"Making a difference is what makes me proud": WRA25 finalists on their greatest career achievements

Winning Mortgage Adviser of the Year at the Financial Reporter Awards this year was a career high, as it is voted for by industry peers. Starting the Women in Mortgages Facebook group and seeing that grow into a thriving, supportive network has also been incredible.

-            Kate Fuller, MAB Crawley, Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

Being shortlisted as a finalist for BDM of the Year at the 2025 Women’s Recognition Awards is a huge milestone for me. Looking back over the past year, I’m especially proud of the memorable and collaborative events I’ve led -bringing brokers together and reminding us all why this industry is worth celebrating.

For example, in December 2024, I made the decision to start regularly hosting Lunch and Learn sessions based on topics requested by brokers. These sessions go beyond criteria updates - they’re designed to educate, inspire, and genuinely support our broker community. They’ve been really well received, and I’ve since encouraged other BDMs to adopt the same approach.

I’m also proud of the work I’ve done in the community. One highlight was delivering a financial education session to 180 children aged 5–12 at a local primary school, teaching them about budgeting and money safety - an important topic that’s not part of the curriculum.

And next week, I’m excited to take part in a volunteering day to help pack and distribute food to local charities. Being able to give back in this way is something I truly value, and I’m looking forward to doing even more.

-            Chantelle Wilson, Accord Mortgages, BDM of the Year finalist

It’s so hard to choose one. I would say setting up Coreco Lifetime, adding advising on lifetime mortgages, and having the confidence to speak live on the radio.

-            Louise Stevens, Coreco Lifetime, Later Life Adviser of the Year finalist

Working in financial services for over 30 years and consistently producing high levels of protection business.

Previously providing British soldiers with financial protection for themselves and their families, presenting solutions to 10 to 300 men at a time and following through with individual solutions. 

From winning awards at NatWest when starting out in my career for mortgage and protection advice to being invited to celebrate my success as a top 20 adviser in Ibiza within the MAB network recently.

-            Fiona Kettlestring, Scout Financial Services, Protection Adviser of the Year finalist

Bringing new protections into regulations for disabled customers - though I'm very grateful to be focused on best practice rather than compliance now!

-            Dr Elizabeth Blakelock, Monzo, Woman in Fintech finalist

I think it depends on what we mean by achievements. I would say my greatest achievement is being true to myself and my management style, enabling me to build fantastic teams who have achieved great things together.

Specifically, I have been successful in balancing both sales and risk throughout most of my career. In addition to objective driven achievements, I am most proud of my past mentoring, coaching and development successes.

-            Jo Badger, Primis Mortgage Network, Woman in Management finalist

I am proud of spearheading the launch of three brand new products (QML+, Larger Loans and Bridging) as well as leading the marketing function at the UK's most exciting specialist lender!

-            Alice Crofts, Quantum Mortgages, Rising Star finalist

I am incredibly proud of the growth of my law firm and the work that we do for our clients. We are able to provide a caring, informative and tailored service for clients and equally, I have a team who I am helping to support in their career paths.

I am also incredibly proud of the work I do with the Equity Release Council where I am the current Chair of the Legal Forum. I just feel very lucky to do a job that I love with people who are very important to me.

-            Carol Nuttall, Adlington Law Limited, Woman in Later Life Lending finalist

I'm very proud to have worked with many great juniors, mentoring them, seeing them learn and grow to become amazing engineers. That makes you feel very proud.

-            Rosa Del Rio Llorente, Acre, Woman in Fintech finalist

Founding the HomeOwners Alliance from scratch and building it into a strong, female-led team that advocates for homeowners and those who aspire to own is by far my proudest achievement.

I did it in my own way, staying true to my values, and I’m so proud that, 12 years on, we’re still thriving, championing consumers and ensuring women’s voices are heard in the property world.

-            Paula Higgins, HomeOwners Alliance, Spokesperson of the Year finalist

I'm definitely most proud of producing The Rate Stuff and I'm super excited to see where that goes.

-            Jennifer Harrison, MPowered Mortgages, Marketer of the Year finalist

I think the progress Danske Bank has made in the English market in the short space of time that we have been mortgaging there is just fantastic. It really is a lovely achievement to look back and see how for we have come, and the amazing relationships and friendships that I've made, but I think for me its receiving the award for Highly Commended BDM by firm Coreco in December last year was just amazing. I couldn't speak when I found out! And now this! Well this is now definitely it!

