Women’s History Month: Spotlighting Lennar Mortgage President Laura Escobar
March is women’s history month and MBA NewsLink is hosting a series of interviews with women in the industry to learn about their experiences and challenges, and get their advice. Our third spotlight is on Laura Escobar.
NewsLink: Tell us about yourself and your current role in the industry.
Escobar: I’m Laura Escobar, president of Lennar Mortgage. I’ve spent my career in mortgage banking because I believe deeply in the power of homeownership and the impact this industry can have on families and communities. Professionally, my focus is on strategy, growth and building strong, accountable teams–but at my core, I’m a people leader. I care a lot about culture, about how we show up for one another, and about creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged and proud of the work they do. I lead with heart, I value consistency and integrity, and I try to never lose sight of the fact that behind every loan, every decision, and every result, there are real people counting on us.
NewsLink: What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Escobar: My proudest moments aren’t tied to a single transaction or title–they’re tied to people. Watching leaders develop, seeing someone take on a bigger role than they thought they were ready for, or knowing I helped create a culture where people feel supported and challenged at the same time–that’s what matters most to me.
MBA NewsLink: What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field?
Escobar: Early in my career, I felt the pressure to constantly prove myself–sometimes twice over. There were moments where I had to work harder to be heard or taken seriously. Over time, I learned that credibility comes from consistency, preparation and results–not volume or bravado.
MBA NewsLink: What steps can the industry take to best support its female members?
Escobar: It starts with intentional leadership. That means sponsorship, not just mentorship; clear paths to advancement; and flexibility that recognizes different seasons of life. We also need to normalize diverse leadership styles–there’s no single “right” way to lead.
MBA NewsLink: How do you build credibility and influence in traditionally male-dominated spaces?
Escobar: I focus on being prepared, being authentic and delivering results. You don’t need to mimic anyone else’s style to be effective. When you consistently show up with clarity, confidence, and follow-through, credibility follows.
MBE NewsLink: How have you seen opportunities for women in mortgage banking change over the course of your career?
Escobar: There are far more opportunities today, and more women in senior roles than when I started. That said, progress didn’t happen by accident–it happened because people pushed for it. We’ve moved forward, but we can’t be complacent.
MBA NewsLInk: Where do you think the industry still has work to do in advancing women into leadership roles?
Escobar: The biggest opportunity is at the middle-management level—making sure women aren’t plateauing there. That’s where sponsorship, stretch assignments and visibility matter most.
MBA NewsLink: What unique strengths do women leaders bring to the mortgage and housing finance sector?
Escobar: Women often bring strong emotional intelligence, adaptability and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. In an industry that’s cyclical and relationship-driven, those strengths are incredibly valuable–especially during challenging markets.
MBA NewsLink: How can companies better support retention and advancement of women professionals?
Escobar: Listen, first. Then act. Offer flexibility without stigma, invest in leadership development and hold leaders accountable for building diverse teams. Retention improves when people feel seen, supported and given real opportunities to grow.
MBA NewsLink: What’s one intentional thing you do to lift up other women in the industry, especially when they’re not in the room?
Escobar: I advocate for them. I speak their names in succession discussions, recommend them for opportunities and make sure their work is visible. Sometimes the most impactful support happens when the person isn’t there to do it themselves.
MBA NewsLink: What advice would you give to young women looking to have a career in the mortgage banking industry?
Escobar: Be curious, raise your hand, and don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Growth comes from doing hard things before you feel fully prepared. Find leaders who will challenge you, and remember–you belong in the room.
MBA NewsLink: What has been your experience with the mPower network, and what advice would you give to those looking to get involved?
Escobar: mPower creates space for connection, learning, and advocacy–three things that matter deeply in our industry. My advice is simple: get involved early, show up consistently, and use the network not just for yourself, but to lift others along the way.
