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International Women’s Day is a collective action for starting meaningful conversations around women’s achievements, gender bias, and equality. This year’s global theme is #BreakTheBias—which means calling out bias, discrimination, and stereotyping in our communities, workplaces, and schools to create a gender equal world.
Supporting this theme, some of our team members shared their commitment to breaking biases to forge a more inclusive world. They also discussed how their experiences have shaped their lives and work at Mr. Cooper.
Rika M., Master Servicing High Risk Analyst II
How have you overcome your experiences with bias throughout your career? And what advice do you have for other women who are new to the workforce?
I have had a great deal of struggles in this regard as an Asian woman, especially in the workforce in this country. I was always viewed as a very quiet person while I was receiving a good amount of understanding and respect from well-intended bosses and colleagues of mine (past and present.) I know based on my cultural upbringing, displaying humility was highly valued, so this was the absolute norm in my daily life for many years. When I moved to America, I learned the harsh reality that is not what will get you to where you want to be, especially when you have leadership in mind. You have to know how and when to take the initiative and take risks; being happy as a worker bee is not going to take you to where you want to be. This is not to say that you need to discard all your Asian traits. Being proud of where you originally came from will definitely add to the new identity you try to build living in this country.
How do you plan to break the bias?
I acknowledge our differences by discarding unconscious assumptions to create a more inclusive society.
What’s one aspect of Mr. Cooper’s culture that you value and why?
What I noticed about Mr. Cooper when I joined the company was that this is a company that embraces a multigenerational workforce. I also saw that many of these team members were women! This aspect of Mr. Cooper truly comforted me.
What’s one thing that you are really proud of and why?
I moved to the U.S. from Japan by myself without knowing anybody. I was already well into my young adulthood and yet I was truly scared to start a brand-new life in a foreign county being so far away from my family. It’s been almost 26 years since then. I prepared by saving up money and brushing up my English skills in case I became a winner of the permanent resident drawing program. When it happened, I was flabbergasted to say the least. This truly required me to be audacious—one of the qualities I had always admired to have. This also served as a terrific opportunity for me to be completely independent.
Breaking biases is a job for allies too! How can an ally take action to create a gender equal world?
A good ally manifests good listening skills. They are willing to learn what our concerns are when it comes to the oppressions that we (as women) feel/face. Empathy is a quality that those allies should have because they are not just helpers; they share a common interest with us so that we can unite to stand up for our mutual benefits.
How do you support other women?
Other people’s successes are my success is the mentality I always want to have. If you see a woman who recently accomplished something significant in her life, I want to be truly happy for her. Find mutual ground with other women and accomplish something together. Doing small things matters, too. If you know of women run businesses in direct community, go support them; it’s so easy to do!
Ramie W., SVP Customer Care and Client Delivery
Who is a woman that has inspired to be the woman you are today and why?
My mom gets all the credit. She is smart, strong, and doesn’t take any nonsense. She marched for women’s rights long before I was born.
How have you overcome your experiences with bias throughout your career, and what advice do you have for other women who are new to the workforce?
I think an unintentional bias is that women are sensitive and likely to be emotional compared to men. Throughout my time, I’ve worked with and for men that are much more reactionary than my female counterparts. My prior leader (male) would always call me “the Iceman” because of my ability to make quick decisions without emotion.
What’s one aspect of Mr. Cooper’s culture that you value and why?
We truly care about the customer, our people, and inclusivity. We listen and act based on the feedback from our team members, including our core base of female team members.
How do you plan to break the bias?
I will recognize and celebrate women’s achievements. I will always speak up for injustice and equality, including women’s pay.
What’s one thing that you are really proud of and why?
I’m extremely proud of my daughter. She is vocal about what’s right and wrong. It has never occurred to her in her 8-year-old life that she’s anything less than a “Queen Mini-Boss.” She has the best spirit and imagination, and I never want that stifled.
Breaking biases is a job for allies too! How can an ally take action to create a gender equal world?
I would task the men AND women in leadership roles to be thoughtful about pay and promotion when looking at successful women within the candidate pool. Pay has to be right-sized, in that moment, to what men have held in that same position.
How do you support other women?
I will always be an ear to listen to or provide advice. I will always speak up when I see a potential injustice.
Mideo, O., Sr. Information Security Analyst
Who is a woman that has inspired to be the woman you are today and why?
My mom! Despite all odds against her, she was able to break free from the stigma of having girls (three) in Nigeria where the culture sees girls as expendable. She continues to push me to be more than my gender but a good person overall.
How do you plan to break the bias?
I will forge positive visibility of women. I will celebrate women’s achievements.
What’s one thing that you are really proud of and why?
Being able to come to an understanding that I am responsible for what I do—not what others do—and I do not have to live or outlive a stigma just because of my gender.
What does being a woman mean to you?
Being a woman is powerful, strong, and resilient!
What’s one aspect of Mr. Cooper’s culture that you value and why? I love that there are so many women involved in all of our DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) groups, and how they continue to be kind and show what it means to be strong.
Join a company committed to creating a Great Place to Work for everyone. Apply for Mr. Cooper careers here.
