MBA Education Path to Diversity Scholar Profile: Malik Wilkes
(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.
MALIK WILKES: I’m Manager of the Express Mortgages Department at Space Coast Credit Union in Hollywood, Fla. I have been in the business for nine years. I reside in South Florida but originally from Trinidad. I enjoy playing and watching sports.
NEWSLINK: How did you learn about the MBA Path to Diversity Program?
WILKES: Our credit union is a newer member to MBA. The opportunity to educate and train our team members through the varying outlets provided by MBA was exciting to us. One of our Vice Presidents attended School of Mortgage Banking and recommended it to me. We had a staff member from MBA come to visit us at our offices and she mentioned the opportunity of the Path to Diversity scholarship. I was able to attend School of Mortgage Banking I in February with the help of the program.
NEWSLINK: Did you find the application process to be user-friendly?
WILKES: The application was very user friendly. I was able do it online and upload my resume and recommendation letters with ease.
NEWSLINK: How has the Path to Diversity scholarship benefited you, personally and professionally?
WILKES: I’ve been in my role as manager for less than a year and being able to attend School of Mortgage Banking has given me a far better understanding of the mortgage business as a whole. It has helped me develop my vision on how I plan to guide my team to deliver for my institution. It has also opened my eyes to the opportunities for education and growth within our industry. As someone with a thirst for knowledge, I plan to continue to take advantage of the opportunities MBA has to offer.
NEWSLINK: What would you say to someone considering applying for a Path to Diversity scholarship?
WILKES: The education and training provided by MBA is pivotal for understanding the mortgage business from a macro and micro perspective. It has also opened me up to a network that I would not have been able to reach without my participation. The path to diversity scholarship gives an opportunity to people who may not have attended courses to learn and grow within the industry. I strongly recommend applying. Good luck and I wish you growth and success.
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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.
