NORTHERN VALLEY—Janet Pagan, co-president of the Rotary Club of Englewood and a recipient of the “New Jersey Top 100 Latina Leaders” award, is a noted entrepreneur. Pagan broke the glass ceiling 25 years ago when she entered the male-dominated mortgage lending industry and built her expertise as an entrepreneur.
She is CEO of Pagan Home Loans and branch manager with Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. Pagan has built her business on referrals and on educating borrowers about the complex home-buying process and mortgage options. Her goal is to help clients make informed decisions with financing tailored to their needs by listening to their current circumstances and future goals, and pairing them with the best loan program to fit their lifestyle.
Pagan is an active community volunteer and serves in numerous organizations, including as founder and CEO of the Bergen County Latino American Chamber of Commerce and as president of the Rotary Club of Englewood. She was assistant governor for Rotary District 7490, president of the Rotary Club of Fort Lee, a board director of Women with Vision, and a member and regional director of the New Jersey Mortgage Bankers Association Women’s Committee.
She also served as a board director and corporate adviser for the Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce.
Pagan is a member of the Women’s Club of Englewood, has received multiple industry awards, has been recognized in professional publications, and has collaborated as a co-author on several books.
Born in the Bronx, Pagan moved to New Jersey with her family as a child. She has lived in Fort Lee for 25 years, was previously a resident of Englewood Cliffs, and has maintained an office in Cliffside Park for 26 years.
She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in liberal arts and became a mortgage broker in 1998.
I recently spoke with Pagan about her career and community work.
Hillary Viders: What inspired you to choose a career in finance?
Janet Pagan: I believed financial stability is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, something my father — also an entrepreneur — always emphasized. What inspired me to pursue finance, specifically mortgage banking, was the opportunity to empower individuals and families to achieve their dreams of homeownership. That passion was solidified when I witnessed the sheer joy my parents experienced as first-time homeowners. Seeing how that milestone transformed their sense of security made me realize the profound impact financial guidance can have on a family’s future. It’s more than numbers — it’s about guiding people.
HV: What kind of academic credentials do you need to be a mortgage broker?
JP: Becoming a mortgage professional requires rigorous preparation, including college coursework and meeting state and national licensing requirements. There are also mandatory continuing education hours each year to ensure a deep understanding of lending regulations, financial strategies and ethical practices. These standards are essential for building client trust and maintaining integrity in the industry.
HV: You have had to overcome many challenges in your rise in the mortgage industry. Was this primarily because you are Latina or because you are a woman?
JP: Both played a role. In a male-dominated field, I had to prove myself constantly. At the same time, my heritage presented challenges. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience and pride in my background. Rather than allowing obstacles to hold me back, I saw them as opportunities — to prove my expertise, to lead with confidence and to champion financial empowerment for others.
My success has been shaped not only by overcoming barriers but also by using those experiences to forge a path for greater inclusivity and access to homeownership.
HV: You’ve said you believe in paying it forward. How do you do this?
JP: I share my expertise to inspire new mortgage professionals, especially young women, to excel by staying focused, committed and positive. I tell them, “Let’s continue to motivate and uplift each other, reaching new heights together.”
I pay it forward by mentoring with encouragement and insight, and by organizing workshops and networking events for aspiring mortgage professionals. I also share homeownership strategies with first-time buyers, helping them build confidence in their financial future, and I publicly celebrate the successes of those I’ve mentored, reinforcing a culture of support and empowerment.
Everything I do — whether professionally or in my community — is rooted in lifting others up. I try to lead by example, showing that success is best when shared.
HV: What do you do when you are not at work or participating in community events?
JP: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, finding inspiration in meaningful conversations and continuously learning. Whether it’s exploring new ways to empower others through financial education or simply unwinding with a great book, I find joy in moments that strengthen connections and fuel personal growth.