50th Anniversary
Women’s Division Throwback Brunch
by Iris Krause
O
n Wednesday, April 18,
recognized female leaders
in the multifamily industry
presented to over 300
attendees at the Women’s Division
Throwback Brunch.
Keynote speaker and panel moderator
Carolyn Strauss kicked off the event
with an empowering speech on how to
structure your time and your priorities to
effectively manage your responsibilities.
Strauss also revealed strategies on how to
make yourself invaluable.
FEMALE LEADERS IN THE INDUSTRY
Sharon O’Connell (Simpson Property
Group), Stephanie Brock (U.S. Residential
Group), Judy Blaes (Echelon Property
Group) and Mary Wessler (ConAm
Colorado) presented about various topics
regarding women in the multifamily
industry. All four joined the industry by
coincidence and realized a few years into
their careers what a great career it was.
They took the attendees on a journey
through the last several decades on how
the industry and the role of women had
changed from an industry run by men,
especially in management positions, to
today where leadership roles are occupied
by women.
TODAY’S CHALLENGES
Wessler, Brock, Blaes and O’Connell
also gave insight into the challenges female
leaders are still facing, such as finding the
balance between personal demands and
the drive to be in the profes sional world.
The obstacle is not anymore that women
are perceived as not being intelligent or
passionate enough to have a career, but to
personally find harmony between the two.
They feel everyone should take the time to
see their children grow up but must find
ways to create a work-life balance.
YOUR OPPORTUNITY IS WHAT YOU
MAKE IT!
The panel encouraged everyone
starting new into the multifamily
industry to recognize the industry
has opportunities for everyone to be
successful, in every sort of business
environment. They, as leaders, are
recognizing talent and appreciate people
that have not job hopped too much.
They recommend being patient and
hanging in there when it gets tough!
“The work field is wide open as long
as you come with the right attitude. Take
your time and be very wise about the
changes you make in your career because
they will follow you. Always be graceful
because the industry is very small, and
your reputation is your trademark.”
Carolyn Strauss, Sharon O'Connell, Stephanie Brock, Judy Blaes & Mary Wessler
www.aamdhq.org
FEBRUARY
MAY 2018
2018 • TRENDS | 35