Power Players | Latonia Donaldson, Rosario Lawrence, Dr. Vanessa Montañez - 047

Women Who Lead 048: Betsy Cameron, Jeana Sander, Talia Tiffany | Bold Catalysts   Welcome back to this monthly series of Women Who Lead. In this episode, I’m sitting down with three lovely ladies in the real estate industry: Betsy Cameron, President of Ebby Holiday Companies; Gina Sander, Vice President and Regional Manager at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties; and Tallie Tiffany, Director of Legal Operations at HomeServices of America. We dive into the importance of legacy, bold decision-making, and the mindset shifts required to lead effectively during transformative times.   Meet the Leaders Betsy Cameron, President, Ebby Halliday Companies, [email protected] Jeana Sander, Vice President & Vice President & Regional Manager, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, [email protected] Talia Tiffany, Director of Legal Operations, HomeServices of America, [email protected]    Humble Beginnings in Real Estate Betsy Cameron: Raised in a real estate family, Betsy’s journey led her from teaching special education to becoming an executive in the real estate industry. She credits her mother’s influence, a foundation in service, and embracing both legacy and innovation as key leadership drivers. Gina Sander: Transitioning from commercial to residential real estate, Gina found a passion for guiding clients through major decisions. Her career saw acceleration through multiple leadership invites, leading to her overseeing 700 California agents with a focus on values, integrity, and authentic connection. Tallie Tiffany: With a strong background in law and real estate from a young age, Tallie blends legal expertise with practical business insights. She shares the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and “lifting as you climb,” especially through peer collaboration.   Navigating Courageous Decisions Each leader shares their moments that required boldness—whether it was Betsy making the leap after 16 years at another brokerage, Gina uprooting her life to take a career leap, or Tallie leaving a secure legal job for the uncertainties of a commission-based role.  At the heart: integrity, compassion, and staying true to core values, even when change is uncomfortable.   Building Legacy and Fostering Inclusion We delve into how these women honor the legacies of their predecessors while innovating for the future.  All three emphasize creating space at the table for women, elevating colleagues, and developing skills through both mentorship and sponsorship.  They also discuss the importance of inclusivity and support networks within and beyond their organizations.   Real Estate and Tech: Meeting Today’s Challenges Facing market challenges like affordability, inventory shortages, and shifting client expectations, the ladies highlight the critical role of education, data, and new technology tools, including AI and automated marketing solutions.  They stress adaptability and continuous learning as essential leadership qualities.   Favorite Quotes, Podcasts, and Books Tallie shares that her two favorite podcasts are "Women at Work" by Harvard Business Review and "Good Hang" by Amy Poehler.  Betsy shares that she enjoys listening to Simon Sinek the most.  Gina loved the book “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz and is subscribed to the Daily Stoic. She just recently finished reading “The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday. Also, her favorite quote is by Winston Churchill, “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.”   When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.   This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.

