An MBA Education Path to Diversity Scholar Profile: Tammy Hughes
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.
Tammy Hughes is Production Manager at Union Square Mortgage, Wichita Falls, Texas.
–Tell us about yourself
I grew up outside of Washington DC, in McLean, Virginia. I was raised by older parents with five much-older siblings. My sister had Downs Syndrome and undoubtedly her sweet spirit thumb-printed me more than any other influence. I have been married to my best friend for a long while. We have two sons that were soccer, football, and baseball athletes throughout their growing years and into college. They are now adults with careers and we have added a lovely daughter-in-law to our gang.
I graduated from Midwestern State University in TX. I launched a career with Xerox Corporation in the Corporate Education & Training division and later moved into a role as an Account Executive. After this, I worked as a DEI consultant with organizations all around the globe for the next big chunk of my career. When covid hit, my global traveling came to a screeching halt. A friend pulled me into the mortgage world, and I haven’t looked back.
I love to do circuit training, and I clock in a lot of mileage walking behind our yellow and chocolate labs. It’s not my hobby, but I’m pretty good at packing and unpacking. I’m especially good at throwing things away! We have averaged moving every four years and lived in: San Diego, CA—Reston, VA—Garland and Keller, TX—Pacific Palisades, CA—Wichita Falls, TX—Seattle, WA—Wichita Falls, TX.
–How did you learn about the MBA Path to Diversity Program? What inspired you to become more involved?
My manager informed me about the Diversity Program and suggested it would likely be a good fit for my passions around diversity and inclusion. I don’t ever remember a time when I wasn’t curious about how the differences make us better.
–Did you find the application process to be user-friendly?
Absolutely! It was not difficult to apply.
— 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?
Personally, the P2D scholarship provided the opportunity for me to attend SOMB I. This experience broadened my understanding of our industry and provided a cadre of classmates to lean into when I have questions. I have an expanded group of super smart industry professionals to collaborate with now.
Professionally, attending the first school built a foundation for me to better understand real estate—ethics—loan products, production and servicing—regulatory compliance—laws—quality—warehouse lending. I walked away significantly more equipped to make an impact in our industry while wearing my diversity lenses each day to help guide how I promote inclusion.
–What would you say to someone considering applying for a Path to Diversity scholarship?
If you’re passionate about fostering an environment where everyone can contribute out of their strengths, crafting a space where no one individual must spend too much energy flexing their own style, and growing a strong appreciation and even preservation of the differences in your work world, this might be right up your alley.
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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.
