Emphasizing the importance of diverse personnel strengthens both you and the mortgage banking industry. It also enhances your community investment, allowing you to better reflect, relate to, and connect with your increasingly diverse customers.

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) knows that diversity does not happen accidentally - it must be intentionally cultivated. Therefore, each year MBA recognizes the efforts of real estate finance companies who have successfully incorporated diversity initiatives into their everyday internal and external business practices. It does this through the Corporate Diversity Leadership (CDL) Awards.

The CDL Awards, hosted by the Diversity Task Force, are designed to bring attention to your company's powerful diversity programs and initiatives and offer you the opportunity to receive the recognition you deserve.

The Corporate Diversity Awards are awarded each year at MBA's Annual Convention & Expo and at MBA's CREF/Multifamily Convention & Expo. Applications are accepted between May and August.

Award Categories

In each category, a winner and honorable mention may be awarded for each of two classes:

• Programs with a National Outreach
• Programs with a Regional/Local Outreach

Best Overall Corporate Diversity Program

This award recognizes the corporate diversity programs within real estate finance companies that best exemplify innovation and effectiveness. To be considered for this honor, your company's diversity program should include both employee- and customer-focused initiatives. Award selection is based on the following:

• Program development and organization history
• Organization and employee acceptance
• Obstacles overcome while implementing the program
• Creativity and innovation in program delivery, marketing, and assessment
• Beneficial impact to your organization and the mortgage banking industry

Download Best Overall Corporate Diversity Program Application.

Diversity Champion of the Year

This award recognizes an industry professional who facilitates, advocates, and promotes diversity within the industry, his or her company and the community. Award selection is based on:

• A statement describing why the nominee deserves this award
• Role nominee has played in developing and/or launching diversity initiatives
• Obstacles and/or challenges overcome
• Outstanding accomplishments or innovative projects completed during the past year

Download Diversity Champion of the Year Application.

Application Process

To enter your company or to nominate a colleague, download the Best Overall Corporate Diversity Program Award Application or the Diversity Champion of the Year Award Application.

All award entries are due August 20, 2007. The award presentations will take place at MBA's 94th Annual Convention & Expo, October 14-17, 2007 in Boston, Mass. Winners will also be recognized at MBA's Commercial Real Estate Finance/Multifamily Housing Convention & Expo, February 3-6, 2008 in Orlando, Fla.

There is a $100 fee ($150 for nonmembers) required with all applications. CampusMBA contributes all money collected from application fees to the Path to Diversity Scholarship fund.

More Information

To learn more, download the applications (links above right), or contact Amber Lawrence at (202) 557-2882.