Rate Introduces New LGBTQ+ Organization to Champion Workplace Equality
Chicago, Ill., August 6, 2019 -- Rate, one of the largest retail mortgage lenders in the nation, is pleased to announce PROUD, a new internal organization aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance in the workplace. The mission of PROUD is to maintain a work environment in the mortgage industry that believes in everyone for who they are, wants them to succeed because of their talents and abilities, and makes them feel safe, welcome and most importantly, PROUD.
“Our business has always been a place where everyone is welcome and respected,” said Victor Ciardelli, Founder and CEO of Rate. “With the launching of our PROUD organization, Rate will have an additional platform to promote workplace diversity, particularly as it relates to members of the LGBTQ community. My long-term hope is that this type of inclusionary work-place model will be adopted and embraced by all kinds of employers throughout the country.”
To support continued inclusion at Rate, PROUD offers education, awareness and a support network for LGBTQ+ initiatives.
“Our hope is that PROUD can create a domino effect where other companies across the country follow our lead and become more LGBTQ+ inclusive, helping to push equality forward for those still fighting for acceptance and visibility,” said Shimmy Braun, PROUD ambassador. “There is no one happier than one who lives their authentic truth. It’s time to help everyone feel as supported at work as I have for so many years.”
This month, Braun was named a Notable LGBTQ Executive by Crain’s Chicago Business for his professional success and support of the LGBTQ community by helping to launch the PROUD organization at Rate.
Since 2000, Rate has built a foundation of delivering competitive pricing, mortgage products and unmatched expertise from its top-producing loan officers, helping thousands of customers move into their dream homes. The company introduced the world’s first Digital Mortgage, creating an easy-to-understand, transparent loan process, which has led to an industry-leading customer satisfaction rating and exponential growth.
About Rate Companies
The Rate Companies, which includes Rate Inc., and Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC, has over 5,000 employees in a total of 700 offices across the U.S and will fund $36 billion in 2019. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate Inc. is one of the largest retail mortgage lenders in the United States. Founded in 2000 and licensed in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., it has helped homeowners nationwide with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has established itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates and delivering unparalleled customer service. 2017 marked the launch of Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC, a mortgage origination joint venture between Rate, Inc. and Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in residential real estate franchising and brokerage. Collectively, the companies have earned honors and awards including: "Top Lender for Online Service" for 2018 by U.S. News & World Report; No. 3 ranking in Scotsman Guide's Top Retail Mortgage Lenders 2018; Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces list for seven consecutive years; and Best Online Lender and Best Lender for FHA Streamline Refinance by NerdWallet in 2019. Visit rate.com for more information.