-            Laura Fry McCalmont, Danske Bank, BDM of the Year finalist

Seeing our business go from strength to strength whilst maintaining our family run core values despite our continued growth. I also feel great pride seeing our team develop, grow and achieve in their own rights.

-            Lisa Stones, Mortgage 1st, Woman in the Mortgage Industry finalist

On a personal level, I’m most proud of taking the leap from working in a bank to becoming a self-employed mortgage broker. As much as I loved my role in banking, it simply didn’t fit with RAF aircrew family life. We relocated to a new area where I had no network, no clients, no friends, no family and I started with just a whiteboard, a pen, and a commitment to make it work. 

From those early days, I’ve grown a business that now supports families across the UK, primarily through word of mouth. To this day, I haven’t spent a single penny on marketing, my clients are my advocates, and that trust means everything to me. Building something from the ground up, while living the realities of military family life, is without doubt the achievement I’m proudest of.

-            Simone Riley, Elite Force Mortgages, Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

I am proud of many things but definitely how far I have come as an admin, my confidence has grown tremendous amounts.

-            Devina Heir, Xpress Mortgages, Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

Founding Stagg Mortgage Services in 2024. It wasn’t just the launch of a business, it was the beginning of a mission to redefine mortgage advice as personal, inclusive, and deeply supportive. 

After more than two decades in financial services, I knew the kind of impact that I wanted to make, and creating a firm that prioritises client care, mental health awareness, and community engagement has been incredibly fulfilling.

From signing the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter to building a team that reflects our values, every step has been driven by purpose, and getting to see our clients feel genuinely supported while watching our team thrive in a culture built on empathy and excellence is a real win.

-            Katherine Stagg, Stagg Mortgage Services LTD, Entrepreneur of the Year finalist

Achieving senior status as a Bridging Underwriter in March was fantastic, to be recognised by UTB for my experience and dedication has been a great step up in my career.

-            Hayley Evans, United Trust Bank, Underwriter of the Year finalist

It's with real pleasure that I reflect on leading the creation of our Health and Wellbeing HUB, which we proudly launched on our website in February.

As a passionate advocate for mental health, it was incredibly rewarding to spearhead this dedicated online space. It's designed to offer invaluable support to our members, brimming with practical tips, effective stress management techniques, and a comprehensive wellbeing calendar.

-            Aimee Carnwath, Paradigm, Rising Star finalist

Creating a Women and Wealth movement within my company to empower and inspire female colleagues, clients and business owners within the company and local area.

-            Zoe Leek, Walden Capital, Paraplanner of the Year finalist

To be honest, it's my day job! I'm so proud of the brand I represent and what it stands for, a highlight to me has to be hiring a basement to host a top secret launch party in London for our 100% LTV mortgage!

No one knew why they were turning up, it was a huge risk that I'd end up in an empty room - it felt so special to share the news with our broker partners before it hit the press. I really wanted them to feel part of this exciting step forward for the market. Still feels amazing to have been able to pull that off.

-            Rachael Hunnisett, April Mortgages, Woman in the Mortgage Industry finalist

Getting this far without a mentor, without anyone really championing me - so pushing through the moments of doubt to get this far…

-            Becky Male, Canada Life, Equality Employer of the Year finalist

Oh wow this is a difficult one. I’m probably most proud of the impact I’ve had on building clarity, confidence, and cohesion across the teams I lead. Whether it’s shaping how we deliver products, define success, or collaborate across functions, I’ve worked hard to create a culture where people feel trusted, empowered, and genuinely excited about the work we’re doing.

So I guess, it's less about the actual products I've built (which have all been great!) and more about consistently showing up, lifting others up, and helping create an environment where great outcomes (and great people) thrive.

-            Toni Robinson-Bowring, Twenty7tec, Woman in Fintech finalist

Stepping out of my comfort zone and pushing myself to take my adviser exams to support the company.

-            Kate Keeling, JML Financial Associates Ltd, Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

The career achievement I’m most proud of is developing and embedding the role of Head of Impact & Inclusion at L&C and shaping it into something meaningful, strategic and far-reaching. I didn’t step into a pre-defined role, I have been building it from the ground up.

What started with a passion for customer care and supporting vulnerable people grew into something much bigger: driving real change across diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability and community impact, and I can truly say it’s the best role I have ever had.

