Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Each March, Women’s History Month gives us a chance to recognize, celebrate, and reflect on the accomplishments of women — including the women who work at Mr. Cooper.
In honor of women everywhere and as part of our Cooper Culture series, we asked members of our Women’s Network group to talk about how their experiences and female role models have shaped and guided their lives, both at home and at Mr. Cooper.
Here’s what a few of them had to say:
Angela Greenfeather, SVP, Human Resources
What motivates or drives you?
What motivates and drives me continues to evolve. In this stage of my life, it’s all about working with a powerful team. Great teams are game changing to a company, so helping others achieve their fullest potential is a huge driver for me as a leader.
What’s your favorite quote?
“What we think is what we become.”
This really speaks to our confidence, self-esteem, and ability to manifest a healthy, positive outlook on life. If your thoughts and beliefs are grounded in a place of insecurity or fear, it’s likely that your interactions, decisions, and behavior will be impacted by such. A catalyst for real change and transformation in one’s life generally comes with manifesting positive intentions for what we want for our lives, our relationships, and our work.
What would you tell your younger self or what would you like your older self to tell you now to help you through a personal or professional challenge?
If I could go back and tell my younger self something, it would be to cut myself some slack. Don’t worry so much about what other people think and focus on being the best version of yourself. You will hit a few bumps in the road, but it will only make you stronger, wiser, and more prepared for things to come. And, most importantly, take care of yourself — find the balance, take the walks, and cherish the time you have with the people you love.
Who’s one person who has believed in you since day one?
My grandmother, June Wren. She was such an amazing influence in my life, especially as a young girl. She saw a future for me that I could not yet imagine for myself. She raised my awareness, gave great advice, and instilled the belief that hard work, focus, and a little humor and feistiness would be powerful tools to achieving what I wanted in life. And she could not have been more right.
How can women help women reach each other’s potential?
I have been fortunate to work with some pretty great women in my career. Although unique in their own right, they share a similar profile. They are secure enough within their own power to not fear the rise of other women around them. In fact, they actively engage in lifting up other women by sharing stories of lessons learned, engaging as mentors, offering insights, cutting some slack when needed, and being active cheerleaders and celebrating success. It’s such an important insight to know that we all have our own special super powers we bring to this world. Helping other women reach their fullest potential doesn’t dim our light — it only makes it that much brighter.
What advice would you give to women in your field?
Be your authentic self, have a point of view, and seek out the people who are experts in their craft and learn from them. I have found that most people are willing to share their knowledge when asked, so tap into the abundance of experts and mentors who surround you every day. And most of all, be a role model for the next generation, as they need purpose-driven, kind, and giving leaders to help them see what is possible within themselves to make a difference in this world.
How do you start your day?
Over the last year I have been taking time every morning to practice mindfulness through meditation. It’s been a work in progress to quiet the mind, but I am definitely seeing the benefit of being more fully present. Doing this every morning really helps me to listen to my intuition, focus my intentions, and connect to what I am most grateful for in life. Not too shabby of a way to start the day…
Belinda DeArman, SVP, Post-Funding Audit
What motivates or drives you?
Being challenged and respected.
Who is one of your female role models, and why?
My Mother taught me to always do the right thing. Smile and be classy!
How do you start your day?
20 minutes of floor exercises, breakfast, and a cup of Bullet Coffee!
Who’s one person who’s believed in you since day one?
The Lord Jesus Christ has helped me through all challenges in life and has blessed my life with some amazing women, co-workers, and friends.
What advice would you give to women in your field?
Always keep learning and stand up for what you believe!
What does a day of work look like for you, and how do you spend your time outside of work?
Lots of meetings and spending time with my daughter. I love TCU football!
Latasha Tucker, Portfolio Manager – Special Servicing (FDIC)
What motivates or drives you?
Success is my motivation! And the recognition that it brings drives me to continue to push for even more success!
Who is one of your female role models and why?
Michelle Obama. Her intelligence, her grace, and her beauty are second to none for my generation. She’s an excellent role model for ALL little girls.
Any advice for your fellow ladies?
Let’s fix each other’s crowns, without letting the world know that they’re crooked. The world is hard enough on us.
What’s your favorite quote?
“When they go low, we go high.” — Michelle Obama
How do you start your day?
I watch football morning shows, then I walk my dog, and then I enjoy all-I-can drink coffee once I get to work, compliments of Mr. C!
What would you tell your younger self or what would you like your older self to tell you now to help you through a personal or professional challenge?
To younger self: Live your life to the fullest, Lil Mama… You are beautiful, smart, and you are valuable. Push your mind and abilities to the limits, and don’t ever let anyone hold you back. Realize your worth and that you’re irreplaceable.
Who’s one person who has believed in you since day one?
My Grandma. She always pushed me to pursue my interests and always spoke very highly of me.
How can women help women reach each other’s potential?
We have to work together, not against each other. Competing with each other is counterproductive. We are much stronger together.
Why do you think it’s important to honor Women’s History Month?
Women ROCK! It’s our time to spread awareness of our greatness! So many valuable contributions to our society to learn about and celebrate.
What advice would you give to women in your field?
Don’t be afraid to challenge the norm when it doesn’t make sense. Your experience and feedback are valuable, so let your voice be heard!
Who is a woman you believe everyone should know about, and why?
Dr. Jane Cooke Wright. She should be known for developing chemotherapy. She was a surgeon, too!
What does a day of work look like for you and how do you spend your time outside of work?
I spend the day searching for answers and then providing them to the investors. I really enjoy cooking in my free time or hanging out with my girlfriends.
Maria Saenz-Campos, VP, Underwriting – Direct Operations
What motivates or drives you?
My children are what motivate me and drive me every day. They inspire me to be the best role model, leader, teacher, and the best version of me. Everything I do, every decision I make is with them in mind — on how I would can influence them, and the impact I have in their lives.
Any advice for your fellow ladies?
Be strong and courageous. Never be afraid to voice your opinion, and stand firm on what you believe in even if you may be wrong.
What’s your favorite quote?
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou
How do you start your day?
Every morning I take a 25-minute walk. Its helps clear my head and mentally prepares me for the challenges the day may bring.
What would you tell your younger self or what would you like your older self to tell you now to help you through a personal or professional challenge?
I would tell my younger self to be confident and speak up. Don’t be afraid to take risks; you will find you are more prepared than you think!
Who’s one person who has believed in you since day one?
My mother, who has always been one of my greatest influences. Her love and support have been my biggest blessings in life.