Submitted by Allstate Insurance: Darlene Morales Agency
Small business and community involvement go hand in hand. So, for the last several months, Doty Catlin, sales manager at my agency, Allstate Insurance: Darlene Morales Agency, has been searching for a community organization that feels right for her as well as for our business. I’m excited to say we’ve finally found our connection.
NAPMW, the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women, brings people
together for the purpose of providing business, personal and leadership development in order to advance women in mortgage-related professions. The organization is a perfect fit as it aligns with Doty’s personal and professional goals, our agency’s goals, as well as the goals of Allstate Insurance who was recently honored as a WBENC Top Corporation for Women Business Enterprises.
NAPMW has existed since 1964, due to the efforts of 9 women who met in Seattle to discuss the need for an organization to promote women in mortgage lending professions. By 1967, NAPMW was officially chartered for the purpose of organizing local associations throughout the U.S., and the Thurston County Chapter followed quickly, organizing in 1968.
Barbara Whitlow, Assistant Vice President, Residential Relationship Manager for Olympia Federal Savings, has been a member of our local NAPMW for 25 years. Barbara, also a member of the board, says that giving back to the community has become a staple for the organization. Each year, they choose a local non-profit to support, and this year they are raising funds for Homes First.
Homes First is an organization whose mission is to provide low-income rental housing by developing, owning and managing affordable housing for low income residents of Thurston County. They also encourage and utilize the widest public and private participation and resources in working toward their goal.
Barbara, Doty and the rest of the local chapter of NAPMW celebrated Homes First by hosting a St Patrick’s Day Party at Tugboat Annie’s on Thursday, March 17. While this sold-out event is now past, donations can be made any time to Homes First, by visiting their website at www.homesfirst.org.
