Kemra Norsworthy isn’t supposed to be here. Not in the male-dominated private lending industry. Not in business ownership, given a childhood that began in poverty and could have defined her future. And not in this life, where a brutal diagnosis should have ended everything. No, Norsworthy’s path has never been smooth. But that’s never stopped [...]
While Chris Fuelling, CEO of LendingWise, describes himself in terms of tenacity, gumption, and fortitude—all undoubtedly true—a solutions-first core and builder’s heart is where the real story is. It’s why he launched his first business and pivoted that business thrice over. And it’s ultimately what drives his expectations for himself, his team, and the private [...]
Is Constructive Capital's new vice-presidential trio the secret sauce to record-breaking growth? If you like games, rock, paper, scissors may top your list. For animated 90's TV shows featuring three titular characters, there's probably 10 you could pick from. Motown girl group? It's got to be the Supremes. Many of our favorite things seem to [...]
Liquid Logics began not merely as a business venture but as a culmination of a young boy’s dream and a series of fortuitous events. In the realm of fintech, particularly in the niche of private lending solutions, Liquid Logics’ story emerges not merely as a company that has transformed the private lending landscape but as [...]
A cross-country move for a career change is one of the biggest leaps Melissa Martorella has made. The risk paid off. Growing up in the small town of Winchendon, Massachusetts, Melissa Martorella attended Boston College for undergraduate and Tufts University in the Greater Boston area for graduate school. She spent a few years teaching Spanish [...]
When Kendra Rommel wanted to grow her network, she didn’t have a university alumni group to tap into. Instead, she looked to her CrossFit gym, just one of many unconventional approaches she’s relied on to move her career forward. Rommel’s approach to building her career and her company has been outside-the-box since she started mortgage [...]
Tina DelDonna and Amy Doshi brought the right skills—at the right time—to scale Sharestates. The paths that led Tina DelDonna and Amy Doshi to their roles at Sharestates—DelDonna as CFO and Doshi as general counsel—were wildly different. But kismet brought them together at a time when their diverse skill sets were needed. Beyond that, the [...]
No matter what the industry throws at her, Marcia Kaufman thrives. The real estate industry can be tumultuous, but Marcia Kaufman always rides the waves to the top. Kaufman was promoted to CEO of Bayport Funding, a balance-sheet lender based in Long Island, New York, in January, after serving as president since 2018. In a [...]
Private lending attorney has capitalized on serendipitous opportunities throughout his career. Reflecting on his career, Nema Daghbandan can see that luck has played a large part in his success. Today, he is a partner at Geraci Law Firm in Irvine, California, general counsel for the American Association of Private Lenders, and CEO of Lightning Docs, [...]
The private money lenders at We Lend are motivated by helping their clients achieve wealth. Summer 1996. Ruben Izgelov has just spent several hours hawking flyers to pedestrians hustling along busy Queens Boulevard in New York, hoping to persuade them to patronize area pizzerias and sushi restaurants. It was the young immigrant from Turkmenistan’s first [...]
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VIP RECEPTION // Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while catching up with VIPs from across the country, all overlooking the gorgeous Las Vegas Strip. AAPL Members may RSVP during conference registration at no additional cost; for non-members it is $199/ticket.
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AFTER-HOURS RECEPTION // Continue conversations with fellow attendees, sponsors, and speakers in the Exhibit Hall while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tokens.
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Nominations are open until August 30, 2025, with voting from September 9-30, 2025. We’ll announce recipients at our Annual Conference.
Member of the Year (MOTY): This award goes to a member based on their deep expertise, unique value, and strong commitment to clients and the industry.
Rising Star: Rising Stars are members who have accomplished outstanding growth in their company or industry sector over the past year.
Community Impact: Recipients improve their local communities or our industry through volunteering, development programs, or civic efforts.
See past award winners, award rules, and participate in the 2025 nomination and voting process here.
Grand Prize – Custom Championship Belt & VIP Admission to Power Room event in St. Augustine, FL (February 27th – March 1st, 2023)
2nd Place – 2023 AAPL Annual Conference Bundle to include Individual Membership, 1 Conference Ticket and 1 VIP Reception pass.
3rd Place – 1 year AAPL Individual Membership