Embrace Employee Spotlight: Morgan Alfiero and Victor Alonso

There’s a lot to love about Embrace Home Loans, but one of our strongest assets has always been our employees. We have teammates who have been with us for 10, 20, even 30+ years. And we’ve also been hiring new employees at a furious pace this year — new employees that many of us haven’t met yet as we continue to work remotely during the pandemic.

In this Employee Spotlight, we’ll be featuring two Embrace teammates each week — one new employee, and one employee who has already been with us for a while. Each will give different perspectives on the Embrace experience and a little more personal info so you’ll be able to get to know them better.

Want to nominate someone to feature in a future spotlight? Email Mary Mack at [email protected]

VICTOR ALONSO, Retail Processor

What is your official title and what do you do at Embrace?

My official title is Retail Processor and I work with our loan officers, borrowers, and most of operations to help gather, process, and analyze documentation to get loans to full approval.

What made you want to work for Embrace?

This is a fun question because I am a re-hire. I first worked for Embrace from 2016 to 2018 and then came back recently (October of 2020) knowing how much this company treats people like family.

I made so many good connections here my first go around that I knew if I ever had an opportunity to work here again I would not want to miss it. So, I did!

There are so many things that add up to make Embrace a place I want to be, whether it is knowing I have an opportunity for upward mobility or the amount of time and care Embrace puts into making volunteering one of their central themes of the company.

How has it been starting a new job during COVID? And re-joining Embrace in general?

COVID-19 has been a huge strain on everyone far and wide. I find myself fortunate to have been able to come back to Embrace and start fresh. Taking the leap and starting a new job has felt different because it is all remote, but knowing the support that was/is provided has made the transition smooth. Otherwise, I am very happy to have re-started and look forward to getting to work and getting loans closed for all of our great borrowers!

What did you do for a living before you came to Embrace?

Immediately prior to coming to Embrace I worked as a Loan Analyst in the hard money space for a start up in Pittsburgh, PA. Before that, I worked in and instructed tennis for close to 10 years. This is how I became acquainted with Embrace. I was teaching Sandy Spring’s Branch Manager, Marcos Sanchez’s kids and met him while actively looking to change industries.

We’d love to get to know you better! Tell us about yourself.

I currently live in Pittsburgh, PA with my wife and cat. I am originally from Silver Spring, MD, and went to the University of Maryland for my undergraduate degree. I have since gotten out of tennis and now focus on CrossFit, triathlons, and hiking as my main sources of activity, hobbies, and fun.

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MORGAN ALFIERO, Corporate Trainer

What is your official title and what do you do at Embrace?

Corporate Trainer. I am actively involved in the new hire and onboarding process as well as instilling the culture of Embrace to the new hires and our current employees.

I enjoy being involved in the onboarding experience. Making a positive impact on new hires is so important for retaining the awesome talent that we hire! Talking to new hires about Embrace and the culture is so easy!

How long have you worked for Embrace?

I have been at Embrace since June of 2015. I started as a receptionist and moved into Marketing in August of 2015. I experienced a few different roles within Marketing and then was given a great opportunity to move into Training in Talent Development in July of 2020.

The past five (and almost a half) years being at Embrace have been some of the best. Embrace has been so much more than a “job.” I have met some life-long friends here at Embrace that I will always be very grateful for.

What made you want to work for Embrace?

I actually have a few current Embrace employees to thank for my introduction to Embrace. Brad Cardwell and Austin White were both regular customers at the Starbucks I worked at after graduating from college, and they both mentioned Embrace. Once I stepped in the doors for my interview, I knew Embrace would be a place I called home for a long time!

What’s one of your favorite Embrace memories?

There are SO many memories that pop into my head when I think of Embrace, but one of my all-time FAVORITE ones is Bring Your Kids to Work Day, aka the Embrace Spectacular. Kid’s day in 2019 was such a highlight! Meeting so many awesome kids, spending the day with them to teach them about Embrace, our community, and the importance of giving back is something I will always remember!

I know this only asks for one memory but I have to put another. In May 2019, I was lucky enough to attend our retail Embrace Catalyst events with senior leaders and a few other Marketing co-workers. Traveling all around the East Coast and meeting our retail teammates, we had long days, and early mornings and lots of bonding time. I think getting Buddy Hardiman and Brian Gilpin onboard to create Meg Handy memes were also some hilarious times!

(YES, I saved this email)

How has it been working from home this year?

Embrace has made a CRAZY year much more simple. The leadership has been so supportive — looking out not just for the company, but also for each employee’s unique situation. While we are all weathering the same storm, our leaders understand that we are all in different boats. The culture has remained strong and the support I have received from both my manager, Cate, and my department head, Julie is unmatched! Our monthly award ceremonies and town halls have been beneficial to continue to feel connected.

We’d love to get to know you better! Tell us about yourself.

I am originally from Gorham, Maine, a small town about 20 minutes outside of Portland, and moved down here in 2012. I have two of the best parents and two great (on most days) sisters that are still up in Maine.

I made some big moves and decided to plant some roots here in Rhode Island and bought a house last year in West Warwick with my amazing, emotional support, four-legged, ride or die, best friend, Tetra — she is my everything!

I am a diehard Steelers fan, avid tequila drinker, beach frequenter, music connoisseur, and BRAVO fanatic. That about sums up, Morgs!