Shelby finally felt the time was right. The political climate was shifting, immigration was under fire, and DACA was being challenged. Representation mattered more than ever, and she wanted to be a voice for those who rarely see themselves reflected in commercial real estate.
A global foundation
With roots in both El Salvador and Iran, her story is unique and often misunderstood. “When people hear ‘Iran,� they think terrorist,� she says. “When they hear ‘El Salvador,� they think MS-13. Why not try to bring some awareness that minorities can also make a difference in the industry?� Shelby’s presence in property management defies those assumptions, and she carries her heritage with both pride and purpose.
Her introduction to real estate wasn’t planned; it came through family. Her late father, an Iranian immigrant, started a janitorial company after fleeing the Iranian revolution in 1979 and coming to the United States to attend college. Upon landing in Houston, he built A to Z Maintenance, a successful commercial cleaning business, and started bringing his daughter to work from an early age. “He’d say, ‘This is what the ladies in the office do. You’re going to school for this. You’re going to do it.’� That’s how she landed her first job as an assistant property manager for one of his clients working in a Class B office building. She didn’t find real estate - real estate found her.
Narrowing the focus
Over the next eight years, she built a solid career in property management, with a focus on managing office assets. That environment quickly became her favorite. “Office gives you such a comprehensive education,� she explained. “You learn leasing, manage service contracts, deal with tenant improvements, and build face-to-face relationships. You become part of people’s lives. You see their kids, you say hi in the elevator. You’re present.�
Later, she transitioned to industrial and retail properties, which proved less fulfilling. These types of properties operate differently; tenants are often responsible for everything except roofs, landscaping, and concrete, which shifts the property manager’s role to more of a lease interpreter than a proactive decision-maker. “You’re not on-site, so the relationships aren’t there. You only hear from tenants when something goes wrong. It felt cold. I missed office.�
Lifelong learning
Her father, who passed away recently, remains a guiding force in her journey. “He was my biggest cheerleader,� she said. “I’d call him with work drama, and he’d say, ‘You’re basically an adult babysitter. Grown-ups throw tantrums, too.’� He understood the industry because he had worked closely with property managers for decades and often shared the tricks and tools he picked up along the way. Ironically, one of his clients was Lizette Negrin, the very woman who would become such a crucial mentor later in her life.
When her father passed, Lizette was there to lean on. “She has a rare emotional intelligence,� she says. “She doesn’t gatekeep. She shares everything she knows.� That spirit of generosity shaped her own approach to leadership. “Lizette believes we have a responsibility to teach others. I’ve taken that to heart. I share what I know with my assistants, and I learn from them, too. Even if they’re new. Even if they haven’t been in the industry long. Especially now, with how fast things are changing.� She looks back at some colleagues she was lucky to work with - seeing how far they’ve come now is heartwarming and motivating to continue to teach others.
The future is here
Shelby believes technology, particularly AI, will transform property management, automating repetitive tasks and freeing up time for managers to focus on deeper knowledge and human connection. “We’ll get to know our buildings better. We’ll have time to really understand engineering systems. And we’ll build stronger relationships.�
Though the future of the industry is still unfolding, she knows her place in it is secure, thanks to adopting her father’s work ethic, mentorship, and her own commitment to breaking barriers. What started out as an opportunity has turned into a lifelong career.