MBA Education Path to Diversity Scholar Profile: Dawn Hooper
(One in 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.)
Dawn Hooper has been in the mortgage industry since 1998. She has held various positions in all channels of the mortgage process. She was instrumental in the induction of licensing in her home state of North Carolina and at a national level, working closely with lawmakers and the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System. Dawn was previously honored as the Virginia Mortgage Lenders Association Associate of the Year.
Dawn currently works in the insurance industry as the Strategic Growth Manager at Prosper Insurance, Virginia Beach, Va. She previously worked in the mortgage insurance industry as an account manager and is a member of the Class of 2017 MBA Future Leaders Program. She is currently working on her Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) through MBA.
Dawn lives in North Carolina with her four children and holds various board positions in the industry and her community.
NEWSLINK: How did you learn about the MBA Path to Diversity Program?
DAWN HOOPER: I learned about the Path to Diversity Scholarship from the representatives at the MBA when I participated in the Future Leaders Program.
NEWSLINK: What inspired you to become more involved? Did a co-worker/supervisor/mentor encourage your participation?
HOOPER: I have always been involved in MBA at the local and state level but participating in the Future Leaders Program opened so many doors to MBA on the national level. I have always found value in continuing to educate myself throughout my career. I truly believe you always have more to learn and can share your education and experience with others to help our industry. I am excited to continue my CMB journey with the help of the Path to Diversity Scholarship.
NEWSLINK: Did you find the application process to be user-friendly?
HOOPER: The application process was so easy. Everything is online. Once you have your letter of recommendation and your short essay prepared, it takes just a few minutes to complete.
NEWSLINK: How has the Path to Diversity scholarship benefited you, personally and professionally? What have you been able to bring back to your company as a result of the Path to Diversity program?
HOOPER: The Path to Diversity Scholarship has enabled me to continue my journey to achieving my CMB. It has enabled me to attend class with peers from all over the country to network and make new friends. The Path to Diversity Scholarship has enabled me to bring the value of education to my company and to my career. I am able to promote the scholarship and the MBA at the state and local level to bring awareness to all that the MBA has to offer on the national level.
NEWSLNK: What would you say to someone considering applying for a Path to Diversity scholarship?
HOOPER: I would say absolutely apply! The answer is always no if you never try. The benefit of this scholarship is worth far more than the dollar amount attached to it!
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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 here.
