As we celebrate Women’s History Month throughout the month of March, we’re excited to continue honoring the incredible women who lead and inspire at Longbridge in our fourth consecutive “Ladies Who Lead” blog series.
Our next featured leader is Larissa Morrell, Director of Product & Strategic Development at Longbridge.We had the opportunity to sit down with Larissa to discuss empowering women through encouragement, embracing resilience and adaptability for growth, and seeking mentorship through genuine connections. Let’s dive into the interview!
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
A: I view Women’s History Month as a powerful opportunity to pause and reflect on the incredible contributions women have made globally. It’s a time to honor the progress we’ve achieved together and to celebrate the trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations. With that said, I believe it’s also an important reminder that true gender equality is something we must continue to work toward.
I always find myself inspired by the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote resonates deeply with me, because Women’s History Month is not just about recognizing the actions and words of women throughout history, but the lasting impact we have on others.
Q: How could you contribute your wisdom, expertise, or ideas to empower other women?
A: For me, the key to empowering other women is encouragement. We thrive when we support each other and become each other’s biggest cheerleaders. It’s critical that we create spaces where women feel heard and valued, where their ideas and opinions are respected and taken seriously. Some of the most impactful conversations I’ve been a part of have happened in environments where women felt empowered to speak up, share their thoughts, and ask questions.
To me it’s about fostering an atmosphere where women not only believe in their own potential but feel confident advocating for themselves. Encouragement, whether it’s through a kind word or a listening ear, is one of the most powerful tools we have to help each other rise.
Q: How does Longbridge set a culture of equality and inclusivity?
A: In my experience, Longbridge stands out as an exceptional company in this regard. I’ve never worked anywhere else where there are so many women in leadership positions, especially in a traditionally male-dominated field like financial services. It’s refreshing to be in meetings where women are not just represented but are often leading the conversation.
Longbridge has created a truly supportive environment where women thrive and feel heard. What’s even more rewarding is that this dynamic is noticed by others. External teams often remark on how refreshing it is to see such a high level of female representation. This is due in large part to the incredible support from male leadership, who consistently champion women’s voices and work to eliminate the unconscious biases that often exist in corporate settings. At Longbridge, equality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s woven into the fabric of our culture, and we all benefit from it.
Q: What is one piece of advice to all women who are juggling between home and work?
A: Be present wherever you are. It’s simple advice, but it’s certainly easier said than done. It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything at once, but when you’re working, focus on your work. When you’re with your family, be fully with them. It’s about giving your full attention to whatever task is at hand. When we try to juggle too many things, we end up spreading ourselves thin, and often, we don’t give our best. As a mother raising sons, it’s important for me to show them that I can balance a fulfilling career with being a present mom. It’s not always easy, but it’s something worth celebrating. The balancing act may be challenging, but it’s one of the most rewarding things women can do.
Q: What advice would you give women struggling in a male-dominated industry?
A: My advice is to lean into your experience capital. Never underestimate the knowledge, skills, and wisdom you’ve acquired over the years. Have confidence in your expertise and own your value. It’s important to remember that you belong in every room you walk into, or every call you join. Confidence and persistence are essential when breaking down barriers. Whenever you find yourself in a meeting or on a call, ask yourself, “Why shouldn’t I be here?” Your perspective matters, and your voice deserves to be heard. Keep contributing, keep advocating for yourself, and never let self-doubt hold you back.
Q: Any tips for women who are looking for a mentor?
A: Mentors are all around us. Some of the best guidance I’ve received has come from simply observing how colleagues and managers approach complex tasks or navigate difficult situations. Mentorship doesn’t always have to be direct or formal. Sometimes the most valuable advice comes from casual conversations or organic relationships.
If you see someone whose experience you admire, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let them know you value their perspective and ask for their advice. If a meeting or call ends early, seize that opportunity to ask if they have a few minutes to chat. Women genuinely want to help other women succeed, and I believe the women at Longbridge exemplify that spirit. Just ask, and you may be surprised at how willing they are to share their knowledge!
Q: What do you think helped you get this far in your career?
A: Curiosity and resilience have been key drivers in my career. I’ve always hated the idea of being bored or complacent, so whenever I felt I had mastered a role or task, I’d ask to take on something new. This willingness to try different things, ask questions, and seek new opportunities has opened many doors for me. But it’s not just about trying new things, it’s also about bouncing back from setbacks. Resilience has played a huge role in my journey. Every time I’ve encountered a challenge, I’ve chosen to pivot, adapt, and look for new opportunities. Often, what seemed like a failure at the time turned out to be the catalyst for my next big career opportunity.
Q: Do you believe you’ve achieved everything you wanted to?
A: Not even close! For me, success is an ongoing journey. It’s about setting new goals, learning from every experience, and pushing myself to grow. Life becomes stagnant when you stop striving for more, which is why I always keep looking ahead. Whether the goal is big or small, I find immense satisfaction in setting it and then working tirelessly to reach it. It’s this continual pursuit of growth and achievement that keeps me motivated, both in my career and in my personal life.
Q: What would you say to your 20-year-old self?
A: I’d tell her not to be afraid of saying yes to new opportunities. Don’t second-guess your abilities—take risks, stay positive, and trust that everything will work out in the end. Be confident in yourself, smile often, and trust that everything will fall into place.
Thank you, Larissa, for sharing your experience with us and for being a great role model for women everywhere, especially those in or working toward leadership roles!
About Women’s History Month
The celebration of Women’s History Month has its roots in 1981 when Congress authorized President Jimmy Carter to proclaim “Women’s History Week.” This was a significant step in recognizing the vital role women have played in shaping American history. By 1987, following persistent efforts by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), the observance was extended to the entire month of March. Since then, every March, the contributions and achievements of women across various fields are honored and celebrated. This month-long recognition is crucial as it highlights the progress made towards gender equality and inspires future generations to continue advocating for women’s rights and representation.
To learn more about Women’s History Month, NWHA, and this year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” visit nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org.
