2023 AGENDA

All times in ET

• 8:15 AM

  Registration and breakfast 

• 9:00 AM

  Opening remarks from chairperson

  

  Hali Noble

  Managing Director
  Fisgard Asset Management Corporation

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  Hali Noble

  Managing Director
  Fisgard Asset Management Corporation

  Hali is a founding Director and SVP of Fisgard Asset Management Corporation, one of Canada’s most respected MIC managers. She manages Fisgard’s mortgage broker and lender relationships, communication, and business advancement.

    

  She has spent her entire career as an alternative/private mortgage lender, is a Past Chair of MPC, Past President of CMBA-BC and is currently a Director of the BCMMA (BC MIC Managers Association) and CAMLA (Canadian Alternative Mortgage Lenders Association).  

    

  Hali has received several industry awards, most notable of these recognitions are the induction to the Canadian Mortgage Hall of Fame, the CMBA-BC Pioneer Award for Lifetime and was named one of WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the category of Trailblazers and Trendsetters. She is Co-Founder of WIMI (Women In the Mortgage Industry) an online group that focuses on leadership, mentorship, education and community which has over 5,500 members from across Canada.  

    

  In her personal life Hali is respected and recognized as a life-long advocate and community supporter of education, arts, culture, charities and non-professional sports, dedicating time and financial resources to social imperatives including support for Our Place Society, Mustard Seed Food Bank, Salvation Army, Victoria Conservatory of Music and the Victoria Symphony. She is extremely proud of her Metis heritage and is a member of the British Columbia Metis Nation.   

   

• 9:05 AM

  Opening Keynote: Rowboat in a hurricane: Dealing with change and unexpected setbacks

  Imagine surviving a hurricane with nothing more than a rowboat to shelter you. When Julie set off on a quest to become the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland this was not what she anticipated. But Julie soon realized that to succeed she’d not only need to deal with adversity and uncertainly, but embrace it and use it as an opportunity to grow and prosper. Julie shares techniques to deal with changing environments including altering our perception, preparing for the unexpected, assessing risks, and improving communication.

  

  Julie Angus

  Explorer, Scientist, & Bestselling Author
  

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  Julie Angus

  Explorer, Scientist, & Bestselling Author
  

  Julie Angus is a leading adventurer, bestselling author, scientist, and entrepreneur. She was awarded National Geographic’s “Adventurer of the Year” award when she became the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland. She has also cycled across continents, rowed thousands of kilometers of coastlines and rivers, and organized an expedition that sailed the ancient Phoenician trading routes. Julie draws on lessons learned in extreme environments to motivate and inspire her audiences to reach their goals and overcome challenges.

   

  Julie has written three books, produced several documentaries, and has a graduate degree in microbiology. A serial entrepreneur, Julie has had a successful career in venture capital, business development, and technology transfer. She is currently the CEO and co-founder of Open Ocean Robotics, a marine drone company that was recently granted an $800,000 prize from the Women in Cleantech Challenge to transform how we understand our oceans.

   

  Named as one of North America’s leading adventurers by Explore magazine and one of Canada’s Greatest Women Explorers by Canadian Geographic, Julie is also a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and recipient of numerous awards, including the University of Victoria Distinguished Alumni Award and McMaster University Young Alumni Award.

• 9:50 AM

  Fireside Chat: Breaking the boys club – A novel approach to business development as a woman

  In recent years, many traditional business development activities, like sporting events and client dinners, have shifted in priority, as clients re-evaluate their time and companies refresh their strategies. But where do we go from here? Due to the competitive nature of the market, business development still proves critical, but how can we approach it authentically and effectively as women, and what is proving effective these days? During this session, we will explore a novel approach to business development for women in the mortgage industry, aimed at breaking down barriers and leveling the playing field for long term success. 