Learning about the banking and mortgage industry can help you reach your dreams of becoming a homeowner. In this month's episode, I'm sitting down with three lovely ladies who are striving to make positive changes in gaining access to homeownership, financial education, and inclusive leadership. Grab your cafecito and join us in this lovely conversation.   Meet The Leaders Latonia Donaldson, SVP National Director of Multicultural Lending, PrimeLending Dr. Vanessa Montañez, SVP, Head of Community Lending, CityNational Bank Rosario Lawrence, Area Sales Manager, Newrez Home Loan Division Humble Beginnings in the Lending Industry and Leadership Latonia started as a processor to gain an understanding of the banking industry, then switched over to becoming a loan officer. An unexpected change happened that helped her realize the impact she was making on families achieving their homeownership dreams. This led her to transition into leadership roles with Wells Fargo, which brought her to her role now. Just like Latonia, Rosario started her banking career in 1994. Even though her first position was supposed to just help her get through college, she ended up falling in love with the industry. She decided to go down the leadership path, thanks to someone pulling her aside and showing her how it was a lucrative career that helped children. Dr. Vanessa's father accidentally guided her into business after telling her that the art major she was going for wasn't a good fit for the lifestyle she was accustomed to. After entering the banking industry, she saw how it was a powerful fuel for creating generational wealth. Seeing how transformative homeownership is for people, she joined leadership roles to ensure that the underrepresented population can continue to reach their dreams.   Challenges in Financial Leadership Roles as Minority Women Rosario shares how when there are shifts in the financial space, it impacts minorities in gaining homeownership. She becomes the voice of this demographic to ensure market shifts don't keep them from owning a home. Dr. Vanessa dives into how there have been many times she was sitting at a table and certain people would talk over her. She realized if she was going through this in her position, then how many other women of color were facing the same issue as her. Not wanting to keep being quiet about the issue, she decided she needed to be on the opposite side of the table to make positive changes for equality in homeownership. Latonia also faced the same difficulties as Dr. Vanessa. She shares how most women, no matter their backgrounds, often struggle with imposter syndrome. We're sitting at tables and when sharing our ideas, they often get ignored. But when someone else says the same thing, it becomes a great idea. This is why Latonia and the other two ladies are in the positions they are today: to stand up for rights and be a voice for those who are often underrepresented.   Mentors, Quotes, and Books Dr. Vanessa is passionate about reading and admires women who embody strength, vulnerability, and can lead with grace under pressure. She recommends Michelle Obama's book, "Becoming," and enjoys the quote, "Becoming is not about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain need, it's about the journey of continuous growth." Dr. Vanessa shares how the quote reflects that the process of growth is ongoing and contributes to one's identity. Latonia shares how she admires the CEO of TIAA, Thasunda Brown Duckett. She believes that Thasunda simplifies what it means to be a leader in the financial space while maintaining her authentic self. She's not afraid to share her journey with others and to help lift them up. Latonia's favorite quote from Thasunda is, "I rock my title, I own my character. My title belongs to my employer, my character is Thasunda Brown Duckett's ownable asset." Her favorite book is by Don Miguel Ruiz, "The Four Agreements," because it deeply resonates with her leadership style. Rosario doesn't have one person of admiration; instead, she celebrates every single person who is fighting and achieving their goals.   When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.   This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.

Get ready for a powerful conversation! In this month's series, I'm thrilled to host three incredible leaders: Stacy Durbin, Maria Kazakos, and Jenny Moyer.  They're here to share how their innovative approaches and unwavering dedication shape the real estate industry. Join me as I chat with these three lovely next-level powerhouses to delve into their unique challenges and learn their secret to success. Meet the Leaders Stacy Durbin, President of HomeServices, KOI, Inc. Maria Kazakos, President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty Jenny Moyer, Vice President, Network Services, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Start in Real Estate and Current Positions Stacy started her journey into real estate in 2004, after her friend’s encouragement. In 2009, she entered the corporate side of a company she was working with at the time and became a relocation director, which started her leadership career. Only being in her current role since the start of 2025, Stacy found that listening, learning, and engaging with others helped her step into it effectively and thrive in her new responsibilities. Jenny began her career after leaving her Old Navy job at 17, and her mom, who was a managing broker, invited her to become a receptionist for her company. After graduating from college, she was able to move up in her leadership positions. Stepping into the position she has now was sudden and unexpected, but eventually she came to the realization that with time and help, she would be able to overcome the challenges and excel in her new leadership capacity. After leaving the teaching profession, Maria found that real estate aligned with the goals in all areas of her life. She believed that every role she has ever had since entering the industry could be considered a leadership position. Maria began her current position nine months ago, and found that having the right team members around makes the transition seamless and fosters a supportive environment for success. Navigating Agents through Current Shifts and Challenges Stacy shares how she likes to keep her agents motivated through the current changes by evolving how they do things within the company. She provides a positive workplace to help her agents reflect on the first quarter and see how they can be successful for the rest of the year. Knowing how often the unexpected changes can disrupt the real estate field, Maria teaches her real estate agents that they have to own the outcomes. Nothing goes as planned, and as long as you’re taking the time to reflect and adapt, success will come. When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.

