Women are setting the standard for careers in the title insurance industry

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

This month, millions of students at colleges and universities will listen to commencement speeches filled with sage advice on overcoming life’s challenges before hearing their name called out as they cross the stage to receive their degree. Women, who are outpacing men in college enrollment and graduation, will be well-represented among these new graduates. In 2024, there were 2.4 million more women on college campuses than men; and 66% of women are completing college as compared to 58% of men. 

What comes next will vary among all of these new college graduates; there are those who already have job offers in their field of study or plan to pursue such jobs, some have plans to earn a Master’s, PhD or JD, while others may not know what they want to do. 

Business (24%), healthcare (18%) and technology (18%) top the industries or fields that college graduates intend to pursue after graduation. These graduates are looking for a wide range of options, including decent salary, flexible or hybrid work schedules, a supportive work environment and work-life balance. 

Although not always on the top of list, the title insurance industry meets those expectations while providing fertile ground for career success, especially for women. 

Our industry has a strong economic footprint, generating $30 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) and creating 155,000 jobs in 2022. Indirectly, the industry supports 231,000 jobs, $19 billion in wages and benefits, and $32 billion in GDP through the purchase of goods and services from suppliers. 

What makes these numbers even more powerful is that they are driven by women who dominate the title insurance industry, comprising over 70% of the workforce. It’s also ideal for those college graduates with an entrepreneurial streak, small businesses are 90% of our industry.

Title insurance may not have the panache of working in a Silicon Valley tech company or for a  hedge fund on Wall Street, but the work we do within the industry is profoundly meaningful—facilitating the American Dream of homeownership by protecting property rights in the event a title dispute emerges, like a tax lien or fraud. Without it, the property owner could be financially responsible, or worse, lose their home.

We know that purchasing a home is a major milestone for Americans, and the largest financial transaction they’ll make in their lifetimes. That’s why title insurance professionals are honored to play such a pivotal behind-the-scenes role for millions of homeowners—and we do it with integrity and care. 

No industry is without its challenges for women—there are still barriers to overcome and glass ceilings to shatter. According to McKinsey & Company’s Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th-anniversary report, although women’s representation has increased at each level of corporate management—29% of C-Suite jobs compared to 17% in 2015—progress remains slower at the entry and manager levels. 

The title industry has evolved from an industry dominated by men to an industry where women are moving up the career ladder as they transition from title examiner to small business owner. Their work is being recognized and rewarded at the leadership level as well. Cara Detring was the first to break barriers to become ALTA’s first female president followed by Anne Anastasi, Diane Evans, Cynthia Durham Blair and Mary O’Donnell. ALTA currently has three women on its Board, including Lisa Steele, Deborah Bailey and Mary Thomas. 

I’m privileged to lead an association representing these women and an industry that supports careers for so many. I look forward to the next generation of women title insurance professionals—many of whom could be walking across that commencement stage this spring.

Diane Tomb is CEO of the American Land Title Association.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.