Arvest mortgage exec organizes platform for women in real estate

Katelyn Huddleston has a passion for real estate and for seeing women succeed.

She is combining the two in a new initiative called NWA WIRE (Women in Real Estate). Huddleston is a vice president and mortgage lending supervisor for Arvest Bank, where she began her career 15 years ago. She said the group is designed to “empower, encourage and educate” women in real estate.

“One of the best ways to cultivate individual growth is being around like-minded people to share ideas, learn from mistakes and connect in a genuine and meaningful way,” Huddleston said. “I have been a woman in real estate for nine years now and wanted to put together a platform of growth for other women in the industry.”

NWA WIRE held its first meeting Feb. 18 in the community room of Arvest’s new banking center on Pauline Whitaker Parkway in Rogers. Huddleston said 23 people attended to hear from Kim Johnson, an instructional designer and adjunct professor from John Brown University.

“She shared the importance of a growth mindset and offered tangible ways for us to embrace a mindset that can propel us to success,” Huddleston said.

Huddleston said title company professional Ashley Jacobs and area Realtors Tina Waggener, Sherry Hardie and Dana Proctor have all played a role in developing the format and content for NWA WIRE events.

“Our goal is to make this a monthly networking event that includes social events and educational events where we can learn and share new ideas,” Huddleston said.

More information about NWA WIRE and upcoming events is available through the group’s Facebook page.