Women in Mortgage Spotlight
Jessica Coen
Branch Manager, US Mortgage Corporation · Bronx, New York
“I’m going to push you, but I’m also going to be right there with you.”
Jessica leads with hustle, heart, and a willingness to work alongside her team. Her story is rooted in listening, caring for people, and continuing to show up when the path gets difficult.
Your branch is in the Bronx, a market where relationships and community matter. What has working there taught you?
The Bronx keeps you humble and it keeps you working. You have to hustle, but you also have to listen. People want to know that you actually care about them and their families, not just the transaction. I love being part of this community because there are so many hardworking people trying to build something for themselves and the next generation. Being able to play even a small part in that means a lot to me.
What does being a strong leader mean to you?
I think it starts with listening. You can’t lead people if you don’t understand what they need. Sometimes they need advice. Sometimes they need someone to help solve a problem. And sometimes they just need to know someone is in their corner. I try to be that person for my team. I’m going to push you, but I’m also going to be right there with you.
You are someone who keeps pushing, even when the market is challenging. Where does that drive come from?
I’ve never been someone who gives up easily. I believe you keep going. You make another call. You have another conversation. You find another way. There are people depending on us, and that keeps me motivated. I also think your team watches how you respond when things get hard. If I’m asking them to keep going, they need to see me doing the same thing.
Relationships are such a big part of how you do business. What makes a relationship last?
You have to genuinely care. People can tell when you’re only reaching out because you want something. I try to listen, remember what matters to people, and stay connected. Some of the best relationships I have today started through this business, but they became much more than business relationships. That’s the part I value most.
What would you tell a woman coming into the mortgage industry today?
Work hard, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to use your voice. This business isn’t always easy, but there is so much opportunity if you’re willing to learn and keep showing up. Build relationships and take care of people. Your reputation will follow you, so make sure it represents who you really are.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust yourself more. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Keep working, keep learning, and don’t let a difficult day convince you that you’re on the wrong path. Some of the hardest seasons will teach you the most. Just keep pushing.
What do you hope your team would say about you as a leader?
I hope they would say that I cared and that I showed up. That I listened when they needed me and that I was willing to get in there and work alongside them. I would never ask my team to do something I’m not willing to do myself. We’re in this together.
When you think about the legacy you are building, what matters most?
The people. The families we helped get into homes. The relationships we built. The people on my team who grew and accomplished something they weren’t sure they could do. At the end of the day, I want to know that I worked hard, treated people well, and helped make a difference for someone along the way.