From launching We Belong, inclusive policies/support, and colleague working groups, to leading our journey to B Corp certification and supporting industry standards for vulnerable customer support, it’s been about making a difference that lasts.

I am grateful for to L&C for believing in me. It’s more than a job title. It’s a responsibility, a privilege, and a platform I never take for granted.

-            Rachel Eason-Whale, L&C Mortgages, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Best Leadership finalist

Honestly, this. But if I think of outside this, it's been supporting Ying in turning Habito around from a hugely loss-making business on the brink of going under to positive economics. The business is fantastic and I couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved.

-            Penny Desborough, Habito, Woman in Management finalist

Starting up on my own was one thing, but I knew I wanted to give something back. So many young people come to me completely unaware of how property works, yet they’re already in the process of buying. What if we could change that?

My upcoming book, designed to teach property basics to very young children, is now in its final stages, and I couldn’t be more proud. It’s my first step towards reshaping how financial and property education is introduced early on, and I can’t wait to bring it to life.

-            Jasbir Dhaliwal, JD30 ltd, Entrepreneur of the Year finalist

I have personally supported 3 x local charities who have benefited from the MAB Foundation and volunteering days, and we have continued to be a part of the charities.

-            Sarah Drew, Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Community Champions finalist

I have had a few since I last applied. Being a regular on ITV's This Morning is still a "pinch me" dream for me and being invited to Downing Street to interview the Prime Minister and then Rachel Reeves has got to be up there. 

However, what continues to make me feel proud is seeing the women of The Mortgage Mum rising. And watching our "Lift as you Climb" culture in action.

-            Sarah Tucker, The Mortgage Mum Limited, Spokesperson of the Year finalist

Making the brave decision to launch my own business.

-            Jo Elwell, Contractor Financial, Woman Led Brokerage of the Year finalist

What I’m most proud of in my career is the longevity of my work and the real, lasting impact I’ve had on people’s lives. I’ve been in the industry for over 35 years and making a difference to clients is what drives me. 

Helping clients through what can often be a stressful and complex property-buying process is incredibly rewarding. While I’m never comfortable praising myself, I’m pleased to say I’ve had clients tell me that without my persistence and support, they wouldn’t have completed their purchase. Knowing I’ve helped turn a difficult situation into a successful outcome makes all the hard work worth it.

-            Peggy Falconer, MB Associates, Mortgage Administrator of the Year

Developing a self-sufficient and empowered team who are allowed to be their authenticate selves.

-            Aimee Downing, Mortgage Advice Bureau, Woman in Fintech finalist

One of the achievements I'm most proud of is leading the Women in Banking & Finance (WIBF) Personal Excellence Programme. It's been incredibly rewarding to help shape a space where women and allies can grow their confidence, develop professionally, and support one another.

Seeing the impact that it's had on so many brilliant individuals has been a real highlight of my career and something I feel genuinely lucky to be part of.

-            Siobhan Moran, HSBC UK, finalist in Spokesperson of the Year and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Best Leadership

I think being the eldest and a woman at Brightstar, maintaining a top 3 finishing position every year with my cash in performances, and also the recognition I get from my peers and the respect given to me, allows me to pass on my experiences to newer brokers/team members.

-            Jo Powell, Brightstar Financial, Specialist Lending Adviser of the Year finalist

There are so many, but seeing young ladies that joined me at Xpress Mortgages absolutely smash it - Carmen Green won Rising Star at the WRAs last year and BMA best mortgage advisor for FTB, Louise won Rising Star at the MI awards and now Devina is a finalist at WRA25 in the Mortgage Administrator of the Year category. Honestly, my heart right now, I'm bursting with pride.

-            Rachel Lummis, Xpress Mortgages, Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

Taking my first steps into leading a team of advisers in my late twenties and managing a team through the crash in 2008. Then being part of such exciting initiatives across Nationwide and The Mortgage Works to deliver outstanding propositions for the broker market.

-            Gemma Clark, Nationwide Building Society, Woman in Management finalist

Obtaining my diploma at a much more mature age than average and ultimately, being recognized for this award and becoming a finalist!

-            Beverley Tompkins, Seymour Financial, Paraplanner of the Year finalist

I am always proud when I can help someone even if just in a small way. Making a difference is what makes me proud.

-            Tara Hanratty, Crystal Mortgages Ltd, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Mental Health Advocate finalist

To learn more about the Women's Recognition Awards 2025 and how you can get involved, click here.