Rachel Speight

How do you promote diversity and inclusion on your team or in your life? What is the value of it?

A: I promote diversity and inclusion on my team by asking for everyone’s thoughts and opinions on matters, and then integrating each perspective into the final solution. My team supports various projects to enhance processes and customer experience related to the Guide. Before starting a project, I survey the team on what they’re interested in and foster open conversation for input. This helps utilize each team member’s unique skillsets and allocate tasks based on what each individual finds important, which tends to produce higher quality results. 

What do you like most about working at Freddie Mac?

A: There are several things I love about working at Freddie Mac. I’ve been with the company for 13 years and a lot of why I’ve stayed is because of my colleagues. From working in both the Single-Family and Multifamily Divisions, I’ve met people from across the business and have always had great working relationships. Freddie Mac also makes strong efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), which leads to great people. Another very important contributor to my enjoyment working here is the mission. My work wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding if we weren’t making such an impact to make home possible and affordable for homeowners and tenants across the nation. 

Advice to others on bringing your “full self” to work?

A: My advice would be: Don’t be afraid to be yourself and bring your thoughts and ideas to the office. We have a strong DEI culture and everyone at Freddie Mac is very embracing, even at the most senior levels. I’m confident that I can speak up and take initiative in my work. There will always be people to support you, so don’t hold back.   

Looking back, what's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self?

A: Don’t be afraid to ask questions because there are no bad questions! Thinking back to when I first started at Freddie Mac and as I’ve trained newer employees, I’ve learned that no one will come here with all the answers. Even if you’re talking to an expert, not all perspectives may have been considered so asking your question will enrich everyone’s knowledge. Tied to this is my advice to strive for continuous learning and to take initiative. I’ve kept working on the Guide because there are always exciting changes and opportunities to learn something new. Take those opportunities to work hard and think strategically. Be mindful of how your work impacts others and how you could help improve things for your colleagues and the business. 

July is French-American Heritage month. Anything to share on your French-American background?

A: Both of my great-grandparents on my dad’s side were French-Canadian and migrated to Haverhill, Massachusetts where they started a family farm. Much of my family still resides in Massachusetts or New Hampshire today.

I recently visited Yorktown, Virginia, where the last battle of the American Revolution was fought. While there, I got a greater sense of how critical the French were in helping to win the American Revolution. This was especially interesting given my French-American heritage, and something I reflected on with pride while watching the fireworks during the recent Independence Day holiday.