Women have long been the backbone of the title and settlement services industry, representing between 60 and 70 percent of its workforce. Yet while women make up the majority, their representation at the executive level — and the availability of formal support networks — has not always kept pace. WFG National Title Insurance Company is working to close that gap with the launch of Women at the Closing Table.
This program reflects WFG’s commitment to advancing women leaders and building inclusive, sustainable support structures across the industry. The effort is rooted in the success of WFG’s inaugural Women’s Executive Leadership Summit, where October Research and The Title Report’s Mary Schuster participated as both a presenter and reporter covering the event.
A Spark at the Summit
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Jaime Johnson, director of WFG Agent 3.0
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For Jaime Johnson, WFG’s Vice President and Director of the WFG Agent 3.0 program, the Summit was a catalyst.
“I attended the very first October Research Women’s Leadership Summit, and it was unlike anything I had ever experienced in this industry,” Johnson recalled. “We talked about building your support network, what a work-life balance looks like, even the importance of investing in yourself and leading others with confidence. It was so different than anything anyone was talking about at the time.”
That experience, she explained, revealed a need for a dedicated space where executive women in the title insurance industry could speak openly about their challenges and aspirations. “As women leaders, we often feel pressure to be strong at all times, especially in front of those who report to us. Creating a safe place to be vulnerable and collaborate with peers is what made me so passionate about this project.”
Schuster, who recently interviewed Johnson on her Keys to Real Estate podcast, said she witnessed firsthand the energy generated when women share candidly about both successes and setbacks.
“Whether you’re the one sharing your experience or listening to someone you admire admit they’ve struggled too, there’s this beautiful synergy. Everyone leaves stronger,” Schuster said.
Women at the Closing Table: Expanding the Circle
Women at the Closing Table, which began within WFG’s Agency group, is a membership-based community offering participants education, encouragement, and peer support through events and private networking forums.
As Johnson described it, “What started as a single idea has become a powerful platform for connection, support, and growth, helping women leaders across the industry thrive and lift others along the way.”
WFG EVP, Agency Gene Rebadow emphasizes, “Women at the Closing Table reflects WFG’s commitment to advancing women leaders and strengthening the industry. This group has my full support, and I encourage leaders across the industry to back it as a vital part of our growth and culture.”
Members connect via private Facebook and LinkedIn groups, through which they share resources, host discussions, and spotlight leaders from across the industry. Johnson noted the value of these conversations extends beyond the individuals involved.
“We are empowering these women leaders to take those lessons and bring them back to their offices to share with their teams,” Johnson said. “That’s how we change the industry: one leader, one office, one conversation at a time.”
The Power of Shared Experience
Survey results showed participants left the event feeling energized, supported, and more deeply connected to their peers. Many echoed a common theme: “I didn’t know how much I needed this until I experienced it.” Others emphasized the encouragement they gained from hearing accomplished industry leaders admit to struggles that mirrored their own, from balancing professional and personal demands to combating imposter syndrome.
In a post-event survey, one participant described it as “a rare chance to feel both inspired and seen,” while another noted, “The openness of the panel gave me permission to be more open with my own team.”
Johnson believes that honesty is what makes the group so valuable. “Hearing women you admire share their challenges, and realize they’re the same ones you face, encourages you to keep going.”
WFG intends to expand access in future phases to include women at all leadership and career stages.
“Through mentorship and other resources, we want to equip leaders in our group with lessons they can take back and share with their teams, creating a continuum of support,” Johnson said. “Today’s executives should be guiding and uplifting tomorrow’s leaders.”
Tackling Challenges Together
Among the recurring themes in the Summit and follow-up discussions were issues like finding one’s voice, overcoming self-doubt, and fostering authentic mentorship. Johnson described how group members share strategies to ensure quieter voices are heard in meetings, such as directly inviting feedback from less outspoken team members before discussions end.
“For a long time, we were taught you could either be a leader or be a human, but not both,” Schuster observed during her interview with Johnson.
Johnson agreed, adding, “It’s not just about work. It’s the whole picture we bring to the table. That’s what makes us stronger as leaders.”
Another subject that resonated deeply was shifting from competition to collaboration. Johnson noted that in the past, women often felt there were only “one or two chairs at the table” for female leaders, creating a sense of rivalry. “Now we’re focused on how to make things better for the next generation,” she said.
Giving Back and Looking Forward
WFG has also woven philanthropy into the initiatives, with exciting partnerships and programs to be announced soon. These efforts will give participants opportunities to extend their impact beyond the workplace.
Looking ahead, WFG plans to host a second Women’s Executive Leadership Summit in 2026, with an expanded agenda and longer format to deepen the impact. The company also envisions more regional gatherings, online meetups, and topic-specific discussions to keep the momentum going year-round.
An Invitation to Belong
For Johnson, one of the most powerful lessons has been the importance of invitation. She often shares a personal story about how a single introduction at an industry event early in her career changed her trajectory. “If that association president hadn’t introduced herself and encouraged me to get involved, I don’t know that I would be where I am today,” she reflected. “It showed me how critical it is to create space for others and extend that invitation to belong.”
That philosophy underpins WFG’s latest initiatives. “Every woman in our industry belongs,” Johnson said. “The key is making sure they know it, and giving them the community to thrive.”
A Collective Step Forward
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Gene Rebadow, EVP of Agency Operations
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As this program takes root, WFG leaders are confident its lessons and connections will ripple outward, strengthening not just the women involved, but the entire title and settlement services industry.
“WFG is proud to stand behind Women at the Closing Table. By supporting women leaders, we strengthen our company, our culture, and our industry for the future,” Rebadow said.
Schuster perhaps summed it up best during her conversation with Johnson: “When women roll up their sleeves together, everyone benefits,” she said.
With Women at the Closing Table, WFG is betting on that truth, turning inspiration into action, and action into lasting change.
For more information about Women at the Closing Table, contact Jaime Johnson at [email protected]or 423-667-5616. To watch or listen to the full podcast with Mary Schuster and Jaime Johnson, visit: https://www.thetitlereport.com/keys-to-real-estate-ttr.aspx
About WFG National Title Insurance Company
Currently celebrating its 15th year, WFG National Title Insurance Company (WFG), a Williston Financial Group company, is a national underwriter and leading provider of title insurance and real estate settlement services for commercial and residential transactions nationwide. Founded in 2010, WFG achieved its national footprint faster than any underwriter.
Built around the directive to “communicate, collaborate, coexist,” WFG strives to improve the real estate process through the creation and delivery of comprehensive, innovative services and technology solutions that empower and increase transaction transparency for the title agents, real estate professionals, lenders, and consumers it serves. The company enjoys a Financial Stability Rating of A’ (A prime), as assigned by Demotech, Inc. For more information, visit www.wfgtitle.com.