  • Gender neutral ideas and tips on how to reframe your approach to business development 
  • Personal brand: Benefits of leveraging digital tools and social media to build your brand and expand your network beyond traditional industry channels 
  • Strategies for building relationships and creating a pipeline of business opportunities, such as targeting underserved or niche markets, and a culture of collaboration and support 
  • A look at natural relationship-building, rather than transactional incentives: remote group workshops, family-friendly activities, and more  
  • Discover fresh examples of business development best practices that work in a hybrid setting  

  Moderator

  

  Tracy Valko

  Principal Mortgage Broker/ CVO-Founder
  Valko Financial

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  Tracy Valko

  Principal Mortgage Broker/ CVO-Founder
  Valko Financial

  Tracy is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer at Valko Financial.
  She is a Motivational Speaker on Women Leadership and Resilience in
  an ever-changing world. Tracy has been a pillar of service and
  inspiration to the finance and mortgage industry for more than
  twenty-five years. Her professional foundation has been built on
  heart-centred leadership, honesty, integrity, commitment, and
  professionalism.

  Panelists

  

  Natasha Alli

  Regional Sales Manager, Excalibur
  First National Financial LP

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  Natasha Alli

  Regional Sales Manager, Excalibur
  First National Financial LP

  Natasha joined the First National team in 2018, bringing six years of industry expertise, with four of those years focused on underwriting. She developed experience in broker relationship management and mortgage application/documentation review and analysis. With broad underwriting experience gained at several organizations, Natasha knows how to structure deals efficiently according to policy and approval parameters. She also understands the importance of responsiveness – answering calls and emails, addressing inquiries and keeping lines of communication open. For Natasha, it is important to apply a solution mindset to every stage of mortgage process. She also is always open and available to help colleagues and clients with questions about new deals, existing deals and product information.   

  When she’s not adding value for brokers, Natasha enjoys travel, watching sports, spending time at the cottage and anything fitness related. 

  

  Brenna Charles

  Director of Business Development
  FCT

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  Brenna Charles

  Director of Business Development
  FCT

  

  Tiffany Pedersen

  Director, Western Canada Sales 
  Strive Capital Corporation

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  Tiffany Pedersen

  Director, Western Canada Sales 
  Strive Capital Corporation

  Tiffany is the Director of Western Canada Sales for Strive Capital. She has over 21 years of experience in the mortgage industry and has held multiple roles focused on underwriting, audit, operational credit management, and sales. Her advice to new professionals, and even seasoned industry veterans, is to always ask for your seat at the table and be sure to keep it real! 

  

  Tracey Robinson

  Principal, Relationship Management
  FILOGIX

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  Tracey Robinson

  Principal, Relationship Management
  FILOGIX

  Tracey Robinson is currently the Principal, Relationship Management at Filogix. Specializing in Business development with a focus on customer experience. Tracey brings more than 25 years of industry experience and knowledge, spearheading sales increases, digital applications, and product launches. Tracey is a highly experienced, successful and well-regarded business leader who has forged deep rooted relationships throughout the Mortgage Broker Industry. 

  During her down time, Tracey is a homebody who loves nothing more than spending time with her husband, kids and grandkids. 

• 10:25 AM

  Networking coffee break

• 10:50 AM

  Candid conversation: Fighting fatigue – How to remain on top of your game

  With competing priorities and stressful working environments, many managers and executives are experiencing various levels of burnout. How can we prioritize wellbeing, and in turn, create a culture of empathy and support? This session will discuss strategies to fight fatigue, boost resilience, and focus on self-care and mental wellbeing to lead by example.  

  • What are the best strategies for fighting fatigue, and how can we develop them?  
  • How can managers and organizations encourage and prioritize a culture that supports wellbeing?  
  • Overcoming common challenges such as time management, multiple responsibilities, and burnout  

  Moderator

  

  Meaghan Hastings

  Founder, CEO, & Principal Broker
  The Mortgage Coach

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  Meaghan Hastings

  Founder, CEO, & Principal Broker
  The Mortgage Coach

  Meaghan Hastings is the founder and Principal Broker of The Mortgage Coach;  an award winning brokerage in Ontario, that has earned recognition as CMP New Brokerage of the Year, 5-Star Brokerage, Employer of Choice and CMP Woman of Influence. 

   Having joined the mortgage industry over 22 years ago, Meaghan now leads her successful brokerage rooted in values of collaboration, peer support and a commitment to agent’s growth. 

  With a passion for philanthropy, along with spearheading multiple fundraisers throughout the year, Meaghan is a current board member of Brokers Who Care. 

