The benefits of becoming a DISI leader include:
- Professional mentorship from an experienced professional property manager who's a CPM®
- An IREM Foundation scholarship covering 75% of the cost of up to three courses or exams toward an IREM certification
- A waiver covering the CPM® candidacy fee and CPM® graduation fee
- Complimentary registration for an IREM education event
- Travel allowance of up to $1000 to attend an IREM education event - may be used towards hotel, airfare, meals, and incidentals.
- Recognition in IREM publications and social media
- Networking opportunities
DISI leaders enjoy the benefits of being recognized as rising stars in the property management community – a recognition that’s well-deserved by these outstanding professionals.
Meet this year’s DISI leaders
Julia Barry
Endeavor Real Estate Group
Austin, TX
Joanna Castillo
Kairoi
Dallas, TX
Kelsey Chine
Charles Dunn Real Estate Services
Winnetka, CA
Portia Harrell, ARM®
NP Dodge
Omaha, NB
Mario Lomeli, ACoM®
Riaz Capital
Oakland, CA
Andoni Maradiaga
Goldoller
Jacksonville, FL
Bobbi Octavo
Commercial Facilities Incorporated
San Diego, CA
Cynthia Olui-Ella
Edgewood Management
Washington, DC
Sierra Smith
Willow Bridge Property Company
Kansas City, MO
Jessica Bana Villatoro, ACoM®
Newmark
Houston, TX
How the program has benefited DISI leader alumni
IREM is happy to say that the program has yielded great results. Here’s a roundup of what past DISI leaders and mentors have experienced as a result of their participation in the program:
With the program’s support, Destiny Robinson was promoted to Real Estate Manager at her company and serves as the VP of Communications for her local IREM chapter in 2024.
Jill Hunt’s mentor provided her with invaluable guidance through the CPM® certification process, fostering a professional relationship that extended beyond the program.
Maria Richardson says the program helped her become a licensed Tennessee real estate instructor with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Kasara Smith, CPM®, says her experience as a DISI Leader several years ago accelerated her career progression, leading to a chapter presidency in 2019.
Samantha Thornton, CPM®, built a strong connection with her mentee, reinforcing the importance of diversity and support within the property management community.
The scholarship allowed Chelsea Maher-Harris to complete her remaining CPM courses, bringing her closer to certification.
For Jaymi Lacap, , CPM®, the financial incentives made IREM Global Summit attendance feasible, promoting valuable dialogue and brainstorming with other attendees.
Sharing personal experiences and failures helped Kelly Tang, , CPM®, build a strong mentor-mentee connection, providing mutual learning opportunities.
Building inclusive workplaces
IREM’s DISI program has been evolving and improving with time and experience. With its foundation built over a decade ago, it’s changed the lives of over 100 IREM members as DISI recipients, and we’re excited to be able to do even more.
Taking it to the next level, in 2023 IREM hosted the first DISI luncheon at the Global Summit, exclusively for 2023 DISI leaders and mentors. At the 2024 Global Summit, IREM is opening the event to anyone interested in the program, especially DISI alumni.
IREM’s DISI program has proven to be a catalyst for professional growth and inclusivity within the real estate management industry. By providing financial support, structured mentorship, and a sense of community, DISI is shaping the future leaders of the industry and fostering a more diverse and inclusive professional environment.
Visit our DISI page to learn more.