鈥痀ou see, property management wasn鈥檛 something I planned to get into. I kind of just fell into it. But once I was in, I realized it wasn鈥檛 just a job for me - it was something I was truly passionate about. And back then, very few people even considered this a real profession, and I took that on as a challenge to change this perception. I鈥檝e spent years advocating not just for excellence, but for the constant elevation of this profession. Property management changed my life, both professionally and personally, and because of that, I made it a commitment to give back. I didn鈥檛 want others falling into this career like I did. I wanted them to choose it, to see its value from the start, the way we choose our paths early in school.
鈥疞ast year, though, I hit a rough patch where I started questioning myself. I was being told to go against what I had learned and worked so hard to maintain, and it really got to me. I started doubting my expertise and wondering if I was still on the right path. But then something happened; an industry colleague, Waqar Hasan, CPM庐, invited me to a training session in December 2023 for an ARM庐 (Accredited Residential Manager) course. At first, I didn鈥檛 think much of it. I was just going to support him, but little did I know it would be the turning point I needed. I attended the ARM庐 and ethics course, and suddenly everything clicked again. It was like a wave of validation washed over me. All the years of hard work, the dedication, everything I thought I was doing right-it was right. I realized then that no one else could define what I believed in. That was such a huge relief and a moment of clarity for me.
Fast forward to April 2024. I attended an event where I met an incredible woman, Leah Misbin, Senior Director of International Programs at 乐竞体育赛事直播庐 (Institute of Real Estate Management). We were in a group conversation when someone mentioned they were having issues with a tenant. Naturally, the property manager in me kicked in, and I started giving advice on how to handle it according to the law. Leah was watching me, and afterward, she said, "Wow, you really know your stuff!" Of course, I smiled and said, "Well, property management is my life. I've been doing this for over 12 years!" That鈥檚 when I told her something I鈥檝e always believed: If you want something, you鈥檝e got to ask for it. So I shared my dream of teaching property management on a larger scale, and Leah opened the doors for me to pursue it.
鈥疎ver since I crossed paths with Leah, I became curious about 乐竞体育赛事直播. Intrigued, I started looking into what the organization is all about and I found that it was a community of passionate professionals united by a common goal dedicated to learning, development, and elevating excellence in real estate management.鈥�
And with every piece of information I uncovered, the stronger my connection to 乐竞体育赛事直播 became. I felt an almost irresistible urge to be a part of this inspiring network, where knowledge is shared, and growth is not just encouraged but celebrated!
Then came the moment that would change everything, I attended a virtual 乐竞体育赛事直播 conference in the UAE. It was there that I discovered an upcoming Global Summit, and I just knew I had to be there. It felt like the universe was nudging me in that direction!鈥�
Now, getting to the 乐竞体育赛事直播 Global Summit was a whole other adventure. The visa situation wasn't looking good at all鈥攅veryone was telling me it would be very challenging to get it within a few months. But whenever someone tells me I 鈥渃an鈥檛鈥� do something, all I hear is 鈥渃hallenge accepted!鈥� So, after a lot of effort (and what felt like selling a kidney!), I finally got my visa. Just when I was ready to buy my flight and attend the summit, I found out the two UAE Global Summit tickets were already allocated. But you know what? I wasn鈥檛 going to let that stop me and I was ready to buy. 乐竞体育赛事直播 told me to hold on, and sure enough, the universe had my back. A ticket became available, and I was on my way!
鈥疧f course, since it was my first trip to the US, I had to make one childhood dream come true before the Summit. I flew to Chicago to visit the iconic 鈥淗ome Alone鈥� house and live out my dream of being Kevin McCallister for a day. Little鈥疉ureen鈥痺as absolutely in her element! It was a reminder to hold onto your dreams, no matter how small or silly they may seem. Naturally, I did all the touristy things too, including a stop at the world鈥檚 largest Starbucks. My sunglasses were stolen within seconds! But in true adventure spirit, I took it as a lesson: always hold tight to your dreams and your belongings!
鈥疉fter that, I flew to Indianapolis for the Summit, not expecting much, just ready to learn and observe. But what I found there was more than I could have ever imagined. I was blown!! The people I met, the warmth, the kindness, the diversity - it was like I had found my tribe.
鈥疐rom day one, I was welcomed with open arms! One of the most memorable moments was the diversity and inclusion panel. The diversity and inclusion panel resonated deeply with me, especially Samantha Thornton鈥檚 heartfelt authenticity. Every speaker, every interaction, reinforced my belief in the power of community and connection. She was so authentic, raw, and kind. It felt like she was speaking directly to my heart.
鈥疶here were some other incredible moments, like meeting Shannon Alter, who I鈥檇 only seen on LinkedIn and on her book cover, and it was like stepping into a storybook meeting her in person. She was every bit as inspiring in person as I had imagined. And then Barry Blanton, who I had no idea was an 乐竞体育赛事直播 past president. But he was so down-to-earth that I felt like I could be my true, silly, authentic self. By that time, it was time for the Premier party where the whole experience was amazing. The networking, the learning, the fun鈥擨 even lost my voice from all the dancing and questionable singing!
鈥疧n day two, I faced an important interview. I was nervous, but I knew I had to do it right by 乐竞体育赛事直播. Even with my lost voice, I gave it my all. That same day, I attended Shannon Alter鈥檚 session on skill improvement鈥攊t was engaging, informative, and exactly what I needed. Later, at the women鈥檚 leadership lunch, I arrived fashionably late but was greeted with warmth and kindness. Samantha Thornton even complimented my accent鈥攁 trait I鈥檇 once been teased about, now turned into a moment of pride. Connecting with strong, like-minded women was empowering, reminding me why I love this industry.
鈥疶he next day, the Governance meeting became a moment I will never forget. I witnessed the UAE chapter鈥檚 approval by 乐竞体育赛事直播鈥攁n achievement that left me feeling deeply proud. It was a milestone that validated everything I鈥檝e worked for in property management and my belief in the power of the 乐竞体育赛事直播 community.
鈥疊y the end of the Summit, I was filled with gratitude. The 乐竞体育赛事直播 Global Summit wasn鈥檛 just an event for me, it was a validation of everything I鈥檝e worked for, and it鈥檚 only the beginning.
鈥疶his whole journey has been about finding my voice, standing tall in what I believe, and a reminder that no matter the challenges, I鈥檓 exactly where I鈥檓 meant to be. This journey has taught me to trust myself, to hold tight to my dreams, and to never let anyone else define my path. From attending the 乐竞体育赛事直播 Global Summit to standing proud as the UAE chapter was approved by 乐竞体育赛事直播, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and pride. I can鈥檛 wait to continue growing and helping others find their path in property management, just like 乐竞体育赛事直播 helped me rediscover mine.
And yes, my trip didn鈥檛 end there. I had to do part two of鈥疕ome Alone鈥攕o, of course, I flew to New York to relive the sequel!