Maranda’s journey into real estate is a testament to the unpredictability of career paths. Initially drawn into the field by the practicality of a college student needing a rental discount, she found her calling in the interactions and connections formed with residents. Her ascent to the role of Chief Investment Officer at Vesta Realty was fueled by seizing every opportunity, a testament to the belief and support from the company’s CEO, Marc. Maranda’s story underscores the importance of openness to new experiences and the power of believing in one’s potential.
Leadership for Maranda is a hands-on and personal affair. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and connecting with her team on a deeper level, believing in leading by example and treating others with the respect and empathy they deserve. Her approach is guided by intuition, empathy, understanding, and experience, showcasing a leadership style that is both inclusive and effective. To young women aspiring to leadership roles, Maranda offers invaluable advice: radiate confidence, embrace risks, and believe in your worth. Her journey highlights the importance of self-affirmation and the courage to stand tall in the face of doubt or discrimination. Maranda’s message is clear: believe in yourself, and others will too. Empowerment and uplifting other women are central to Maranda’s ethos. By sharing her experiences and listening to the stories of other women, she fosters an environment of growth and mutual respect. Her leadership not only paves the way for her own success but also inspires and propels the women around her to exceed their own expectations. Maranda’s leadership philosophy is influenced by key readings and personal development practices. Books like “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz and “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod have shaped her approach to life and leadership, emphasizing integrity, self-improvement, and the power of daily rituals.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Maranda Morales stands as a beacon of leadership, resilience, and empowerment. Her journey from an uncertain college student to a pivotal leader at Vesta Realty is a narrative of growth, learning, and the unwavering belief in one’s ability to lead and inspire. Through her story, we’re reminded of the impact one individual can have on a company, an industry, and the countless women who look up to her as a model of success and leadership.
Misty’s career trajectory is a testament to the unexpected turns life can take, leading us to our true calling. After a decade in retail leadership, a chance encounter with a fellow motorcycle enthusiast led her to an opportunity in the multi-family sector. This transition marked the beginning of an enriching journey in real estate, where she leveraged her experiences and skills across various roles, culminating in her current position at Vesta. Her story highlights the importance of remaining open to new opportunities and the value of friendships and networks in professional growth. Misty approaches leadership with a commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and authenticity. She believes in understanding and valuing each team member’s unique journey, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. By sharing her own experiences, including the challenges and mistakes along the way, Misty encourages a transparent environment where learning from failures is not just accepted but celebrated. Her leadership philosophy underscores the significance of authenticity in building strong, cohesive teams. For young women aiming for leadership roles, Misty emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, assertiveness, and the cultivation of supportive networks. She advocates for speaking up, contributing actively, and utilizing assertive communication to ensure one’s ideas are heard and respected. Misty’s advice reflects her belief in the power of self-belief and the critical role of mentorship and peer support in overcoming challenges.
Misty is dedicated to empowering women in real estate, actively celebrating their achievements and fostering a network of support. She recognizes the impact of acknowledgment and encouragement in driving progress and building confidence among women in the industry. Through her actions, Misty exemplifies the importance of solidarity and mutual support in creating a more inclusive and equitable professional environment. Misty credits much of her leadership inspiration to the works of Brené Brown. She has a profound admiration for Brown’s exploration of courage, and leadership. Misty shares, “Anything by Brené Brown truly resonates with me. I love listening to her insights, diving into her books, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing her speak at a couple of conferences.”
Camille was drawn to real estate and specifically to human resources by a compelling desire to understand and nurture the human aspect within the workplace. Recognizing the profound impact that effective HR practices can have on employees and the success of the company, she embarked on the challenge of establishing Vesta’s first Human Resources department. Her mission was clear: to address workplace challenges, contribute strategically to the organization, and cultivate a positive culture that recognizes the unique needs of every individual.
At the heart of Camille’s leadership style is a deep-seated empathy and an unwavering commitment to understanding the perspectives of her team members. She fosters an environment where collaboration is not just encouraged but is a standard practice. With an open-door policy and a flexible mindset, Camille views challenges as opportunities for growth and insists on integrity and ethics in every decision made. Celebrating achievements, big or small, is crucial for her to maintain a motivated and positive workplace.
Camille’s advice to young women eyeing leadership roles is profound yet practical: cultivate confidence, be proactive in learning and networking, and never underestimate the power of mentorship and professional development. She stresses the importance of embracing challenges, advocating for oneself, and maintaining resilience. Communication and assertiveness, coupled with empathy, are key skills she believes every aspiring leader should develop.
Dedicated to empowering women, Camille has implemented several initiatives at Vesta to ensure a supportive and equitable environment. From professional development programs and paid maternity leave to training aimed at eliminating unconscious bias and discrimination, her efforts are designed to provide equal opportunities for all employees. By promoting gender diversity actively, Camille is not just talking the talk but walking the walk.
Camille credits her leadership approach to a mix of resources and experiences, including online courses, research articles from SHRM, networking opportunities, and insights from mentors. She highlights the value of continuous learning and the influence of diverse perspectives gained through professional development conferences and collaborations.
As we spotlight Camille’s achievements and contributions to Vesta Realty and beyond, her story stands as a beacon of inspiration for not only women in HR but for all professionals striving to make a meaningful impact in their industries. Her journey beautifully illustrates how leadership, when anchored in empathy, learning, and empowerment, can transform organizations and pave the way for future generations of women leaders.
Luisa’s entry into the world of real estate and marketing was serendipitous, blending her academic journey with her first taste of the industry as a community assistant in student housing. It was here that she discovered her passion for engaging with clients and the creative challenge of marketing in the real estate sector. Her enthusiasm for the field is rooted in the joy of using creativity to solve problems and the satisfaction of enhancing a property’s presence in the market. Luisa thrives on the dynamic nature of real estate marketing, where strategic thinking and creative problem-solving lead to tangible success. Luisa embodies a leadership style that values teamwork, diversity of thought, and open communication. She believes in the power of collaborative problem-solving and leverages data and market insights to drive strategic decisions. Her adaptability and commitment to continuous learning keep her team at the forefront of industry trends. By fostering a culture of curiosity and shared goals, Luisa ensures that her team is not only achieving current objectives but is also geared for future successes.
To young women eyeing leadership roles, Luisa emphasizes the importance of resilience, confidence, and the pursuit of continuous learning. She encourages embracing challenges as growth opportunities and staying informed to remain adaptable and innovative. Luisa’s journey underscores that leadership is about making an impact and fostering an environment where everyone, including oneself, can thrive. Luisa is committed to creating a supportive environment for women, promoting a culture of positive feedback, open communication, and recognition. She believes in sharing experiences to build a community of empowered women who feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential. By leading with integrity, resilience, and empathy, Luisa aims to inspire other women to pursue their leadership aspirations confidently.
Among the resources that have shaped her leadership philosophy, Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead” stands out. The book, complemented by Brown’s podcast, has inspired Luisa with its exploration of vulnerability, courage, and authentic leadership. Embracing these principles has challenged Luisa to lead with vulnerability and courage, fostering a leadership style that values empathy, connection, and continuous self-improvement.
