Tai Christensen, Chief Diversity and Public Relations Officer at Arrive Home is a member of the American Mortgage Diversity Council (AMDC) and current Chair of the AMDC Advisory Council. She has been an AMDC member for over two years and served on the council the entire time.
Tai Christensen, Chief Diversity and Public Relations Officer at Arrive Home is a member of the
1. What drives your commitment to your craft and the industry?
I have seen the benefit of homeownership in the Black community first hand. In our family, I am a fifth generation homeowner, and I have reaped the benefits of equity being passed from one generation to another. Owning a home can generate a wide range of financial benefits and creates a sense of stability and security. I have dedicated my 20+ year career to increasing homeownership within our communities of color and helping to create meaningful products and programs that directly assist our BIPOC communities.
2. What are some insights or at least one piece of advice you wish you would have known when you first started in the industry?
Prioritize working out! This is a high stress, fast paced industry and oftentimes we work long hours. Working out allows me to not only prioritize my physical health, but I am able to blow off steam and it elevates my mood.
3. What is top of mind for you in your business right now?
There are large swaths of our country that do not have access to traditional sources of financing due to their citizenship status, their credit history, or their non-traditional employment. At Arrive Home, we have created a new product that enables these consumers to enter into homeownership through our unique Earned Equity Program. We are truly excited to be able to offer financing solutions to responsible ITIN consumers, entrepreneurs, and a host of other non-traditional buyers!
4. How has being a member of a trade association like the AMDC resulted in business growth for you?
Being able to network with like-minded colleagues that are committed to increasing DEI in our industry is deeply important. Through AMDC I have made key connections that have not only directly advantaged our company’s bottom line, but in several cases I have met individuals that I can truly call friends. In a country that often feels divisive, this working group is inclusive, educated, and extremely eager to make change.
5. What legacy industry impact would you most desire to be known for?
I would like my name to be included in the list of individuals that helped to significantly increase the number of Black and Brown Americans that are homeowners. The time is now to implement meaningful solutions that will sustainably grow the number of minority homeowners in this country. I will continue to work my very hardest and do everything within my power to close the ever expanding racial wealth gap, so that all people, regardless of their skin color, can truly live the American Dream.