If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. This African proverb can describe the importance of having trusted partnerships in real estate. In today’s episode, I chat with three leading ladies: Jessica Cook, Lina King, and Susie Wright, on how they’re developing connections to help simplify the home buying process for everyone. Grab your cafecito and join us for this lovely chat on the power of collaboration. Meet The Leaders Jessica Cook, Franchise Development Manager, Home Team Inspection Service,  [email protected]. Lina King, Manager, myNHD, [email protected] Susie Wright, Senior Vice President, Business Operations, NAF Homes America, [email protected] Adapting to Industry Changes to Better Serve Clients Lina highlights how wildfires have been a major problem for her clients. To help them out, she found a tool that her agents can use to provide fire and flood zone information. This is to help her agents better serve their clients during the home buying process, so they don’t have a surprise after everything is done. Susie discusses how her industry is facing a settlement change, and to help serve her clients, she started educating herself on these recent changes. Then, once she learned about the changes, she began educating her loan officers and leadership teams to prepare them better to provide clients with information. She also states how, even though challenges are scary, when you take the time to educate yourself about them, you’ll learn how to embrace them. Jessica explains when it might be time to make changes in the organization to help adapt to industry changes and serve clients better. If one person wants to stay in a specific spot, it may keep a company from growing. Innovation With AI Technology Jessica highlights how the Home Team Inspection Service implements AI tools to enhance its inspection process. This is to help increase efficiency and expedite obtaining necessary information, allowing inspectors to verify data more quickly and accurately. For agents, they have developed an AI app to serve clients better with booking and customer support. Expanding on the theme of AI, Susie also shares its potential to create internal efficiencies and improve processes. Offering a cautionary perspective, Lina advises that when it comes to checking properties for flooding or fire zones, it’s best to ask the professionals and not AI. She knows how AI technology can help with some tasks; however, you can’t always rely on it to give you updated and correct information. Favorite Books and Quotes Lina's favorite quote: "Leaders become great not because of their power, but their ability to empower others." Jessica shared a couple of impactful quotes: "Our success is more attitude than aptitude." "If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life thinking it's stupid." Jessica's recommended read: "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Susie's go-to quote for perspective: "This too shall pass." Susie's recommended book: “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins. When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.  

With all the changes going on in the real estate industry, how can you embrace them and become an effective leader? In this episode, I chat with three leading ladies, Jaynie Atanasoff, Jan Hayse, and Katie Stephans, as they share their stories and how they are embracing these changes. Grab your cafecito and join us to get a fresh perspective on what it means to lead at the highest level. Meet The Leaders Jaynie Atanasoff, Vice President, Shared Success Center, HomeServices of America,  [email protected] Jan Hayse, President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, [email protected] Katie Stephans, Vice President, Enterprise Applications, HomeServices of America, [email protected] Becoming Real Estate Leaders Katie joined the real estate world during one of the worst years, which was in 2008. But thanks to her technology background, she was able to bring fresh ideas into the industry to help businesses grow during that time. Jaynie comes from an HR background, which helped her transition into the real estate industry effectively with a customer service mindset. Also, realizing how important feedback is during change helped her excel in her transition into her new role. Jan joined the real estate industry in 2011 after leaving the banking industry and wanting a professional career that would work around her kids’ schedule at that time. Always up for a challenge and networking with others, she was able to get outside her comfort zone to become a real estate agent. Embracing Adversity Jaynie shares her experience of when her mother developed dementia and how it helped her embrace a new perspective of change. Things happened unexpectedly, and there’s nothing you can do about it besides adapting and keeping going. Reflecting on this experience allowed her to learn how to handle tough situations professionally and get through them. Katie shares another personal experience of her struggles with infertility. You expect it would be easy to enter motherhood, but for her, it was a ten-year struggle. This showed her you always have to put one foot forward and never give up, no matter how challenging the situation is. Embracing AI technology has not always been easy for Jan, and it was even harder having to help train her team. However, by surrounding herself with other leaders, she was able to embrace the change and help her team out. Creating Space for Life One of the hardest challenges every woman faces, no matter what industry they’re in, is balancing work and personal life, especially when working from home. If you’re a Type A person, like Katie, she shares how important it is to have boundaries when it comes to spending time with family and friends. Jan shares why a morning routine can help create that “me time” that every woman needs before starting her day. It helps put you in the right mindset to tackle the work tasks at hand. Jaynie likes to be mindful of what is going on at the moment. Also, when work is done, she completely turns the computer off to enjoy fun activities like golf, being with friends, and bowling. Favorite Quotes and Book Recommendations Jan: Favorite Podcast is Feel Better Live More hosted by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. Her favorite books are Outwitting the Devil and The Wealth Blueprint by Napoleon Hill. Favorite quote “Wherever you go, there you are.”  Janie: Favorite audiobooks are Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and The Women by Kristin Hannah. Her favorite quote is “She believed she could, so she did.”  Katie: Favorite quote “just progress over perfection.” She shares how by showing up means you’re moving forward toward your goals no matter what is going on in your life. When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.

