From Norfolk County to Canada’s Top 50 Women of Influence in Mortgage

August 26, 2026 | Posted by: Sarita Free

Sarita Free Named One of CMP’s Top 50 Women of Influence in Canada’s Mortgage Industry for 2026

I’m incredibly proud to share that I’ve been named one of Canadian Mortgage Professional (CMP) Magazine’s Top 50 Women of Influence for 2026.

As a mortgage broker based in Norfolk County, Ontario, being recognized nationally alongside some of the most accomplished women in the Canadian mortgage industry is a pretty incredible feeling.

But what makes this one especially meaningful to me is what the award represents.

What is CMP’s Top 50 Women of Influence?

Each year, Canadian Mortgage Professional recognizes 50 women making an impact across Canada’s mortgage industry, including mortgage brokers, lenders and industry leaders.

For 2026, nominees were evaluated based on their professional accomplishments, initiatives and contributions to the mortgage industry over the previous 12 months. The final Top 50 was selected by a judging panel of five mortgage industry leaders and previous Women of Influence honourees.

You can view the full CMP Top 50 Women of Influence 2026 list here.

I’m very proud to see Sarita Free, Mortgage Broker with Mortgage Powered Financial Group, included among this year’s 50 Canadian honourees.

What this recognition means to me

I love mortgages, but I've never really thought of this job as being just about mortgages.

It’s about people.

It's the first-time buyer who isn't sure homeownership is possible yet. It's the family trying to make a move. It's someone going through a separation and figuring out what life looks like financially on their own. It's a homeowner facing a renewal who just wants someone to explain their options without making everything sound complicated.

Sometimes the best mortgage solution is straightforward. Sometimes it most definitely isn't.

My job is to figure it out.

I want my clients to understand their options, know why we're doing what we're doing and feel like they have someone in their corner throughout the process.

Nobody gets here alone

The word “influence” is probably the part of this recognition that means the most to me.

An award may have my name on it, but nobody builds a career entirely on their own. I've been incredibly fortunate to have strong women throughout my career who gave me room to grow, pushed me when I needed it, shared what they knew and genuinely wanted to see me succeed.

That's something I've never taken for granted.

Now, being in a position where I get to mentor and support newer mortgage agents myself feels a little full circle.

I think most successful women have experienced imposter syndrome at one point or another. There are always moments when you wonder whether you're doing enough or whether you really belong at the table.

Recognition like this is a nice reminder that showing up, working hard, caring about people and continuing to grow really does add up over time.

More importantly, it reminds me of the kind of influence I want to have. I want to be the person who opens doors, shares what I've learned and genuinely wants to see the women around me succeed too.

I've been lucky enough to have women do that for me. Being able to pass some of that along might be one of the best parts of this stage of my career.

Proud to be a mortgage broker in Norfolk County

Receiving national recognition is pretty special, but I'm also incredibly proud that I get to represent Norfolk County while doing it.

I've lived here for almost 20 years. This is home.

My mortgage business is based here, and I work with home buyers and homeowners throughout Simcoe, Port Dover, Waterford, Delhi, Norfolk County and communities across Southwestern Ontario.

Being local matters to me.

I understand the kinds of properties we have here, from homes in town to rural properties with acreage, wells and septic systems. I also know the people and businesses that make this community what it is.

My clients regularly ask me for recommendations for Realtors, lawyers, financial professionals and other local services. I'm always happy to make an introduction when I know someone great.

More than mortgage production

One thing I particularly appreciate about the 2026 CMP Women of Influence recognition is that this year's list isn't simply about who closes the most mortgages.

CMP's 2026 report looks at leadership, mentorship, sponsorship, community involvement and the broader impact women are making within the Canadian mortgage industry.

That resonates with me.

Building a successful mortgage business is important to me, but so is being involved in the community I live in, supporting other women, building relationships with great local professionals and being someone people feel comfortable calling when they don't know where to start.

What does a mortgage broker do?

If you've landed here because you're looking for a mortgage broker in Simcoe or Norfolk County, my role is to help you understand and compare mortgage options based on your individual situation.

I work with clients on:

• First-time home purchases

• Mortgage pre-qualifications and pre-approvals

• Buying and selling a home

• Mortgage renewals

• Refinancing

• Using home equity

• Debt consolidation

• Self-employed mortgage qualification

• Rural and unique properties

• Separation and spousal buyouts

• Alternative mortgage solutions

Rather than working for one bank, I can explore mortgage solutions from multiple lenders and help determine what actually makes sense for you.

And sometimes my advice is to stay exactly where you are.

The goal isn't simply to get you a mortgage. It's to help you make a good mortgage decision.

Thank you, Norfolk County

Awards are lovely, but they don't happen in a vacuum.

Every client who has trusted me with their mortgage, every Realtor or professional who has referred someone to me, every person who has recommended my name to a friend, and everyone who has supported my business has played a part in allowing me to do what I do.

So while I'm very proud to have my name included among CMP Magazine's Top 50 Women of Influence in Canada for 2026, I'm even more grateful that I've been able to build this career here at home.

Thank you, Norfolk.

And if we haven't met yet, I'm Sarita Free, a mortgage broker based in Norfolk County, Ontario.

If you're buying a home, renewing your mortgage, refinancing or you simply have a mortgage question and aren't sure where to start, I'd be happy to chat.

Sarita Free
Mortgage Broker | Norfolk County, Ontario
Serving Simcoe, Port Dover, Waterford, Delhi and clients throughout Southwestern Ontario

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