Departing AIME: A Call for Inclusivity and Dialogue in Mortgage Brokering

Last night I made the decision to leave the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME). I do so with a sense of trepidation but a firm belief that it is the right path forward. My time as a member of AIME has been marked by challenges, and I feel compelled to address the issues that have led me to this departure.

Over the course of my association with AIME, I've observed a significant lack of transparency, diversity, and inclusion, as well a tendency to allow toxic environments that limit all but the loudest voices. Despite these reservations, I remained with AIME in the hope of effecting change from within.

That changed yesterday evening when I realized that recent actions on the part of AIME have made it untenable to continue my association. It's not solely a reaction to recent leadership changes, although I do have concerns about the process. Instead, my decision is anchored in AIME's stance on silencing dissenting voices within its membership. Constructive dialogue, questioning, and holding our leaders accountable are the lifeblood of any healthy organization. Unfortunately, AIME's response has been to ban members who have expressed their opinions in a respectful and meaningful manner.

Engaging in tough, uncomfortable conversations is the cornerstone of progress. When an organization opts to silence its members rather than fostering dialogue in good faith, the very essence of improvement is lost. Today, I communicated my decision to terminate my relationship with AIME and have removed myself from the Brokers are Better Facebook group.

Moving forward, I am committed to redoubling my efforts with organizations that champion a more inclusive approach to mortgage brokering, such as NAMB. I encourage my colleagues who may emerge to fill the leadership vacuum abdicated by AIME to learn from its mistakes. In creating new groups and trade organizations to represent us, we must ensure a diverse range of voices is given a seat at the table including those who may disagree. We must especially learn from the shortcomings around involving communities that are often disenfranchised – the Queer community, Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

Departing from AIME is not a disavowal of the industry; rather, it is a call for introspection and reform. I am hopeful that those who feel similar to myself will strive for a mortgage brokering community that values diversity, equity, and open dialogue.