Women’s History Month: Spotlighting President of NFM Lending LaTasha Waddy

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, challenges and get their advice. Our second spotlight is on LaTasha Waddy.

MBA NewsLink: Please tell us about yourself.

Waddy: LaTasha Waddy, president of NFM Lending. I am a wife, mom, and Gigi to 3 ½ beautiful grandchildren.

MBA NewsLink: What has been your proudest moment in your career so far? 

Waddy: Becoming the author of “The Unbelievable Adventures of Gabby and Josh Can.” It was a culmination of everything I have experienced as a mother and woman in the financial services space wrapped into a way to make impact and give back. The series will live beyond me and touch so many people. Stepping into my author era felt like a pivotal moment in my career.

MBA NewsLink: How do you build credibility and influence in traditionally male-dominated spaces? 

Waddy: Be prepared to contribute. Having a command of the topic(s) that will be discussed and offering your thoughts at every opportunity allows you to be seen and heard.

MBA NewsLink: What unique strengths do women leaders bring to the mortgage and housing finance sector?

Waddy: Women have the unique ability to solution from a more holistic perspective. Whether solving a problem or creating an opportunity for an organization, women consistently shine on how that solve or opportunity impacts the entire organization.

MBA NewsLink: What has been your experience with the mPower network and what advice would you give to those looking to get involved?

Waddy: Quite frankly, mPower is what kept me in the industry. There was a moment where I wanted to return to private practice because I did not think this industry would offer me the opportunity to evolve and grow at a level where I could fully exhaust my talents. I attended an mPower event with a colleague where I encountered women who had 10, 15 and even 20 years under their belts in the industry and in varied leadership roles. It was in that moment that surrendered to the idea of what contribution I could contribute if I fully committed. Involvement takes on many forms and should be thoughtful. Participate when you can be intentional about connecting and engaging with other mPower participants.