OUR COMMUNITY

Q: How do you see your background and identity as part of who you are at Homebridge?

A: I have traveled extensively in my life and lived in many different countries. Seeing, living, and interacting with other cultures has given me great insight into human nature. I bring this perspective with me to work every day. I attempt to understand each customer’s unique situation and finances to find a mortgage solution that genuinely satisfies their needs.

Q: Do you think where you grew up had an impact on your outlook on life?

A: I believe that coming from an island has significantly impacted my outlook on life. It gave me the drive to succeed and encouraged me always to be considerate of others. I gained an understanding at an early age that things are never as good as they may seem, yet never as bad as they may appear. My parents were strict, punctual and firmly believed that education was a difference-maker in life. I carry out these principles in my day-to-day life. It is essential to always be on time and to reach your educational potential. I am proud to say that I completed my doctorate in leadership last year.

Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that you think is surprising to others?

A:  I once was a member of a breakdance group. On Sunday evenings, we often hung out at a local pastry store, aka “BREAD SHOP” on the islands. One evening, another break dancing group wanted to challenge us to a dance battle. Their announcement came with a, “We are [I’ve since forgotten the group’s name], and we will destroy you.” We had no formal name yet, as we were just young boys having fun. As we fumbled around, trying to make up a name, one of our members said with confidence, “And we are ‘The Bread Shop Breakers.’” With that, the name was born.

Q: If you had to give your 15-year-old self career advice, what would you say?

A: Find a mentor early, believe in yourself, be kind to others and never miss an opportunity to help someone.

Q: How do you see your background and identity as part of who you are at Homebridge?

A: I’m not too fond of stereotypes, but New Yorkers have a certain way about them. I’ve lived in 5 different U.S. states (and two cities abroad), and I can always pinpoint a fellow New Yorker. We tend to talk fast, tell it like it is, and we’re usually a little rough around the edges. No matter where I live, I’ll always be a New Yorker. I think between my NY upbringing and coming out as gay at age 17, I’ve built a thick skin that allows me to not take things personally, pivot as needed and fight for the things I believe in.

Q: What do you like to do during your free time?

A: I should probably say workout or read, but the reality is that lately, I’ve been playing a lot of Nintendo with my partner and son. I’m also really into home renovations. I’ve got a couple of rental properties that I’m always thinking of ways to update and improve. I tend to start very ambitious projects and then bring in contractors when I mess it up. It’s pretty humbling.

Q:  What is a fun fact about yourself that you think is surprising to others?

A: I used to host a TV show about video games. I bet my last answer makes more sense now!

Q: If you had to give your 15-year-old self career advice, what would you say?

A: Don’t take anything for granted. Once you get too comfortable with your job, that’s when you stop growing. Also, try to call in sick on “free cone day” at Ben & Jerry’s because your arm will hurt for weeks after that much scooping.

Q: How do you see your background and identity as part of who you are at Homebridge?

A: My parents are originally from Pakistan. I was born in Seattle and have lived here most of my life. I’m a Pakistani-American. I’m also a Muslim-American, and we make up only approximately 1% of the American population. I hold faith close to my heart, and it was a massive part of my experience growing up Muslim in America. Embracing diversity helps you see life through new perspectives. This narrative comes into play when I assist Homebridge customers from various backgrounds who have differing homebuying needs and financial goals.

Q:  What is a fun fact about yourself that you think is surprising to others?

A: I went skydiving in Snohomish, WA, in 2017. It was an exhilarating experience. The jump was from 13,000 feet high (about 1,400 feet less than Mount Rainier). It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m glad I did it! 

Q: If you had to give your 15-year-old self career advice, what would you say?

A: Create a career roadmap and stick with it, even through the hard times. When you get to college, network, network, network. Be open to new ideas, and don’t be afraid to take a risk.

Q: What was it like where you grew up?

A: I am from a small town in India called Visakhapatnam, located in Andhra Pradesh. My dad, an astrophysicist, was a Professor at the State University. My mom worked as a Principal for a school that had grades from PreK through 10th. We lived together as an extended family with my grandmother, cousins, uncles and aunts — conservative, lively and always busy. My exposure to places outside India, or even within my country, was limited, and I spent most of my time with my large family. I was educated in a Catholic convent from PreK through graduation and gained two M.S. degrees: English Language and Literature in India and Management Information Systems in the U.S.).

Q: How do you see your background and identity as part of who you are at Homebridge?

A: Being raised in an extended family with high academic achievements and education, there were unspoken expectations that were cultivated in me. I developed perseverance, patience, the belief that there is a support system whenever I need it and tolerance for imperfection. As I was the eldest, situations urged me to be responsible and set an example for my cousins. The healthy competition amongst my generation kept up my motivation and energy levels. Bottom line, my outlook today holds a vast love for life and the desire to enjoy that space with family and friends.

Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that you think is surprising to others?

A: Recently, I used 40,000 micro mini blocks to build a replica of the Taj Mahal.

Q: How do you see your background and identity as part of who you are at Homebridge?

A: I will lead with the most obvious to say that I am an African American woman. More importantly, I am also fortunate enough to regularly interact with people from all ethnicities, religions and walks of life. I have personal and working relationships with people from various economic backgrounds, from those who are socially, politically, and financially affluent, as well as folks who don’t know when they will have their next meal. I am happy to say that I am entirely comfortable being in the presence of either group of people at any given time. I know this perspective helps in my role at Homebridge. It allows me to empathize with those I’m working with and better understand their current situation. I believe this is why I’ve developed such strong relationships at Homebridge.

Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that you think is surprising to others?

A: I am pretty handy, and I love using power tools. A few of my co-workers learned this fun fact about me when I landed a nifty set of screwdrivers as a grab bag gift, and I refused to give them up. I love anything involving demolition, laying tile, replacing hardware; you name it, I can do it!

Q: If you had to give your 15-year-old self career advice, what would you say?

A: I would tell 15-year-old Tia to do what you absolutely love and brings you the most joy. That way, you will never “work” a day in your life!