From the vault, in this episode we celebrate these powerful women—Tye Barnett, Daisy Danao, and Ashley Levin—who are driving innovation and inclusivity in the real estate industry. Grab your cafecito and join me as I dive deep into how they embody diversity, equity, and inclusion in their real estate businesses and communities. Meet The Leaders Tye Barnett: School Director & Event Planner, Harry Norman REALTORS®, [email protected] Daisy Danao: Communications Manager, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago,  [email protected] Ashley Levin: Regional Manager, Marketing Services, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS, [email protected] What Fuels Their Passion for DEI   Each of my guests shares their thoughts on how real estate intersects with social equity and housing opportunities.   Daisy’s vision for inclusivity in real estate is for every buyer to feel as though they can live anywhere they want. She believes it is the agent's responsibility to make clients feel welcome and empowered throughout the home buying process, regardless of their challenges.   Ashley emphasizes that everyone deserves a fair shot at homeownership and financial stability. She shares how real estate influences how people experience the world, grow, and evolve. Acknowledging existing housing inequalities, Ashley advocates for implementing best practices in real estate to help transform individuals’ lives and build stronger communities.   Ty highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and educating real estate professionals on unconscious biases. She explains how fostering inclusivity ensures that everyone has equal access to housing opportunities, which contributes to social equity, economic stability, and community well-being.  DEI Initiatives That Inspire The guests highlight impactful programs: Ty champions initiatives like back-to-school drives and partnerships with Ronald McDonald House. Ashley celebrates programs like autism awareness collaborations, which brought education and free housing resources to families. Daisy shares the success of neighborhood tours and cultural education to connect agents with diverse communities. Favorite Quotes and Book Recommendations   Ty shares that her favorite quote is by the late, great Maya Angelou: “When you know better, you do better.” She truly believes that when we know better and do better, we can teach others to do better. Daisy recommends the book The Indian Card by Carrie Lowery Schutpelts. The author conducts interviews and tells the story of how people from a certain Native American tribe face difficulty enrolling in their community due to government processes put in place years ago. Daisy's favorite quote is from her mom, who recites a poem called Sin of Omission: "It's not the things you do, dear. It's the things you leave undone that leave a little bit of heartache at the setting of the sun." Ashley’s favorite book is The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. Ashley finds that the book isn’t just a read but a tool that shapes how she sees the world. She also shares her favorite quote from the Vice President of Inclusion at Netflix, Verna Myers: “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.

In this monthly series, we’re celebrating these powerful women—Tye Barnett, Daisy Danao, and Ashley Levin—who are driving innovation and inclusivity in the real estate industry. Grab your cafecito and join me as I dive deep into how they embody diversity, equity, and inclusion in their real estate businesses and communities. Meet The Leaders Tye Barnett: School Director & Event Planner, Harry Norman REALTORS®, [email protected] Daisy Danao: Communications Manager, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago,  [email protected] Ashley Levin: Regional Manager, Marketing Services, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS, [email protected] What Fuels Their Passion for DEI   Each of my guests shares their thoughts on how real estate intersects with social equity and housing opportunities.   Daisy’s vision for inclusivity in real estate is for every buyer to feel as though they can live anywhere they want. She believes it is the agent's responsibility to make clients feel welcome and empowered throughout the home buying process, regardless of their challenges.   Ashley emphasizes that everyone deserves a fair shot at homeownership and financial stability. She shares how real estate influences how people experience the world, grow, and evolve. Acknowledging existing housing inequalities, Ashley advocates for implementing best practices in real estate to help transform individuals’ lives and build stronger communities.   Ty highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and educating real estate professionals on unconscious biases. She explains how fostering inclusivity ensures that everyone has equal access to housing opportunities, which contributes to social equity, economic stability, and community well-being.  DEI Initiatives That Inspire The guests highlight impactful programs: Ty champions initiatives like back-to-school drives and partnerships with Ronald McDonald House. Ashley celebrates programs like autism awareness collaborations, which brought education and free housing resources to families. Daisy shares the success of neighborhood tours and cultural education to connect agents with diverse communities. Favorite Quotes and Book Recommendations Ty shares that her favorite quote is by the late, great Maya Angelou: “When you know better, you do better.” She truly believes that when we know better and do better, we can teach others to do better. Daisy recommends the book The Indian Card by Carrie Lowery Schutpelts. The author conducts interviews and tells the story of how people from a certain Native American tribe face difficulty enrolling in their community due to government processes put in place years ago. Daisy's favorite quote is from her mom, who recites a poem called Sin of Omission: "It's not the things you do, dear. It's the things you leave undone that leave a little bit of heartache at the setting of the sun." Ashley’s favorite book is The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. Ashley finds that the book isn’t just a read but a tool that shapes how she sees the world. She also shares her favorite quote from the Vice President of Inclusion at Netflix, Verna Myers: “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.

