Two Freddie Mac Leaders Honored with 2024 Latino Leadership Awards
Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Latino Leadership award celebrates the impact of professionals who exemplify leadership, service and excellence in their careers and champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Two Freddie Mac employees, Carolina Thompson and Dan Ticona, were recognized with the honor in 2024.
Meet Carolina Thompson
After five years working in our Multifamily division, in 2021 Carolina helped start Freddie Mac’s corporate sustainability office. Now as director of strategy and initiatives, Carolina embraced the opportunity and has helped to expand the new team from two people to a staff of 14 today to better serve our corporate strategic priorities. Her team’s work helps integrate sustainable initiatives within the business areas, create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, and improve the environmental and social impact of Freddie Mac’s mission.
Born in Colombia, Carolina grew up in a hardworking family that taught her to value dedication and respect, go above and beyond, and face challenges head on. When she ventured into the professional world, she took those principles to heart, channeling them to take charge of her own success and inspiring others to do the same. As she’s grown in her career, Carolina has shaped her leadership philosophy around important lessons like knowing when to ask for help, prioritizing balance over emotions, and investing in others to help them grow.
“My journey has taught me that leadership is not just about guidance and guardrails, it's about empowerment and creating pathways for the next generation of diverse women, Latinos and leaders,” Carolina said. “I aim to lead by example, providing opportunities for others to learn and grow and encouraging people to embrace their individual potential.”
Another core component of Carolina’s leadership style, and Freddie Mac’s culture, is mentorship.
“I've come to understand the transformative power of effective mentoring relationships and programs,” Carolina said. “They not only help early-career employees develop leadership skills, but these relationships also boost self-confidence and equip individuals with tools to navigate the unique challenges faced by women and other underrepresented groups in the workplace.”
Through Freddie Mac Business Resource Groups (BRGs) like the Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement (HOLA), Carolina has made a positive impact on those around her and further embedded mentorship and inclusivity into her work.
Meet Dan Ticona
Dan is director of expanding sustainable homeownership and mission innovation in Freddie Mac’s Single-Family division, responsible for incubation and testing of new programs and mortgage offerings that may influence the design of future affordable housing policies, programs and products. As a first-generation Peruvian immigrant, Dan was greatly influenced by his father’s wisdom and advice from an early age, which helped him form his moral compass. By learning from his first role model, Dan established a lifelong appreciation for mentors, inspiring him to seek guidance throughout his career and create opportunities to become a mentor himself.
“My dad taught me the invaluable lesson of speaking up with confidence, especially when no one around looks like me. His words echo in my mind whenever I find myself facing daunting conversations, reminding me that speaking from my core values and experiences is important,” Dan said. “As I progressed through my career, I encountered many mentors who left indelible marks on my professional journey. While my father taught me to speak up, others taught me the importance of listening.”
While reflecting on those mentors, Dan noted the importance of differentiating between mentors, sponsors and cheerleaders, and strategically nurturing your own support team.
“One mentor’s advice stands out as particularly impactful. He challenged me to think of individuals in my network, regardless of their career stage, as my professional advisory board,” Dan said. “This insight reshaped my approach to cultivating professional relationships, emphasizing the importance of intentional networking.”
At Freddie Mac, Dan has been able to enrich his career by volunteering as chair of the Green BRG which promotes environmental sustainability, and becoming a member of the Rising Leaders and HOLA BRGs.
“As I advanced in my career and assumed leadership roles, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to pay forward the guidance I had been lucky enough to receive,” he said. “For me, becoming a Latino leader was a career milestone that brought an opportunity to uplift others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I embrace this duty wholeheartedly striving to contribute to a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.”
Want to work for a company with leaders who champion inclusion and mentorship to help all employees achieve their potential? Discover opportunities at Freddie Mac.
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