Empowered women at First National

How do you feel empowered as a woman at First National? Do you have female role models? Is there equal opportunity? Do you feel supported? Is the industry changing?

We asked six female team members from different areas of the business these questions to get a sense of what it’s like to be a woman at First National and in our industry. Here is what they had to say:

On being empowered as a woman: Dorothy Carvalho, Supervisor, Collections

“My gender has never had anything to do with my success or ability to advance. I have always been treated fairly and felt empowered to be myself. I’ve never had to change my personality or be anything other than exactly who I am.”

On female role models: Jenna Dreyer, Director, TDMS

“There are so many strong women at First National who are such great role models. Wendy Burkin, Kathy Lillie, and, of course, Marion Klein – put their stamps on the business. Seeing that, you get an instinctive sense that First National is a safe place for women and a place that encourages women to grow and reach their potential.”

On equal opportunity: Kira Stasiuk, Manager, Documentation

“First National is equal opportunity. If you’re smart, ambitious and work hard, you have the chance to move up. In Residential, there are so many women in management positions. Leigh Knowles, Eddie Stamp and Nuala Bourke are great role models. They give women belief that it could be them too.”

On feeling supported: Mavis Antwi, Commercial Servicing Representative

“There is no question I’ve been supported every step of the way by people who care about helping me grow. People like my Manager, Rita Casinha. She has really taken me under her wing, and I can’t thank her enough.”

On changes in the industry: Allison Vieira, Funding Supervisor, Commercial Financing

“There are a lot more women in the commercial mortgage department than when I started. On a broader industry basis, commercial real estate is still a man’s world, but it is changing for the better.”

Adriana Palazzolo, Senior Analyst, Commercial Financing

“I have never felt any inequality or discrimination. Compared to when I started, the industry is slowly changing. There are lots of men but also more women in leadership. I work with incredible people – men and women – who seek out my opinion. To other women, I encourage you to use your voice and know that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to.”