MBA’s Laura Hopkins on the New mPower Visionary Award Program

mPower, MBA Promoting Opportunities for Women to Extend their Reach, has launched a new award program. Nominations are now officially open for the mPower Visionary Award program, and Mortgage Bankers Association Senior Vice President of Membership, Meetings and mPower Laura Hopkins sat down with MBA NewsLink to share some insights on the new recognition.

MBA NewsLink: What is the mPower Visionary Award Program?

Laura Hopkins: The mPower Visionary Award Program highlights women who are making an impact across the industry, including those whose contributions may not always be front and center. These are leaders who are setting direction, creating momentum, and influencing outcomes in a meaningful and lasting way.

At its core, the program acknowledges that some of the most important leadership happens behind the scenes–and ensures those individuals are recognized alongside more visible leaders. It reflects mPower’s commitment to identify and celebrate deserving women as well as shine a light on the power and influence they hold.

We’re also excited that the winners will be recognized on the big stage–we plan to announce the recipients at mPowering You, MBA’s Summit for Women in Real Estate Finance, on Oct. 10 in Chicago!

MBA NewsLink: Why was this the right time to offer this program?

Laura Hopkins: mPower just had a milestone birthday—the big 10! With a decade behind us and the stamp of such an achievement, plus new leadership at the helm, this was a natural reflection point to step back and think about the next chapter of mPower.

Honestly, this felt like an easy hole to fill. There are women doing exceptional work who aren’t always recognized in traditional ways. That gap is what this program is meant to address. The leaders who will define the next generation are already emerging, and it’s important to identify and elevate them now.

In our fast-paced world, leadership requires people who can interpret signals early and act with intention, with a vision that remains true to themselves. I’m seeing more women step into that space and creating their own path, and it feels important to reinforce that with industrywide recognition.

MBA NewsLink: What will make a nomination stand out to you?

Laura Hopkins: The story behind the impact the nominee has had. I want to understand how someone approaches challenges, how they think about the future and how they bring others along in that process.

What stands out is specificity and clear examples of how someone is influencing outcomes beyond their immediate scope. It’s less about titles or experience level and more about impact–how they are shaping direction, creating opportunities for others, and demonstrating a consistent ability to anticipate and act on what’s ahead.

We know these stories look a little different for every leader, so we’ve created three specific nomination categories. “Community builder” will honor leaders who bring people together, serving as connectors, collaborators and champions for a stronger and more engaged community. “Change maker” will recognize a leader who is challenging the status quo and helping to shape a better future for the next generation. And “grit and grace” is positioned to recognize perseverance, adaptability and strength in confronting challenges.

MBA NewsLink: What are you hoping to accomplish with this recognition?

Laura Hopkins: I want people to feel seen. And I want to create more visibility around the kind of leadership that deserves to be replicated and supported.

My hope is this award will spotlight the many leaders who are already influencing the future and give their work the visibility it deserves. More broadly, I hope it encourages others to lead with the same level of intention, perspective and commitment to progress. We have to continue to build each other up, especially when it comes to the kind of leadership that isn’t always immediately visible. That’s how we create lasting impact. We have a responsibility to ensure female leadership is both seen and sustained over time.

MBA NewsLink: Why should industry members nominate themselves or their colleagues?

Laura Hopkins: Recognition plays an important role in reinforcing the value we as women bring to our industry. By participating, members are helping to shape the culture and behaviors they want to recreate. When we elevate the kind of leadership we want to see–especially when it’s women in the industry supporting and lifting up other women–we make it more visible and more repeatable. It also ensures that important contributions don’t go overlooked.

For more information on the award, and how to submit a nomination, click here.