How important is it to have a mentor to grow as a leader?What are some steps to build that type of relationship? I think having a mentor is so critical to take your development to the next level. Find someone who shares your values, is in a position that you are hoping to be in, or has been where you are, and most importantly, that has the time. I think the mentor/mentee relationship should go both ways where both are learning from each other and I think it’s important to know that some mentors will only last a season and that as you evolve, so will your needs. If you don’t have a mentor, it’s also important just to find “your people”. Like-minded individuals that you can stay connected to, share experiences and perspectives with, and lean on/learn from outside of work. What makes you feel the most alive either at work or in your personal life? I am someone who thrives from giving, problem-solving, making an impact, and being able to bring joy to others. This shows up in so many ways personally and professionally for me that it is hard to focus on just one. But I believe that if what I am doing (or saying) changes just one person’s life or makes it just a little better or easier, then that’s something to be proud of and it inspires me to give and do even more. What is your most meaningful accomplishment during your career? Why does it mean so much to you? Developing people and teams, hands down. It inspires me to be better and to work harder but the best part. The most rewarding part is being able to see the transformation. There are a few people I managed that started with me as interns and are now Sr. HR Managers and it brings so much joy and emotion to me to know that I was a part of that journey for them. What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women that follow you? Finding their voice and not being afraid to use it and speak up for themselves. Also, being able to find and stay true to themselves in a world where everything and everyone is being compared and judged against certain expectations. I would like to see more women building each other up instead of trying to one-up each other. There’s a lot of power we could tap into if we leaned into that just a little bit more and I don’t think we have to wait for the next generation to start.
How do you balance your career, personal life, and passions? Is there such a thing as balance? I always promise myself that I will not carry any energy frommy workday over into my personal life and vice versa. It is very important to be authentic and present in the moment, allowing myself to have those days in each part of my life where I either “don’t feel it” or to feel like I am knocking it out of the park and not allowing it to affect each other. I work every day to preserve this balance and sometimes I falter, but it is important to keep everything separate.
Heather Martinez Community Manager
What advice would you give women just starting in their career in property management? Be genuine. Remember that you are there to help people and the best thing to do is be yourself.
How do you balance your career, personal life, and passions? Is there such a thing as balance? In our industry, balance is the most important thing! Making lists is the best thing I can recommend whether it be daily, monthly, or yearly to track daily and yearlong targets and goals.
Where will we find you on a Saturday at 10:00 am? Ready to lease and start the weekend here at my office!
How important is it to have amentor to grow as a leader? What are some steps to build that type of relationship? Super important! My first manager is the reason I was promoted from a Leasing Agent to an Assistant Manager. I have had many mentors both in my career and personal life. It’s important to know that you cannot do things alone! Building a rapport, gathering the interest of your ideals and goals in the workplace, but also having a friend to listen to is the first step and growing together in the good days and hard days! It’s having the trust to say, I don’t know how to do this and what advice can you give me?
MiKaylee Lewis Community Manager
Tanya Papazian Community Manager
Where will we find you on a Saturday at 10:00 am? You can find me on the couch with my cat, my husband, and our 9-year-old watching Netflix. We also like to get out and try new restaurants or check out new places. Now and then, we like to take family weekend trips to themountains or the beach. No matter where we go or what we do, the perfect Saturday for me is spending time with my family. What advice would you give women just starting in their career in property management? I would tell any woman starting in property management that there is no limit to what you can accomplish in this industry. Constantly seek growth opportunities even if you think you are not ready or if it makes you uncomfortable. Comfortability and growth rarely go hand-in-hand, so if you are hesitating to accept that new position or new opportunity because you feel as though you are not completely ready for the challenge, go for it! You never know where that might lead you.
Is there a particular female leader who inspires you or that you look up to? Why? The female leader I look up to would be my daughter, Saphire, who will be turning 14 on the 23rd of March. She inspires me as a single parent to get up and embrace what each day has to offer. She has shown me what the true definition of grit means. What advice would you give women just starting in their career in property management? The advice I would give to someone starting their career in property management would be to stay positive and be patient. It takes a special person to manage where others call home.
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