Leah’s Legacy Scholarship

Honoring Leah Marchbanks’ dedication to advocacy, leadership, and the Idaho mortgage lending community.

Leah Marchbanks, fourth from left, poses for a picture with industry advocates and Sen. Mike Crapo, center, courtesy of IMLA

Remembering Leah Marchbanks

Leah Marchbanks was a dedicated leader, advocate, and longtime supporter of Idaho’s mortgage lending industry. For more than 30 years, she contributed her time, knowledge, and passion to the Idaho Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), the Pacific Northwest Mortgage Lenders Conference, and the broader mortgage banking community.

Throughout her career, Leah championed the importance of industry advocacy and building strong relationships with policymakers. Her leadership helped strengthen Idaho’s voice in national mortgage policy discussions, and her commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on colleagues and industry professionals alike.

The Leah’s Legacy Scholarship was established to honor her contributions by giving another Idaho mortgage professional the opportunity to participate in the advocacy work she valued so deeply.

Through this scholarship, Leah’s commitment to education, leadership, and industry involvement will continue to inspire future advocates.

About the Scholarship

The Leah’s Legacy Scholarship provides an eligible IMLA member the opportunity to attend the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., April 4–8, 2027.

The conference brings together mortgage industry professionals to engage with policymakers, discuss issues affecting the industry, and advocate for the future of real estate finance.

In Leah’s honor, the scholarship encourages continued involvement in industry advocacy and helps bring valuable knowledge and perspectives back to Idaho’s lending community.

Important Dates

– Applications Open: November 2, 2026
– Application Deadline: December 11, 2026
– Recipient Notification: By January 29, 2027
– Conference Dates: April 4–8, 2027 (including travel dates)

Eligibility Requirements

1. Active IMLA Membership — current, dues-paid member in good standing.
2. Industry Experience — minimum of 3 years employed in real estate/mortgage lending.
3. Availability — able to attend the full conference dates in Washington, D.C., including any pre-conference training
and Capitol Hill meetings.
4. First-Time Recipient — has not received this scholarship previously.
5. Current IMLA board members – not eligible.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Leah’s Legacy Scholarship includes:

– Round-trip airfare
– Hotel accommodations
– Conference registration
– Meals provided as part of the conference

The recipient is responsible for other personal expenses, including meals not provided by the conference and transportation to and from the hotel and conference events.

Post-Award Commitment

1. Full Participation — attend all scheduled Hill visits and advocacy sessions, not just optional social events.
2. Dates of Conference – Sunday, April 4, 2027, to Thursday, April 8, 2027 (includes travel dates)
3. Recap Submission — provide a short-written recap or 5-minute presentation at an IMLA meeting on takeaways and
Hill meeting outcomes.
4. Recognition — be available for a photo/quote for IMLA’s newsletter or social media.

Apply for Leah’s Legacy Scholarship

Applications are being accepted through December 11, 2026.

Eligible IMLA members are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to represent Idaho’s mortgage lending community in Washington, D.C., while honoring Leah’s dedication to industry advocacy.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit all required application materials via email to Diane VanOverbeke at [email protected].

Your submission must include:

1. Written Statement (300–500 words): Explain why advocacy matters to your business or career and what you hope to bring back to the Idaho lending community.
2. Employer Support Letter: Confirming approved time off and support for conference attendance.
3. Professional Reference: one reference (manager, IMLA board member, or colleague).
4. Resume or Bio: years in the industry, current role, and any prior IMLA or community involvement.

Application Deadline: December 11, 2026

Please include “Leah’s Legacy Scholarship Application” in the subject line of your email.

Email Your Application to [email protected]

Questions?

For questions about the scholarship or application process, please contact:

Diane VanOverbeke
Phone: 208-571-0118
Email: [email protected]