Whether it’s Cate Blanchett winning at this year’s Oscar Awards or Anna Meares and Alex Edmonson taking out gold and silver at the recent World Track Cycling Championships, women are taking the lead in previously male-dominated industries. And real estate is no different.
To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2014, we’re celebrating some of the top performing female agents across our network who have recently been recognised at our Annual Awards events.
Beginning with our Rural Annual Awards early last month where Kylie Rodwell and Jillian Amis were recognised as a Premier Member and Rookie of the Year respectively, 2013 has been a stellar year for women in real estate.
At last night’s Queensland’s awards, Glynis Austin was named the best female agent in the state, coming in as the second most successful sales person in Queensland. Sonya Treloar, Michelle McLeod and Tanya Douglas were all awarded top performers in their state, while at our Victoria awards on 22 February, Cristine Jones, Anna Du and Carmen Stenta who are ranked as the second, third and fourth top-performing agents in their respective state received recognition.
Cristine Jones of Ray White Glen Waverley has always been a champion for women in male-dominant industries, starting her career as one of Australia’s first female motor mechanics in the late 1970s.
“I’m proud to say I’ve represented women in two industries which are predominantly male. I took many years off to be a stay-at-home mum and during that time I founded the Women in Motor Sport Association and successfully launched Ladies’ Day at the Grand Prix,” Cristine said.
“My move into real estate came about in 2002 when I was looking to reenter the workforce. I had recently moved to Wheelers Hill because my kids were going to school in the area and it took a frustrating 18 months for us to find a home to buy. I saw an opportunity to make a difference in my local community.”
Anna Du, also of Ray White Glen Waverley has worked in real estate for 10 years and took out third place in the top performing agents for Victoria.
“I started in real estate because I wanted to suport my family and be financially independent. I started door knocking 10 years ago in Brisbane and I was terrified. I slowly grew more confident.
“I made the move to Melbourne seven years ago. Glen Waverley is a growing and diverse community and my success today is largely due to my clients. I am very grateful for everyone’s support, which is why I always do my best to be involved in the community, whether it be helping people with real estate or just meeting up to play some badminton.
Carmen Stenta came in at fourth place and joined Ray White Manningham after being inspired by the Ray White values.
“The Ray White Group celebrate women in business better than most organisations and I wanted to be a part of that.
“I first got into real estate 15 years ago. It was a daunting experience – I worried I wasn’t good enough, that I wouldn’t be successful.
“For many months I kept thinking about it and I remember watching Oprah one day – it wasn’t long after my mother passed away – and they posed the question “what would you do if you knew that you wouldn’t fail”. My answer was real estate and in that moment I knew I had to try. Little did I know then, you can be successful all you have to do is live life within your spirit.”
“As I continue in my career I want to mentor young women looking to get into real estate who aren’t sure what the next step is. A little bit of encouragement can go a long way and if my experience can help other women succeed and achieve their goals then I’ll do whatever I can to help,” says Carmen.
Over the coming month there will be plenty more top awards recognising the achievements of women in real estate. If you’re in NSW, NZ, Indonesia, SA/NT or WA, stay tuned as your state and country celebrate their Annual Awards.
Contributor: Ray White Media
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