   As a certified professional coach, Meaghan believes in the value of mentorship and the strength of a culture of coaching; particularly how it applies the advancement of women in the mortgage industry and the evolution that is possible through deliberate thought and action. 

   

  Panelists

  

  Leanne Conroy

  Director of Sales
  MCAN

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  Leanne Conroy

  Director of Sales
  MCAN

  Leanne Conroy is a celebrated leader and expert in the alternative lending sector, having garnered numerous awards for her work. She has dedicated 14 years to the mortgage industry, with eight of those years focused on alternative lending. Leanne is a sought-after source for market trend analysis, training, and education within the industry. 

  Leanne is also an ardent advocate for supporting women in the mortgage industry, actively working to promote gender diversity and empower female professionals. Her efforts to create an inclusive environment extend to her personal life, where she champions a balanced approach to work, life, and well-being. As a yoga instructor, Leanne offered free online classes during the pandemic and remains committed to her community by volunteering with organizations like the YMCA. She also serves as a co-leader of the Northern Ontario Lenders Association, cultivating collaboration and growth within the mortgage sector. 

  

  Sarah Strauss

  Mortgage Broker and Owner
  The Place To Mortgage

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  Sarah Strauss

  Mortgage Broker and Owner
  The Place To Mortgage

  Sarah Strauss is a mortgage broker, franchise owner and creator of Mortgage Broker School who works with her clients, her brokers, and her students to crush goals!  After spending 14 years in the mortgage industry and leading her team to fund almost half a billion in mortgages annually. Sarah knows what it takes to be at the top as a broker – but what drives her the most is living in gratitude for the incredible life she is building while also creating the same motivation in those that surround her. She knows that connecting with people is how you help them create a life they love and truly believes nothing is done alone. 

  

  Kate Arviko

  AVP, Network & Business Development
  Verico

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  Kate Arviko

  AVP, Network & Business Development
  Verico

  Kate Arviko started her career in the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry as a Market Analyst working with Canadian Retailers to help them develop their market share & grow their brands. She then transitioned to Consumer Electronics where she managed the online sales and promotions for a Canadian retailer.  Her passion for renovating homes led her to the mortgage industry in 2014, which more aligned with her long term goals.  

  She has held roles on the lender and insurance side of the Mortgage Industry and is currently the AVP of Business and Network Development for VERICO Financial group. In her spare time, Kate runs a DIY & Home maintenance YouTube channel, KDA Designs.  

• 11:20 AM

  Guided wellness break

  

  Dr. Nancy Ellen Miller

  Founder
  Insight Coaching

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  Dr. Nancy Ellen Miller

  Founder
  Insight Coaching

  Nancy is an educator, communication specialist, and mindfulness-based coach with nearly two decades of experience helping sensitive leaders find their stride and providing learning solutions for teams. Committed to building healthier, happier, and more inclusive places of work, Nancy coaches individuals, leads in-person and online workshops, and collaborates with executives to craft customized experiential learning programs for systemic well-being. She supports  leaders to move from overwhelm to insight, from disconnection to wholeness.

   

  A life-long meditation and mindfulness practitioner, Nancy has taught and travelled the globe speaking to dozens of audiences on the transformative practice of mindfulness. She specializes in science-based solutions that integrate practical take-aways to help leaders to lead from the inside out.  

• 11:30 AM

  Panel: Let’s talk senior leadership – So you want a seat at the table?

  A leadership role is one that comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. To succeed in this position, female leaders must possess strong leadership abilities, be able to manage teams effectively, and have a deep understanding of the industry’s complexities. But what does a seat at the table really mean? How do you best determine your career goals and get to where you want to be? Learn from the experiences of three successful women on the corporate side, as they explore what it takes to have their voice in the conversation. 

  • Do titles really matter? Does leadership mean C-suite level? 
  • Challenges faced: Navigating the often-male-dominated corporate landscape, overcoming gender-based biases, and discrimination 
  • Building the confidence to ask for what you want 
  • How do you become an influencer? 
  • Moving on up: What does it take to get there? Where do you go from here? 

