We are proud to announce that two of our outstanding attorneys, Chardynea J. Crossdale and Morgan Lea, have been honored as HousingWire Rising Stars for 2025. This prestigious award recognizes 100 standout leaders under the age of 40 who are shaping the future of the mortgage, real estate, and fintech industries through their innovation, expertise, and leadership.
HousingWire Rising Stars are selected based on their professional accomplishments, contributions to the housing economy, community impact, and commitment to excellence. Recipients are not only excelling in their respective fields but are also redefining what’s possible in the industry. Their creativity and leadership inspire confidence in the industry’s future, and their expertise and vision are accelerating growth, improving client experiences, and creating new opportunities in a competitive market.
Chardynea J. Crossdale joined MRLP in 2023, the same week she was sworn in to the bar, and has since embodied professionalism, determination, and a strong commitment to excellence. She has demonstrated an exceptional ability to learn, lead, and uplift those around her while balancing a demanding legal career, significant family responsibilities, and dedicated volunteer work. Her willingness to take on new challenges, learn from every experience, and mentor others has set her apart as an emerging leader. Chardynea truly embodies resilience and dedication.
Beyond the office, Chardynea is deeply involved in community service, volunteering with Vision of Faith Ministries’ food pantry and actively participating in Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity. Her motto is to always give her best effort, no matter the size of the task or how insignificant her role may seem, recognizing that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. This habit of excellence strengthens her confidence and paves the way for her success. Her attitude and accomplishments have also been recognized at the state level, being named a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer in Connecticut by the National Black Lawyers.
Morgan Lea is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader in the housing and mortgage servicing industries. Since joining MRLP in 2022, she has rapidly established herself as a top-performing attorney, demonstrating expertise in foreclosure and eviction matters while maintaining a client-centered approach. Morgan has been instrumental in advancing MRLP’s diversity and inclusion efforts, recently being elevated to Vice Chair of the firm’s African American Resource Group. Her leadership in these initiatives has enhanced employee engagement and strengthened MRLP’s reputation as an inclusive and forward-thinking organization. Her excellence has also been recognized at the state level, being named a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer in Florida by the National Black Lawyers.
Morgan’s contributions extend beyond the walls of MRLP, she volunteers on local non-profit boards, served on the Municipal Planning Board for the City of Orlando from August 2017 until July 2023 and was a member of the Affordable Housing Committee for the City of Orlando from March 2018 to February 2023. Currently, she is the President of Parramore District, Inc., a non-profit that serves as a platform and resource for business owners, property owners, and residents of the Parramore Community—the oldest and largest African American neighborhood in Orlando.
At MRLP, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, innovation, and community impact. Chardynea and Morgan exemplify these values through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a meaningful difference both within our firm, in the broader housing landscape and in their communities. Their recognition as HousingWire Rising Stars is a testament to their hard work and the bright future they are helping to shape.
Congratulations to Chardynea and Morgan on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to their continued contributions to MRLP, the industry and their communities.
For more details, please visit www.housingwire.com