Laura Brandao: Empowering the Mortgage Industry with Visionary Leadership and Expertise

Laura Brandao is a dynamic leader in the mortgage industry, with over 25 years of experience driving business growth and innovation. She currently serves as a partner at EPM Mortgage and the CEO of Lighthouse Advisors, where she oversees multiple verticals within the mortgage and real estate sectors. Before joining EPM, Laura served as the President of AFR Wholesale, where she led the division’s growth from its inception to become the 4th largest FHA wholesale lender in the United States.

In addition to her executive roles, Laura is deeply committed to serving the mortgage community. She chairs NAMMBA’s Visionary Program and the MBA-NJ Women’s Committee, and is a board member of the Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey (MBA-NJ). She also co-chairs the MBA IMB Network and serves on NAMB’s DEI Committee.

Throughout her career, Laura has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the industry, with accolades including the 2023 HousingWire Vanguard Award, the 2023 NMP Titan Award, and being named one of the Most Influential Women to Watch in 2023. She is a four-time recipient of the “Most Powerful Woman in Mortgage” award and a three-time “Woman of Vision.”

Laura is a passionate advocate for empowering others, speaking frequently at industry events and mentoring rising professionals. Her positive and energetic leadership style has inspired many, and her podcast “Positively Charged Biz” amplifies the voices of change-makers in the industry.