  Moderator

  

  Daniela DeTommaso

  President
  FCT

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  Daniela DeTommaso

  President
  FCT

  Panelists

  

  Vivianne Gauci

  Senior Vice President, Customer Experience and Chief Marketing Officer
  HomeEquity Bank

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  Vivianne Gauci

  Senior Vice President, Customer Experience and Chief Marketing Officer
  HomeEquity Bank

  As Senior Vice President, Customer Experience & Chief Marketing Officer, Vivianne Gauci leads HomeEquity Bank’s marketing and customer experience design and delivery teams. She is responsible for driving originations growth by leading award-winning brand and performance marketing that has increased awareness and demand. Ms. Gauci is also responsible for the evolution of the bank into a customer-centric organization, leading a team that uses the voice of the customer to design and deliver experiences worth sharing. 

  Ms. Gauci joined HomeEquity Bank in 2015 and has over 20 years of experience in marketing, product development, and strategy in financial services including over 10 years at companies such as American Express and Aviva. She graduated with a Hons. Bachelor of Business Administration and holds her Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business. 

  Ms. Gauci has led the creation of several award-winning campaigns and is regularly sought out to speak at industry conferences. She has been named a CMP Woman of Influence, sat on the board of the Canadian Association for Financial Institutions in Insurance, co-chaired the Financial Services Special Interest Group for the American Marketing Association and has judged the RBC Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. 

  

  Christa Mitchell

  Chief Strategy Officer
  Pineapple

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  Christa Mitchell

  Chief Strategy Officer
  Pineapple

  Christa Mitchell has been Chief Strategy Officer at Toronto-based Pineapple since 2020. 

  In her current role, Christa focuses on growing the network of brokers and agents, while also helping lead the technology division to expand, create efficiencies and refine solutions offered to the network. She has also been responsible for further establishing the company’s already robust training program to continue equipping Pineapple’s network with best-in-class expertise and knowledge, enabling its members to be leaders in the market. 

  An established professional in the mortgage industry, Christa has more than 15 years of experience in sales, technology and executive management. In previous roles at Mortgage Alliance, she succeeded in growing and managing a 90-members independently-owned affiliate brokerage network and championing the company’s enterprise technology platform, where she was responsible for sales, education and the support team. While Vice President of Operations at her previous position, she directed corporate administration, payroll systems, broker recognition and networking events. 

  In 2020, she was recognized in the Canadian Mortgage Professional’s annual ‘Women of Influence’, which highlights female leaders who have been breaking down barriers in the mortgage industry and making it more inclusive. 

  

  Kyra Wong

  SVP Insurance Products
  DLCG

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  Kyra Wong

  SVP Insurance Products
  DLCG

  Kyra Wong is a 25-year industry veteran who has worked on the Manulife Mortgage Protection Plan sales distribution for DLCG Mortgage Group over the past 17 years.  She has been instrumental in growing the relationship and contributing to the production of MPP insurance volumes with DLCG during this time. 

  Kyra is also a best-selling author, TedX speaker and the creator of the Magical Unicorn Project; a platform from which she promotes unity, equality and empowerment to help inspire others.  She has been recognized in the industry for excellence.  Kyra has earned numerous awards and accolades over her career including the WIMI Ambassador award, CMP’s Hall of Fame, Industry Icon, Global Mortgage 100, Woman of Influence and most recently, was honoured to be the winner of CMP’s Woman of Distinction award in 2022. 

• 12:15 PM

  Networking lunch

• 1:15 PM

  Panel: Navigating mentoring and sponsorship as the workplace evolves

  Leveraging the support of different mentors throughout your career is widely acknowledged as pivotal to success, but how have approaches to mentorship changed in the hybrid workplace? Sponsorship is equally important for career progression, but how can remote working leaders overcome proximity bias to remain visible for opportunities? Do you have someone advocating for you and your career aspirations? This panel will navigate traditional and alternative routes to mentoring and sponsorship in a hybrid workplace.    

