AFR president on career longevity and making an impact on the industry

Laura Brandao, the president and only woman partner of American Financial Resources, does not measure career longevity by years but rather by her fundamental desire to give back to the mortgage industry. In MPA’s inaugural Housing Industry Icons special report, Brandao talked about her 20-plus years in the industry she loves and her mission to leave it better off than when she arrived.   

“I am determined to leave our industry better than when I arrived,” she said. “This fuels my dedication to a number of organizations and initiatives beyond my work as president of AFR.”

Brandao joined AFR in 2007 as the director of operations, a role that enabled her to build a wholesale channel from scratch. She has also shared her voice and vision as a speaker, mentor, and organizer for numerous organizations, including Forbes NY Business Council, Women Empowering Women, and AIME Women’s Affinity Group.