In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked some of MAR’s past female presidents their insights on leadership, making change, and the path forward.
Linda Rogers, 2020 MAR President
What motivated you to step up and become a leader at MAR?
“I’ve enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as an agent and now manager and felt it was my time to give back to the industry which has been my calling and passion since day one. I felt with years of real estate knowledge under my belt and a real estate business background, I could contribute and help the Association focus forward and work through today’s industry changes and challenges .In addition, a good friend who has been very involved in the Association for many years, suggested I become more involved. Her influence was strong, and I took her advice. The rest, as they say, is history.”
How can women support other women in real estate and in their organizations?
I’d love to see more attention focused on this subject. Women who are now in leadership roles, need to identify future leaders. Approach someone who you think would be an excellent candidate as a future leader. Talk to them about leadership, help nurture their path. Many times, those individuals have never even thought about it. Plant the seed. Then watch that person learn and grow and become a leader in our industry. I know it works.. it happened to me.
Emily Green, 2014 MAR President
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your tenure as President?
I believe my time as president opened up a greater dialogue amongst the board of directors where we shed a lot of the old formalities that weren’t serving us. For example, we had some big issues to deal with where we needed to have deeper discussions and listen more to each other. We made a point to invite voices to the table who weren’t there previously or who were not being heard. We became closer and as a result more effective, and more connected. This didn’t happen overnight but when I look at where we are today I can see the strength of our association has grown exponentially.
What are the benefits to having women in leadership?
I just heard a presentation from Frank Luntz, a national pollster who shared a recent poll of the nation on what they valued most. Men valued money and women valued time. When we have diversity in leadership, it isn’t about their demographic profile it is about their perspective and when we can have a complete representation of perspectives, we are unstoppable.
Judy Shields 2016 MAR President
How do you encourage women to not give up on the path to leadership?
Communication and coaching; I am constantly promoting involvement on all levels of our industry.
How can women support other women in real estate and in their organizations?
Be available!!!
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t be afraid of hard work but know that this industry is not for the faint of heart. This is hard work that pays off if you give it your all!
Denise Mazone, 2022 MAR President
MAR has made history with electing you as the first Black President – which also makes you the first Black female President. How do you hope this helps other Black females look at what’s possible in their careers?
Black women are historically very resilient, we have overcome so many obstacles in life with work, home and the demands of society. We all stand on the shoulders of somebody else, I hope, but I don’t expect that this accomplishment continues to be an example of what hard work can accomplish. I’m proud to be the first for MAR but I am also excited about the next Black woman to lead the organization. Then I will know we are really moving in the right direction by continuing to normalize sharing the power of leadership roles in the organization.
What advice do you have for others in pushing past adversity to reach their full potential?
Keep pushing! Keep your eye on the prize and continue to encourage others around you.
What are your hopes for MAR during your term as President?
I am hoping to bridge the homeownership gap in the Black community. I want to inspire other Realtors of color to be in this chair but it’s also important that they are represented in all areas of leadership. We have to continue to build the pathways for each other.