  • Mentoring vs sponsorship – how to know which type of support you need or should offer  
  • The importance of creating a network of supportive and like-minded professionals, including women in leadership and peers 
  • Best practices to maximize the benefits of mentoring relationships   
  • Optimizing mentoring relationships in a hybrid workplace – how has mentoring changed since the pandemic?   
  • From referrals to external mentorship programs to reverse mentoring: How to find the best fit in mentoring relationships   

  Moderator

  

  Veronica Love

  Senior Vice President, Corporate Development 
  TMG The Mortgage Group 

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  Veronica Love

  Senior Vice President, Corporate Development 
  TMG The Mortgage Group 

  Veronica is the current Chair of Mortgage Professionals Canada and is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at TMG The Mortgage Group.

  As a regular contributor to Women in the Mortgage Industry (WIMI), Veronica was recognized as a WIMI of the Year in 2017. She has also regularly appeared on the Hot List for mortgage professionals in CMP magazine (2018, 2019, 2020). In 2019, she was awarded the Outstanding Representative Award by the Canadian Mortgage Broker Association (CMBA), Ontario and the inaugural Woman of Distinction Award at the Canadian Mortgage Awards (CMP). Named a Woman of Influence by CMP magazine for multiple years (2015, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021), she was also listed as one of the 100 top mortgage professionals in the Global 100 CMP list! And rounding out her accomplishments, Veronica was recognized by CMP magazine as an industry icon in 2020.

  Veronica is captain of the Women Wish Granters team – where she recruited team members – many being of women within the mortgage industry – for the Make-a-Wish Rope for Hope. Her team has raised over $197,000 for this cause to date and Veronica is a top fundraiser for Canada, raising close to $40,000.

  Veronica has been a Professor and Board Member for the Humber College PR/Event Management Certificate Program, a Board Member on the Aurora Youth Soccer Association and served on the Make-A-Wish Capital Cabinet.

  Panelists

  

  Lee-Ann McEllister

  Associate Director, Sales, Western Canada
  MCAP

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  Lee-Ann McEllister

  Associate Director, Sales, Western Canada
  MCAP

  Meet Lee-Ann, Associate Director of Sales, Western Canada for MCAP and Certified Organizational Coach. Lee-Ann believes that work should be fun and enjoyable and is passionate about creating a positive workplace culture for her team and our industry. She’s also been recognized as a Woman of Influence by Canadian Mortgage Professionals and is actively involved in several industry associations. 

   

  

  Christelle Mwamba

  Mortgage Agent
  Mortgage Scout

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  Christelle Mwamba

  Mortgage Agent
  Mortgage Scout

  Christelle Mwamba, a highly respected mortgage agent with Mortgage Scout Inc. With over 12 years of experience in both institutional mortgage lending and independent brokering, Christelle brings a well-rounded perspective to meet the unique needs of her clients and partners. As an experienced francophone, she is dedicated to serving a diverse range of clients and communities.Christelle’s insights and market views have been widely recognized, with her contributions featured in Canadian Mortgage Professional. She has been awarded the Woman of Influence by the Canadian Mortgage Professional Association in both 2021 and 2022, as well as named one of the 2022 Black Women to Watch by the Canada International Black Women. Christelle is passionate about educating her clients on the importance of homeownership in building long-term wealth and financial security, regardless of market conditions. 

  

  Livian Smith

  Mortgage Broker/Owner
  Next Generation Mortgage

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  Livian Smith

  Mortgage Broker/Owner
  Next Generation Mortgage

  Livian Smith has been involved in the lending industry for over two decades, having started as an administrative assistant at a large alternative mortgage company in 1998.  In 2004, she made the decision to become a licensed Mortgage Professional and successfully achieved that goal in 2005.  Her career as a Mortgage Professional began in May of the same year when she joined a small Mortgage Brokerage.  She later moved to Dominion Lending Centres in January 2006, where she has been ever since.  Livian has achieved great success in the industry and has recently taken on a new venture in 2001 by starting the Dominion Lending Centres Next Generation Mortgage Franchise with two exceptional women partners.  Their primary aim is to mentor and train the next generation of Mortgage Professionals.  The franchise was nominated for the best new Brokerage at the CMA’s, a testament to their hard work and dedication. 

