Guild Mortgage has selected Victoria Garcia DeLuca as its first vice president of marketplace diversity strategy, the company announced.
In this newly created position, DeLuca will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in lending. It is part of the company’s goal to become an industry leader for first-time homebuyers in diverse, often underserved markets. She will head the company’s multicultural lending growth initiative.
“I was attracted to Guild because of its strong reputation, vision for growth, and amazing leadership,” DeLuca said.
“Guild retains some 70% of its clients because of a culture dedicated to creating customers for life. As a Latina, I was impressed by Guild’s demonstrated commitment to equity internally and externally to promote increased diversity and inclusion throughout the broader mortgage industry. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to contribute my skills to this forward-thinking company.”
DeLuca, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, brings nearly 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry. She is a certified lender with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and serves as an executive board member for the Chicago chapter, according to her LinkedIn.
She previously worked as the Senior Vice President of Business Development and LPO Manager at Federal Savings Bank in Brentwood, TN.
DeLuca’s responsibilities will include recruiting and retention of minority loan officers, active involvement in industry associations, contributing product ideas for minority markets and serving as a liaison with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
“The Hispanic and minority markets for homeownership are forecast to grow considerably through 2030,” Guild executive vice president and national product manager Barry Horn said.
“Guild has a long history of serving first-time homebuyers. Bringing Victoria aboard is a big step in our long-term commitment to reach more markets that are diverse and underserved. Her experience in lending, operations, management, and as a board member of NAHREP is a perfect fit for this important new position.”