Women Influencers

In this episode, I spoke with Charlotte Ustler, Principal at Ustler Development, whose passion for thoughtful city-building is rooted in her upbringing. Raised by a father who was a regional urban planner and a mother who led grantmaking for the Dr. Phillips Foundation, Charlotte was immersed in conversations about responsible development and community impact from a young age. That foundation led her to pursue a career in commercial real estate, beginning at just 18 years old. Her journey included 14 years at Kimco Realty, the nation’s largest owner of neighborhood shopping centers, where she managed multi-state portfolios and honed her sk...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Heather Konopka, CCIM, a commercial real estate leader whose journey from extreme hardship to professional success is nothing short of extraordinary. As a child, Heather grew up in poverty, unaware of just how difficult her circumstances were—scavenging for clothes, caring for her father with alcohol addiction issues, and becoming self-reliant at an early age. That upbringing sparked a fierce determination to break the cycle, leading her to become an entrepreneur by age 10 and later, the first in her family to attend college.

Heather shares how her path led he...

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Cindy Carrillo asked how I've embraced change in my life.

Josie Legido Correa asked what other career I would have done if I wasn't in Commercial Real Estate.

Michelle Fraser asked what advice I would give my younger self.

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In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Diane Allen, concertmaster, violinist, TEDx speaker, and best-selling author of Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do. Diane shares how a childhood moment at a Cleveland symphony ignited her passion for the violin—a passion that evolved into a career not just in music but in helping others access their “flow state,” a neurological state that fuels joy, purpose, and peak performance.

Diane opens up about the challenges she faced, including performance anxiety, personal burnout, and caring for her mother with Alzheimer's while raising a rebellious teenager. These moment...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Hensley, the remarkable founder and CEO of Nifty Gift Package Company, the number one mobile gift-wrapping service in the country. Michelle’s journey is one of incredible faith, resilience, and reinvention. From being a young widow and stay-at-home mom to wrapping gifts for the Kardashians, the White House, and leading celebrities, she is a shining example of what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance.

Michelle shared how, after losing her husband to cancer at age 50, she had to completely rebuild her life. What bega...

This week on Women Influencers I spoke with Laura G. Patac, who grew up in communist Romania and transformed from a shy math student into a powerful storyteller and leader. Laura discovered her creative voice through poetry and journaling during a difficult time in her youth, which helped her express emotions and connect with others.

After Romania’s shift to capitalism, Laura joined corporate American companies as they moved into Romania during her 20s, building a 25-year global career across five continents. She overcame challenges like speaking up and language barriers by combining her love of storytelling wi...

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Natasha Falconi asked what encouraged me to begin investing in Commercial Real Estate.

Janet Perez Eckles asked what has happened in my life that could have set me back but instead kept me going forward with more passion.

Candis Pressley, CCIM asked how I stay motivated.

In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Karina Garcia, Vice President of Gain Properties. They are a family office managing 17 retail assets in South Florida, and looking to expand. Karina shares her journey growing up in a real estate family in Miami, where visits to shopping centers with her family sparked her early interest in the business. She reflects on being educated locally and how, together with her sister, they have successfully transitioned the family business into the next generation.

Karina talks about the challenges of working with family, emphasizing the importance of clearly...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, an executive and leadership coach, writer, and public speaker. Sylvia shares her journey from growing up in Munich to becoming a leadership expert. She reflects on her childhood where she demonstrated creativity and a deep connection to purpose, which was influenced by her parents' focus on service and making a difference in the world. Sylvia talks about how her early experiences in spirituality and psychology shaped her career path and her decision to study political science and law at university.

She then shares her transition...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Dolly Elizondo, a single mom, former educator, and now a highly successful real estate developer in her hometown of Mission, Texas. Dolly’s journey into commercial real estate began after a life-changing divorce, when she transitioned from a stable career in education to a part-time job in real estate. That bold move would eventually lead her to become a top-producing agent, a CCIM designee, and a self-made developer with over 17 projects under her belt.

