us about yourself.
NICOLE UPSHUR: My name is Nicole Upshur, and I am Default Oversight Counsel with LoanCare. I have been a practicing attorney for 18 years, primarily focusing on litigation and contracts. With five years of combined service in the mortgage servicing industry, I have worked for LoanCare for approximately three of those years in the Legal/Compliance department. I am a veteran of the United State Marine Corps and live in Virginia Beach, Va., with my husband and two children.
NEWSLINK: How did you learn about the MBA Path to Diversity Program?
UPSHUR: Through an MBA email.
NEWSLINK: What inspired you to become more involved?
UPSHUR: My company, LoanCare, advised staff of all the MBA opportunities. Once I joined MBA and started receiving emails routinely I became very interested and inspired to become more involved. I’ve also joined the MBA’s Legal & Regulatory group and MAA – the Mortgage Action Alliance advocacy group.
NEWSLINK: Did a co-worker/supervisor/mentor encourage your participation?
UPSHUR: My supervisor/mentor, Christopher Walker, Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, also encouraged me to pursue advance education about the mortgage industry from MBA and he wrote my recommendation to MBA, which was a requirement to receive consideration for the MBA Path to Diversity Scholarship.
NEWSLINK: Did you find the application process to be user-friendly?
UPSHUR: Yes, I found the application to be very straight forward and user-friendly.
NEWSLINK: How has the Path to Diversity scholarship benefited you, personally and professionally?
UPSHUR: The Path to Diversity scholarship has benefited me in both ways. Although I have years of experience as an attorney, attending the MBA education courses and Advance Servicing Seminar allowed me to fast-track my level of experience in the mortgage servicing industry It also allowed me to make some great connections with other MBA members.
NEWSLINK: What have you been able to bring back to your company as a result of the Path to Diversity program?
UPSHUR: I have effectively taken what I have learned during the Advance Servicing Workshop and applied it to my role in Default Oversight and oversight over our vendor law firm network.
NEWSLINK: What would you say to someone considering applying for a Path to Diversity scholarship?
UPSHUR: Everyone should take advantage of this awesome opportunity that MBA has provided for their members. MBA demonstrates that they highly value diversity and advancement in education in our industry by making these scholarships available. I am honored to accept the MBA scholarships I’ve received both personally and professionally and I am proud to be a part of the MBA Path to Diversity Program. I highly encourage others to participate.
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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.
