Seana Barnett
Seana B. is an accomplished Mortgage Underwriter and financial services professional with over 15 years of industry experience, specializing in risk assessment, credit analysis, and underwriting for both homebuilders and wholesale/retail lenders. Known for her precision, resilience, and customer-first approach, Seana has worked with several Fortune 500 companies including Lehman Brothers, Wells Fargo, Fiserv, PennyMac, Taylor Morrison, and KB Home. She is also Encompass LOS certified and has held roles both in-office and remotely, consistently earning accolades for her leadership, collaboration, and customer service—most notably, the Underwriter Customer Service Award and KBHS Shining Star Award.
Seana’s journey is deeply rooted in perseverance. As a single mother without formal job skills or a degree, she began her career by taking a bold stand for her future and her son’s. With sheer determination and unshakable grit, she rose through the ranks from a mortgage processor to a respected underwriter and trainer, proving that tenacity and integrity often matter more than credentials. Today, she not only excels in her field but also dedicates herself to mentoring others, sharing her story to inspire resilience, and advocating for work environments that value trust, respect, and human potential. Her mission remains clear: to add value, uplift communities, and lead with heart and purpose.
• Resident Insurance License - Life including Variable Annuity and Health
• Food Safety Manager Certification
• Baruch College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, strategic leadership, and the ability to adapt—demonstrated through successfully running multiple restaurants and navigating them through challenging economic times.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to prioritize building a strong network and seek out mentors who can offer guidance, support, and insight as you grow in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the mortgage industry right now is the increasing reliance on automation, which risks removing the human element from lending decisions; personally, I also faced the challenge of a lack of support at my previous role at PennyMac, which contributed to a period of unemployment and reinforced the importance of a strong, supportive work environment.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are justice, integrity, and perseverance. My legal battle—fighting an unconstitutional arrest all the way to the Supreme Court—taught me the power of standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are against you. That victory not only changed policy but became a personal mission to advocate for fairness and empower others to do the same.