Dolly shares how she went from selling land to leading development projects, all wh...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Tinna Jackson, Executive Coach, Consultant, Author, and Founder of Jackson Consulting Group, whose story is a powerful journey of resilience, self-discovery, and leadership. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Tinna grew up in a close-knit Filipino and African-American family where faith, creativity, and structure were central values. Those early lessons would go on to shape her entire approach to leadership and life.

While Tinna had studied cosmetology and was looking into opening a hair salon, she got a job at a Law Firm with a lobbying practice...

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Denise Berry asked how I balance travel, podcasting, and Real Estate.

Ruby Zetino asked how I define success.

Kortney Ross asked me why I think diversity is important for business owners.

Watch to find out how...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Jessica Aksu, Principal at T&G Constructors, whose story is rooted in resilience, transformation, and strength. Born and raised in Central Florida, Jessica is the daughter of a Turkish father and American mother, and is the first woman on her father’s side to read and write — a powerful legacy that’s shaped her identity and leadership journey. But her path to the top wasn’t without heartbreak. In 2018, Jessica lost her husband in a tragic accident caused by a drunk driver, a moment that forever changed her life.

Aft...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Stephen Bittel, the founder of Terranova, an opportunistic alternative investment firm with a core focus on U.S. real estate. Stephen shares his journey from his humble beginnings in Miami to becoming the Chairman & Founder of a billion dollar corporation. He talks about his time at Bowdoin College, where he developed a strong work ethic that would shape his entrepreneurial success. After a year in Europe studying foreign investment, Stephen studied Law at the University of Miami while working full time at a Commercial Real Estate Firm. When he...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Arleen Garza, co-founder of REEP Equity, a multi-family investment firm based in San Antonio, Texas. Arleen grew up in a large family in West Texas, where she learned early on the value of hard work and leadership. With a passion for finance, she pursued a degree in the field and began her career in banking. After 20 years in the banking industry, Arleen and her husband transitioned into real estate, starting their business with just 24 units. Today, REEP Equity has grown to manage over $750 million in assets with nearly 6,000 units.<...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Mia-Belle Berrios, the head coach of the girls' wrestling team at Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee, Florida. Mia's journey into the male-dominated world of wrestling began at a young age when she fell in love with the sport after watching the Ultimate Fighter Championship with her stepdad. She quickly realized her passion for wrestling, winning 3 Florida State Championships and earning both Academic and Athletic scholarships to wrestle at the University of the Cumberlands. After her competitive years, Mia transitioned into coaching, returning to her high school roots to guide...

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Tiffany Curry asked how I've been able to overcome the challenges associated with entering a male dominated industry like Commercial Real Estate.

Allison Weis asked how I deal with uncertainty as an entrepreneur.

Monica Cataluña Shand, CCIM asked what my b...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I speak with Sandy Tush, Executive in Residence at Milestone Leadership, about her journey in leadership development. Sandy grew up on a Kansas farm and initially pursued engineering at Kansas State University. After shifting her focus to computer science and math education, she became a full-time faculty member at Tulsa Community College. Eventually, her career led her to Walmart, where she discovered her passion for leadership development, which led to her co-founding Milestone Leadership.

Sandy takes pride in influencing hiring practices and using a data-driven approach to align candidates’ skills and as...

In this week’s phenomenal episode of Women Influencers, I speak with Jenny Fielding, founder and investor at Everywhere Ventures and author of Venture Everywhere. Jenny shares her unconventional journey from law school and banking to becoming an "accidental entrepreneur" and venture capitalist. She started her first company in 2007, driven by a desire to solve a problem rather than build a startup. That venture grew into a thriving business, launching her into the world of entrepreneurship and, eventually, investing in early-stage tech companies worldwide.

Jenny's investment philosophy is shaped by her global perspective and belief that innovation is...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I had the pleasure of interviewing Siew Ting Foo, Asia's most influential and purposeful CMO. Siew Ting is a global Fortune 100 executive and a leader in human-centric transformational growth. She shares her journey from growing up in Singapore in a family that valued education, discipline, and the arts to becoming a seasoned leader in marketing with roles at Unilever, Mars, Diageo, Fonterra, and HP.

