FGHA Speaker Series: Home Ownership as a Strategic Wealth Decision
Empowering First-Generation Alumni to Build Long-Term Financial Independence
What you will learn:
• How high-income professionals strategically enter
expensive markets like Massachusetts
• Creative down payment solutions including
employer benefits and retirement strategies
• How to convert rent into long-term wealth and
equity
• First-generation buyer advantages and available
assistance programs
• How to build financial independence through real
estate ownership
• Clear steps you can take in the next 6–12 months
- Debbie Siegel | Founder, Westchester Mortgage | Mortgage Broker
Debbie Siegel is the founder of Westchester Mortgage and a mortgage broker with over 25 years of experience helping clients purchase and refinance their homes. She specializes in working with first-generation homebuyers and is known for her personalized, strategic approach tailored to each client’s financial goals.
Having purchased her own first home as a single woman in her twenties, Debbie understands the importance of guidance, education, and advocacy throughout the mortgage process. Since founding Westchester Mortgage in 2000, she has helped hundreds of clients navigate complex financial decisions and build long-term stability through homeownership.
Debbie is a trusted industry resource whose insights have been featured in Boston Women’s Business, Home Business Magazine, Fox-25 News, New England Cable News, and Money Matters Radio. She also publishes her monthly newsletter, Raising the Roof, and maintains an extensive professional network to support her clients beyond the mortgage transaction.
Moderator:
Laurence J. Stybel earned his Ed.D. in Organization Behavior at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. He is a former member of the Harvard University First Generation Alumni Board of Directors. Larry is co-founder of two companies, an entrepreneur-in-residence at a private equity firm, and a regular contributor to PSYCHOLOGY TODAY.