   

  Livian Smith’s passion extends beyond her career, as she is also a proud mom of two human daughters and two fur babies.  She strongly believes in financial literacy and teaching individuals of all ages how to realize their dream of homeownership, regardless of when they wish to achieve it.  Livian hopes that everyone can have a place they can all chop, and she works tirelessly to help make that a reality.  With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Livian’s knowledge and dedication to her clients and colleagues have earned her a reputation as a leading Mortgage Professional in Canada. 

   

  

  Sherri Vanderleeuw

  Vice President, Marketing​
  Magenta Capital Corporation

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  Sherri Vanderleeuw

  Vice President, Marketing​
  Magenta Capital Corporation

  Sherri joined Magenta in December of 2022, bringing with her a vast amount of experience in the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry. Sherri has worked on numerous campaigns with leading organizations including Unilever Canada, Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee and Sysco Canada.  Sherri holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University, a Certificate in Social Media from the University of British Columbia, is a Certified Tea Sommelier with the Tea Association of Canada and is currently pursuing her Masters of Business Administration with the Edinburgh School of Business, Heriot Watt University. 

• 2:00 PM

  Speed networking

  Expand your network, make connections, and meet fellow delegates in a structured networking session. 

• 2:15 PM

  Networking coffee break

• 2:30 PM

  Panel: Empowering women in mortgage: Successful broker owners & their journey to leadership

  In a mortgage industry that has been traditionally male-dominated, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions and women-owned businesses are still a minority. Women brokers continue to face a range of challenges from gender bias, limited access to resources, and managing work-life balance. Join this panel of successful women mortgage brokers, as they share personal experiences and insights on navigating the obstacles they have faced in the industry, along with practical tips that have helped them to build and grow their businesses.  

  • Success stories and best practices from successful female broker owners 
  • How to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in mortgage 
  • Advice for navigating bias or discrimination from colleagues, clients, and other industry stakeholders 
  • Balancing work and family responsibilities as a broker owner 
  • Financial barriers that may prevent growth and scaling a business, such as difficulty accessing capital or funding 

  Moderator

  

  Tara Borle

  Mortgage Broker
  Mortgage Architects 

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  Tara Borle

  Mortgage Broker
  Mortgage Architects 

  Panelists

  

  Dalia Barsoum

  Founder
  StreetWise Mortgages

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  Dalia Barsoum

  Founder
  StreetWise Mortgages

  Dalia Barsoum is the founder of Streetwise Wealth, a boutique real estate wealth advisory firm and Streetwise Mortgages, a multi-award winning brokerage specializing in income property financing. Streetwise Mortgages is known as Canada’s #1 small markets broker (AKA rental markets) as ranked by Canadian Mortgage Professionals. 

  The team at Streetwise Mortgages has funded over 1 billion dollars of mortgage volume and over 2700 of mortgage transactions ranging from residential, multi family, mixed use and other construction projects. 

  

  Frances Hinojosa

  CEO/Co-Founder/Mortgage Broker
  Tribe Financial Group

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  Frances Hinojosa

  CEO/Co-Founder/Mortgage Broker
  Tribe Financial Group

  Frances Hinojosa is a seasoned leader in the mortgage industry with over 29 years of
  success in the financial services industry and one of the founding partners and CEO of Tribe Financial Group

  Tribe Financial Group is an award winning independent mortgage firm in the GTA that
  specializes in customized mortgage planning with a belief in setting the bar high for
  mortgage lending excellence through integrity, transparency and heart. Hinojosa’s passion
  for the industry can be seen not only in her impressive business numbers, but also in her
  efforts to mentor people in both in the firm and mortgage industry.

  As a dedicated member of Mortgage Professional Canada association for almost 3 decades she currently hold the position of Executive Secretary on the national board. Apart from running the firm and her own practise, Hinojosa has been a member of the advisory boards at Teranet, Home Trust, Community Trust and charitable organization 100 Brokers Who Cares.

  Currently, she is also the co-host of “On Point” an industry show educating brokers
  and consumers on current mortgage news which is streaming on the BHBTV network.
  Through her connections in the industry and as an operating broker, she understands the
  grassroots issues that impact the mortgage industry and her experience as a woman in the financial services industry.

  Frances has been bestowed the following mortgage industry accolades:

  The Top 75 Mortgage Brokers in Canada Award for 2014 and 2015, Women of Influence Award in 2015. 2017, 2019,2020, 2021 and 2022, WIMI(Women in the Mortgage Industry) 2019 Leadership Award and 2016, CMP Top Brokerage Award and and KMI Media Global
  Employer of Choice award for 2022 for Tribe Financial Group. She has been a trusted
  resource for mortgage advise and has been featured in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star,
  Financial Post, Canadian Wealth Magazine, Yahoo Finance, CMP Magazine, Cottage Life
  Magazine, City News TV and CP24.

  

  Kerri Reed

  Owner and Principal Broker
  Premiere Mortgage

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  Kerri Reed

  Owner and Principal Broker
  Premiere Mortgage

  Kerri’s passionate about the mortgage industry. Coaching, mentoring  and leading  agents/brokers towards continued success is always her path. For almost two decades she has dedicated her time and resources to supporting her team at Premiere Mortgage Centre. Encouraging their individual business growth.  Kerri thrives on helping others become successful and building their confidence so they can achieve anything. Transparent in her leadership approach, Kerri’s willing to help anyone succeed, as long as they’ll work hard at the same time to drive their own success. She fully embraces the company’s culture, which is built on successful agents/brokers who work hard and enjoy being together. Kerri’s goal has always been to create an environment of excellence, leadership, support and sharing. She aligns herself with likeminded people throughout the industry, as she encourages the approach of continuing to grow market share as a united front.  Kerri is a mother, friend and business leader who has also been the recipient of many awards in our industry highlighting CMP Mentor of the Year as well as a Woman of Influence. 

  

  Christine Xu

  President
  MoneyBroker Canada

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  Christine Xu

  President
  MoneyBroker Canada

  Christine Xu is a distinguished leader in the mortgage industry, currently serving as President and Principal Broker at MoneyBroker Canada. She is also the CEO and Trustee of Ready Capital Mortgage Investment Trust, a mutual fund trust focused on private mortgages in Canada.  

  With over two decades of experience in the mortgage field, Christine has earned numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions, including being a 4-time recipient of the prestigious award “Alternative Broker of the Year” (CMA 2022/2020/2018/2015); Mortgage Global 100″ (MPA.CMP.NZA 2021); “Women of Influence in Mortgage Industry” (2022/2021/2020/2019/2017/2013). She has also been nominated for “Broker of the Year – Commercial” in 2023 (CMA).  

  Furthermore, Christine is an active member of several US private lending associations, including the National Private Lenders Association and the American Association of Private Lenders. In recognition of her significant community contributions, she was awarded the “Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” in 2012. 

• 3:20 PM

  Accelerating your career – The latest scoop on skills development

  The industry is rapidly changing, and leaders need to be at the forefront to deliver business objectives. How can you ensure you and your team are performing at your best through self-driven learning and development? This fireside chat on skills development will discuss strategies to develop capabilities and skillsets for career advancement.   

  • What are the top 3 emerging leadership skills, and how can we develop them?   
  • How can managers and executives encourage and prioritize learning and development for themselves and their teams?   
  • Overcoming challenges, such as leading inclusively and authentically in a hybrid environment, juggling multiple responsibilities, and collaboration between multi-generational teams   
  • Tips on how to take the next step in your career  

  Moderator

  

  Ivy Budisavljevic

  Vice President, Business Development
  Sagen

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  Ivy Budisavljevic

  Vice President, Business Development
  Sagen

  Ivy began her career in the mortgage industry over 10 years ago, when she accepted a role with Sagen as a summer student.  During the last decade, she has held various roles across the Sagen organization – beginning in Underwriting, and eventually moving to Sales.  She began her current role as VP, Business Development with Sagen’s National Sales Team in April 2022.  Ivy is responsible for developing national sales strategies that will drive market share growth and help to sustain Sagen’s competitive advantage within the marketplace.  She is a strong relationship manager, effective influencer, and enjoys expanding her knowledge of all areas within the mortgage industry.