Siew Ting emphasizes the importance of purpose in leadership. She explains how discovering her purpose over 15 years ago reshaped her approach to leadership and team dynamics. She’s...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I interview Ioana Good, a journalist-turned-entrepreneur who co-founded Find a Rainmaker and Promova, a PR and branding agency. Ioana shares her incredible journey from immigrating to the United States from Romania with her mother and two suitcases to building a thriving career in media, corporate communications, and technology.

Growing up under a communist regime where freedom of speech was restricted, Ioana was drawn to journalism as a way to embrace and protect free expression. She earned a degree in journalism and international affairs from Northeastern University, working for major media outlets...

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Robin Webb, CCIM asked me if I have seen a changing of roles in the CRE business over the last 10 years.

Niki Perez asked what my hope is for women in business and CRE over the next 20 years.

Phoebe Van Tran...

In this episode of Women Influencers, I interview Danita Cummins, a business strategist for faith-driven leaders and the author of Promise Over Purpose. Danita shares her inspiring journey, from growing up in Oklahoma in a family of ranchers, roughnecks, and race car drivers to joining the Air Force in 1995. Her military service, which included working as a radar operator during 9/11 and supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, shaped her leadership skills and work ethic.

After her military service, Danita transitioned into the defense industry, working as a defense contractor and later with special operations. Her journey took a significant...

In the latest episode of Women Influencers, I welcomed Michelle Leung, CCIM, an executive coach, nonprofit founder, and commercial real estate expert, to discuss her remarkable journey from Hong Kong to Canada and her passion for creating meaningful connections.

Michelle recounts her upbringing as an only child in Hong Kong and her pivotal decision to move to Canada in 1995 for her education. After starting her career in marketing, she transitioned into commercial real estate, leveraging her international connections to build a successful brokerage. Achieving her CCIM designation in 2019 was a defining moment, enhancing her ability to serve...

In this empowering episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Catrina Craft, a seasoned CPA, tax strategist, and advocate for women in business, to explore her journey to entrepreneurship, the power of persistence, and her dedication to empowering others.

Catrina recounts her upbringing in Dallas, Texas, where she was taught the traditional path of stability through education and employment. However, her passion for accounting and taxation inspired her to forge her own path as an entrepreneur. After earning her master’s degree in accounting, she delved into advanced tax strategies and sought mentorship from industry leaders, in...

In the latest episode of Women Influencers, host Veronica Malolos speaks with Sabrina Johnson, an accomplished mechanical engineer and emerging musical artist, about her journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and balancing dual passions.

Sabrina shares her upbringing as a second-generation South Indian American, crediting her parents' emphasis on discipline and extracurriculars with sparking her love for music and storytelling. While pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, music remained a constant source of solace during her most challenging moments, particularly in college when she battled mental health struggles and imposter syndrome.

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This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Gail Collins, CCIM asked me if I have seen any diversity changes over the course of my Real Estate career.

Lezlie Tram Le asked for my advice to women wanting to enter the CRE field.

Chere Rice-Roane asked what the changing...

In this episode of Women Influencers, Kristina Maloney shares her inspiring journey from becoming Miss Florida 2011 to thriving as a sales leader and mentor. Kristina’s story of perseverance, tenacity, and finding her purpose resonates with anyone striving to balance personal fulfillment and professional success.

Born to Filipino immigrants, Kristina reflects on her upbringing as a first-generation American, her journey through pageantry, and how being crowned Miss Florida helped her pay for college debt-free. She discusses the challenges of competing as the first Asian American to win the title and how the lessons she learned shaped her pe...

This episode of Women Influencers highlights Andria LaRocco’s remarkable journey from a disciplined ballerina to a trailblazing business development leader at Baker Barrios Architects.

Andria reflects on her early years training rigorously in ballet, the life lessons instilled through discipline and dedication, and how pursuing careers with salaries and benefits brought her and her husband to Orlando. She recounts the challenges of transitioning from the arts to business, including facing layoffs, building resilience, and discovering her authentic self in a new industry.

A strong advocate for mentorship and community building, Andria highlights her work wi...

In this inspiring episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Melody Montgomery, COO of One More Deal, to hear her incredible journey of growth, resilience, and leadership. Melody opens up about her early love for math, her transition into sales, and how she became a coach and leader in the commercial real estate industry.