What does it take to lead with purpose in a globalized world? Join me in this episode as I chat with three extraordinary real estate entrepreneurs as we explore the answer to this question and more. Together, they share their journeys, leadership philosophies, and insights on navigating the complexities of international markets.   Meet The Leaders Vivian Gallego-Mendez: Vice President and Managing Broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty in Key Biscayne, Florida.   Laura Obagi: Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.   Marina Rizzotto: CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Palazzo Estate in Italy.   Redefining Leadership Across Cultures What does leadership mean to you? These ladies redefine it by focusing on mentorship, cultural adaptability, and inclusivity.  Vivian talks about the value of innovation and integrity, while Marina highlights how building trust is key in Italy’s unique market. You’ll walk away with new ideas for your leadership journey. Overcoming Challenges as Women Leaders Have you faced hurdles in your career? My lovely guests open up about their struggles in male-dominated fields and share how they persevered with resilience, community support, and mentorship. Their experiences will remind you that challenges are stepping stones to growth. The Role of Technology in Real Estate Are you making the most of today’s tech tools? The panel dives into how AI, WhatsApp, and global marketing strategies are transforming real estate.  You’ll gain insights into how these tools can help you communicate better and connect globally. Favorite Podcasts and Books Marina & Laura: ”Women at Work”  , “How I Built This”  Vivian: Attitude 101 by John Maxwell When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.

When starting a business, especially in the real estate industry, it’s helpful to hear stories and learn from others who have already done it. In this episode, I chat with three Latina leaders in real estate who share their experiences and insights into the industry. Grab your cafecito and get inspired by these remarkable ladies. Meet the Leaders Rebecca Gallardo - 2008 NAHREP National President, [email protected] Nuria Rivera - 2023 NAHREP President and 2024 NAHREP CBOG Co-Chair, [email protected] Oralia Herrera - NAHREP President-Elect 2025, [email protected]  Leadership and Volunteerism Leadership and a willingness to empower others go hand in hand in the real estate industry. Networking for support can help you overcome challenges you may face as an agent. If you’re struggling to find support, consider joining organizations like NAHREP. Rebecca emphasizes that having genuine intentions and supporting your community lead to reciprocal benefits, while Nuria highlights the importance of consistent commitment without expecting anything in return. Inspiring Stories and Influences Oralia: Credited her mother's resilience and work ethic for shaping her leadership qualities. She emphasizes empathy, strength, and optimism. Rebecca: Drew influence from her Latina mother and political interests from her father. She also acknowledges mentorship from Blanca Alvarado, San Jose’s first Latina city councilwoman. Nuria: Inspired by her family’s kindness and entrepreneurial spirit, Nuria shares how she transitioned from an employee to starting her own title company with support from NARA and programs like Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (LBAN). Book Recommendations Oralia: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell Nuria: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Built to Last by Jim Collins Rebecca: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're celebrating by highlighting the inspiring stories of strong Latinas. In this episode, I sit down with three incredible women to discuss their journeys in real estate and mortgage, along with their dedicated service to the Latino community. Grab your cafecito and listen to this special edition of Women Who Lead! Meet The Leaders Patricia Boezio - Former Honorary Consul of Ecuador; Georgia, Branch Manager, American Pacific Mortgage. Susan Mendez - Special Projects and Events Manager, Long Realty. Laura Vazquez - REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty & Perrie Mundy Realty Group. Navigating Challenges as Minorities Being a latina brings more challenges for a minority in a male-dominated industry. Patricia shares her journey as a double minority and highlights the skepticism she faced.  Those whose first language isn’t English knows the struggles of trying to communicate with others in this country. Laura discusses her language challenges despite being a second-generation American and how she overcame them.  Susan recalls the initial undervaluation of women's contributions but underscores the value of bilingual communication in gaining trust within the Latino community. Importance of Mentorship and Community Mentorship provides a safe space to help you grow and learn without being harshly judged. Each of my guests share how mentorship has helped them within the profession.  Patricia, Susan, and Laura share how mentorship has played pivotal roles in their careers, providing support and encouragement during challenging times. Patricia Boezio appreciates multi-generational panel discussions for the wealth of wisdom they bring. Favorite Quotes & Words of Wisdom Patricia - "Love has no borders or barriers. It is the feeling that unites hearts" Laura's advice is for listeners to set clear goals for themselves and make a vision for yourselves. When you do this  Susan shares that her favorite podcast is this one (Women Who Lead), another reason why you should tune in. She enjoys listening to these sessions because they offer valuable lessons from others that can be applied to both your personal and professional life. When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.