  Panelists

  

  Ameera Ameerullah

  CEO, Lender, Broker
  Canada Mortgage and Financial Group

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  Ameera Ameerullah

  CEO, Lender, Broker
  Canada Mortgage and Financial Group

  Ameera Ameerullah has over 22 years of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry and heads up one of Canada’s top independent brokerages, Canada Mortgage and Financial Group.  She is also the founder of CMFG Limited Partnership, a private mortgage fund, CMFG Development, CMFG Mortgage Investments Inc., HCS Innovative Healthcare Services Inc., and an online store ShopwithAmeera.com where 100% profits from each sale is donated back to helping the underprivileged. In addition, Ameera serves as a Strategic Advisor at Sai Dham Food Bank, as well as a Strategic Planner and Economic Development Advisor at the Ontario College for Development Training. 

  Ameera is an expert in the mortgage space with an unblemished record in managing investors’ capital in private mortgages to structuring residential and commercial mortgages for borrowers from banks, alternative lenders or the private sector.    

  Ameera’s compassion for others, professional conduct, integrity, and expertise in structuring and closing complex transactions, has contributed to her success making her a standout performer and icon in the mortgage industry.  She has been honoured with multiple awards, most notably: The Home Trust Award for Best Alternative Lending Broker of the Year, Equitable Bank Award for Alternative Broker Specialist (New to Canada),  CMP Woman of Influence, CMP Global Best in Mortgages, The JunCtian Community Initiatives Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Women and Economic Development, The Waterfront Awards for Business and Entrepreneurship, Vigor Unsung Heroes International Humanitarian Award, and Humanitarian Award from the Government of Ontario. 

  In her spare-time, Ameera enjoys being with her family or being involved in philanthropic work.  She is known as a Sleep Out Champion with Covenant House Toronto, helping youth get off the street and into safe facilities, especially those who are victims of sex trafficking.  She is committed to developing affordable housing, building schools for orphan children in emerging communities, creating safe social clubs for Seniors with Brain Health Day programs in addition to empowering women to take on leadership roles so that they too can become contributing members of society. 

   

  

  Zeynep Babir

  Director of Business Development, Sales
  8Twelve Mortgage

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  Zeynep Babir

  Director of Business Development, Sales
  8Twelve Mortgage

  Zeynep Babir is 8Twelve Mortgage’s Director of Business Development. As the sales team lead, she ensures clients and partners are receiving exceptional service and education throughout their mortgage journey.

  Zeynep has been working in the mortgage industry for over a decade and has made significant contributions to the 8Twelve team since her onboarding. In 2022 alone, her efforts resulted in an impressive $351 million in mortgage volumes, showcasing her ability to drive significant growth and success for the company. Zeynep was also awarded Women of Influence in 2022 from the Canadian Mortgage Professional Magazine for her exceptional leadership, resilience and drive. 

   

• 3:45 PM

  Closing remarks from chairperson

  

  Hali Noble

  Managing Director
  Fisgard Asset Management Corporation

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  Hali Noble

  Managing Director
  Fisgard Asset Management Corporation

  Hali is a founding Director and SVP of Fisgard Asset Management Corporation, one of Canada’s most respected MIC managers. She manages Fisgard’s mortgage broker and lender relationships, communication, and business advancement.

    

  She has spent her entire career as an alternative/private mortgage lender, is a Past Chair of MPC, Past President of CMBA-BC and is currently a Director of the BCMMA (BC MIC Managers Association) and CAMLA (Canadian Alternative Mortgage Lenders Association).  

    

  Hali has received several industry awards, most notable of these recognitions are the induction to the Canadian Mortgage Hall of Fame, the CMBA-BC Pioneer Award for Lifetime and was named one of WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the category of Trailblazers and Trendsetters. She is Co-Founder of WIMI (Women In the Mortgage Industry) an online group that focuses on leadership, mentorship, education and community which has over 5,500 members from across Canada.  

    

  In her personal life Hali is respected and recognized as a life-long advocate and community supporter of education, arts, culture, charities and non-professional sports, dedicating time and financial resources to social imperatives including support for Our Place Society, Mustard Seed Food Bank, Salvation Army, Victoria Conservatory of Music and the Victoria Symphony. She is extremely proud of her Metis heritage and is a member of the British Columbia Metis Nation.