Melody shares how she overcame personal challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis, and how those experiences shaped her approach to leadership and personal growth. She discusses the founding of One More Deal with her business partner, Blaine Strickland, their mission to empower...

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Christina Balas asked me where my guts come from.

Jazmen Johnson asked me how I navigate the pressure of "playing the game" while staying authentic.

Vicki Stecher asked me the exciting opportunities and offerings for start-ups in the Real Estate world.<...

In this empowering episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Catherine Bell, president of Titan Impact Group, to hear her incredible journey of resilience, growth, and impact. Catherine opens up about her challenging childhood in foster care, her entrepreneurial rise to becoming a self-made millionaire, and how she rebuilt her life after personal and financial loss.

Catherine shares the lessons she learned from losing everything during the 2008 economic downturn and how she transformed her life by creating 13 streams of passive income. She discusses her passion for financial literacy, her company’s mission to help families achieve fi...

In this inspiring episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Tina Thakkar, president of J. Sterling’s Wellness Spa and a trailblazing entrepreneur. Tina shares her incredible journey from growing up in a small town in India to building a thriving spa franchise in Orlando, Florida.

Tina opens up about the cultural challenges she faced as an immigrant in the U.S. and Canada, including learning a new language and adapting to unfamiliar environments. She details her pivot from a career in microbiology and IT to becoming a business owner, all while balancing family life and ra...

In this empowering episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Tressa LoVasco, founder of LoVasco Creative Group, a digital marketing firm specializing in commercial real estate. Tressa opens up about her journey from growing up in a large Italian family in Detroit to becoming an entrepreneur and a mother. She shares how her supportive family and mentors helped her navigate life’s challenges, and how her passion for design and business led her to build a thriving company.

Tressa discusses the leap she took to start her own business, the risks involved, and the role faith pl...

In this inspiring episode of Women Influencers, I speak with John Crossman, CCIM, a well-known commercial real estate expert, philanthropist, and advocate for social change. John shares his unique journey from growing up in a working-class family with civil rights leaders as parents to becoming a successful real estate professional and educator. His commitment to supporting historically black colleges, women's empowerment, and mental health awareness is deeply rooted in his upbringing and experiences.

John discusses the impact of his parents' activism, the importance of diversity in real estate, and his personal passion for bridging gaps in education...

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Kenisha Robnett asked me about our rebrand from CapitalStack to Capstack.

Barbi Reuter asked me about what I learned from the adversity I have faced in my life.

Tiffany English asked me what I have learned about myself through the course of my career.<...

Beth Azor: Canvassing Queen

This week, I had the honor of speaking with Beth Azor, a commercial real estate veteran with nearly 40 years of experience. Beth shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in Wisconsin to becoming a commercial real estate mogul in Florida. Despite initially resisting the real estate path, Beth found her way into the industry through unique experiences, like working for a shopping center developer.

Throughout her career, Beth has focused on inclusivity—especially for women—helping them break into an industry that once had limited space for...

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Edie Weintraub, an inspiring entrepreneur and broker from Atlanta. Edie specializes in placemaking—blending culinary concepts and culture to create vibrant food halls. She shared her unique journey, from studying biology and working as a dental assistant to diving into hospitality and ultimately founding her real estate firm, Terra Alma.

Edie’s passion for hospitality, creativity, and people shaped her career. Early on, she thrived as a nightclub promoter and restaurant worker, embracing fast-paced environments. Encouraged by her father, she pivoted to real estate, finding her niche in reta...

As we hunker down in preparation for Hurricane Milton's imminent landfall, we have decided to postpone this week's episode of Women Influencers. I am praying for everyone in the storm’s path. Stay safe and take care! 💙🌧️

Amazing! I had the chance to speak with Traci Miller this week on my podcast, Women Influencers. She is the Senior VP of Corporate Communications at Miller Construction, where she started in 1993 as the office manager. She also gives motivational talks and serves on the executive committee of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance Board of Directors, the boards of Commercial Industrial Association of South Florida (CIASF), Rebuilding Together Broward County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, and on the United Way of Broward’s Women United Leadership Council, in addition to several other boards.

We discussed ho...