Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Lilia “Lily” Williams.
Hi Maria Lilia “Lily”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve worked in retail most of my life, but my transition into the mortgage industry began in 2004 when someone encouraged me to apply for a processor role at World Savings. That opportunity opened the door to a variety of roles — from processor to loan rep assistant, and eventually to underwriter. I remained with the company through its transitions into Wachovia and then Wells Fargo.
At Wells Fargo, I had the chance to train new employees in South Dakota on our underwriting process. Unfortunately, our team was eventually laid off. I pivoted into a role in the loss mitigation department, and later transitioned into the short sales department, where we faced another round of layoffs in 2015.
After a long job search, I landed a quality assurance role at a credit union in May 2016. Just a few months later, a colleague encouraged me to apply for an underwriting position — and by October 2016, I was back in underwriting as part of a tight-knit team of five.
In April 2020, like many others, we transitioned to working from home due to COVID. That same year, I started experiencing symptoms that I initially brushed off — I was focused on the intense loan volume we were managing at the time. But by October, things took a serious turn. After some lab work, I was referred to an endocrinologist, who immediately admitted me to the hospital. That’s when I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer I had never even heard of at the time.
That diagnosis changed everything — both personally and professionally. But through it all, I’ve remained resilient, and that same perseverance has defined my career journey. Every twist and turn has shaped who I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every challenge has helped shape who I am today. Like many others in the mortgage industry, I experienced the ups and downs of company mergers, layoffs, and economic shifts. From being laid off multiple times, to constantly needing to adapt to new roles and departments, I learned early on the importance of staying flexible, resourceful, and persistent.
But the most life-altering challenge came in October 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. While working from home and managing an overwhelming volume of loans, I began feeling unwell. At first, I brushed it off — I’ve always been someone who pushes through. But after finally getting bloodwork done, I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer I had never even heard of before.
That diagnosis stopped me in my tracks. It was frightening, overwhelming, and life-changing. But even in the midst of that, I found strength I didn’t know I had. I continued to focus on my recovery, leaned on my faith and support system, and kept moving forward — one day at a time.
Those struggles — both professional and personal — have only deepened my resilience and perspective. They’ve taught me how to stay grounded, how to lead with empathy, and how to keep showing up, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart is my deep background — not just in underwriting, but in processing, loan support, and quality assurance. That well-rounded experience gives me a broader perspective and allows me to better understand how every piece of the mortgage puzzle fits together.
I’m most proud of the trust I’ve earned over the years — from colleagues, management, and even peers who have sought me out to join their teams. Whether it’s mentoring newer underwriters, helping navigate tough loan files, or staying grounded during high-pressure times (like COVID), I’m proud to be seen as someone who brings both skill and steady leadership.
And truthfully, after facing a cancer diagnosis in 2020, I’ve come to appreciate just how strong and capable I really am. I’ve learned that I can overcome anything — and that mindset fuels the way I show up in my work every single day.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support system around me. First and foremost, my identical twin sister deserves the deepest credit — she selflessly donated her stem cells for my transplant in February 2021, giving me the gift of healing and a true second chance at life. Her strength and love carried me through one of the toughest battles I’ve ever faced.
My husband has been my rock through it all. From day one, he never backed away — not even when things got scary. He stood by me with unwavering support, compassion, and strength, and that gave me the courage to keep going.
Our three daughters, along with our nieces and extended family, have been my inspiration. Their love reminded me what I was fighting for and pushed me to keep moving forward, even on the hardest days.
Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to work with peers and managers who truly believed in me. They’ve encouraged my growth, trusted my judgment, and created an environment where I could succeed even during difficult personal times. I’m especially grateful to my current team — their encouragement and understanding throughout my recovery and return to work have meant the world to me.
In March 2024, we were all called back into the office full-time. Despite the transition, I continued pushing myself to grow. On nights and weekends, I dedicated my time to taking real estate classes. In October 2023, I passed my courses and officially started my journey into the Realtor role — something I’m incredibly proud of. It was a goal I set for myself, and achieving it symbolized a new chapter and fresh purpose in my career.
Then, in September 2024, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life — I chose to separate from a stable, full-time job with benefits to pursue real estate full-time. It was both exciting and scary, but I knew in my heart it was the right move. I was ready to take everything I’ve learned and pour it into building something of my own.
What excites me most about being a Realtor is the opportunity to use everything I’ve learned over the years in mortgage to guide and educate clients through the homebuying process. With my underwriting background, I bring a unique level of insight and confidence to buyers and sellers — helping them understand not just the property side, but the financing side as well. I truly believe it’s a powerful combination that sets me apart and allows me to serve people in a way that’s both knowledgeable and compassionate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://resirealtor.com/lily-williams/
- Instagram: lilywilliamsrealtor
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-w
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilywilliamsrealtor
