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In principle and in practice, USFN embraces diversity. The organization recognizes that the perspectives and talents of an inclusive community of members, program leaders, and participants can be a powerful catalyst for excellence, growth, and change in both industries and individuals. Moreover, our commitment to diversity is not only because it makes us better, but because it is right. For those reasons, we seek to create a culture of inclusiveness, collaborative practice, and innovation in the mortgage banking and default servicing field and in the law firms who serve this industry sector. USFN understands that this work is never done, and continually seeks out new perspectives and avenues to improve in this area. |
SECTIONUSFN's dedicated Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Section has a critical mandate. This group is tasked with overseeing and implementing USFN’s DEI plan. Responsibilities include assessing current member participation levels through a DEI lens; creating a roadmap to engage new voices in publications, education, governance, and events; and identifying ongoing DEI efforts within member firms to assist with their efforts. The Section also contributes to virtual program offerings and undertakes various projects to advance DEI within USFN and the mortgage servicing industry. The Section, led by a Chair and Vice Chair, and supported by a Board Liaison and a Staff Liaison, ensures diversity among its 15 Members-at-Large and strives for representation from law firms/organizations of different sizes, scopes, and geographic locations. Meetings occur every other month, and their activities span from cultivating diverse speakers to creating a DEI resource library and raising awareness at events. The Section operates annually from December 1 to November 30, collaborating with other committees to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the organization. | KEY FINDINGSIn June 2022, the DEI Section circulated a voluntary survey to the USFN membership (one survey per member firm key contact). The purpose of this survey was to assess member firm engagement levels with DEI efforts and to find opportunities for the Section to provide service and support to the membership. The survey had a great response for a voluntary survey with 54 of 62 member firms responding, resulting in a response rate of 87%. , in concert with USFN’s strategic plan, continues to inform the agenda and the efforts of the Section moving forward. | INCLUSIVE CONTENTInclusive design and content meets the needs of as many users as possible. The use of inclusive language in USFN publications and at USFN events fosters growth and ensures all members of the USFN community feel welcome, included, and heard. To that end, the DEI Section recommends that members consider a standard set of guidelines when preparing USFN publications, events, meeting minutes, posts, videos, panels, and articles. are intended to serve as a guide for members for creating and promoting inclusive content. | BUSINESS DESIGNATIONSThe USFN DEI Business Designation Program underscores the increasing significance of DEI in today's business environment, particularly within the legal sector. Recognizing the growing importance of DEI initiatives to both internal operations and external vendor relationships, USFN has begun collecting verified DEI business designations from its members during the renewal process and promoting it to default servicing professionals, as appropriate. | SOCIAL POSTSThe DEI Section's monthly creation of three to five DEI-related social media posts, paired with carefully sourced complementary royalty-free images, holds substantial value in promoting awareness and engagement. These posts serve as a dynamic tool to communicate USFN's commitment to fostering diversity within its community, offering educational content, and showcasing the organization's dedication to DEI initiatives. By utilizing visually appealing and inclusive images, the Section not only enhances the visibility of its messages but also reinforces the importance of diversity across platforms, contributing to a broader and more informed dialogue on DEI matters within the USFN community and beyond. | RESOURCE LIBRARY
| PUBLICATIONS | MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | EDUCATION & EVENTS The DEI Section actively contributes to education and events within USFN through a diverse range of initiatives. Past engagement has included the delivery of DEI-focused Briefings, USFNgage sessions, and programming at in-person events. The Section has also introduced unique and inclusive elements, such as the Downtown Morning Walk/Run, designed to foster connection and community engagement. In addition, the DEI Section piloted the Forum Ambassador Program and launched the USFNclusion Reception, further enhancing networking opportunities and promoting inclusivity during events. Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to diversity and belonging, the Section distributes rainbow lanyards in support of the LGBTQIA+ community and provides pronoun buttons for attendees to wear on their name badges, helping to create a more inclusive and respectful event environment. | GET INVOLVEDIf you’re looking for ways to participate in USFN’s DEI initiatives, consider one or more of the following: - Join the USFN Speaker & Author Resource Group to speak at a future in-person or virtual program or to write for a USFN publication
- Monitor USFNevents.org for future virtual and in-person DEI sessions to register for and attend
- Contribute to a publication (e.g., USFN Report or USFNews) with a DEI article
- for member opportunities and events
- Join the USFNextGen Mentorship Program as a mentor or mentee
- Consider future volunteer service to USFN as a board, committee, section, or task force member
- Volunteer at a future USFN event (e.g., talking about USFN’s DEI initiatives at registration)
- Start, promote, or participate in a DEI initiative at your organization
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