Her Story
About Houry
Houry Aposhian is a seasoned mortgage banking executive and the President and CEO of Pacific Horizon Bancorp, a California-based mortgage banking company she founded in 1991. With more than three decades of experience in banking and real estate finance, she has built her career on a strong foundation of financial knowledge, entrepreneurial leadership, and community-focused service. Before establishing her own company, Houry gained valuable experience working at financial institutions, including Beverly Hills Savings and Washington Mutual. She holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the American University of Beirut, which helped shape her understanding of financial markets and lending practices.
Throughout her career, Houry has specialized in mortgage banking, residential lending, and community lending, with a particular commitment to helping first-time homebuyers, veterans, and minority homeowners access financing opportunities. Her expertise includes FHA and VA loan programs, and she also shares her knowledge by teaching real estate finance courses. As a business leader, Houry emphasizes understanding every aspect of an organization, including accounting, marketing, operations, and production. She is equally dedicated to mentoring aspiring loan officers, real estate brokers, and university students, encouraging them to pursue continuous learning through professional development opportunities, seminars, and conferences. Her leadership and contributions to the industry have earned her recognition as Business Woman of the Year from local government officials and other community leaders.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Houry is committed to community service and advancing opportunities for women. She has served as Treasurer of the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation since 2012 and has been involved with the Armenian International Women's Association since 2011, contributing to its mission of supporting and empowering women. Houry attributes her success to integrity, perseverance, trust, and the ability to build meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. She believes that while technology and artificial intelligence continue to transform the mortgage industry, personal connections, sound judgment, and ethical business practices remain essential. Through her professional leadership, mentorship, and community involvement, Houry continues to make a meaningful contribution to California's mortgage banking industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Houry
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to integrity, perseverance, and the ability to build positive relationships with others. Regardless of your position, it is essential to connect with people, foster mutual respect, and work harmoniously toward shared goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received came from male supervisors and senior banking professionals who mentored and supported me early in my career. Their guidance helped me build confidence, strengthen my banking knowledge, and develop the skills to establish my own business. Their support made a lasting impact on my career, inspiring me to pay it forward by mentoring young loan officers, real estate brokers, and university students.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to learn every aspect of the business, from accounting and marketing to operations and production. Be proactive in gaining experience across different departments, and never stop learning. Attend seminars, conferences, and training opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills current in an industry that is constantly evolving.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in real estate finance is the growing use of artificial intelligence while maintaining personal connections with clients. Real estate finance is not purely scientific; it requires human judgment, trust, integrity, and common sense. While AI can improve efficiency, building meaningful relationships and providing a personal touch remain essential to serving clients effectively.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, perseverance, family, education, mentorship, and community service. I believe trust and ethical practices are essential to building lasting relationships and achieving success, especially in financial services. Family is equally important to me, and I cherish the time I spend with my children and grandchildren. I also value giving back through mentoring, education, and community involvement, as I believe in helping others grow and succeed.
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