A Letter from the Chairman

Greetings to all!

I am immensely grateful to God for such a time as this. I am proud to announce that I am the First African American Woman, Board Chair in the 53-year history of the Greater Nashville Apartment Association. This Chairmanship is a testament to keep pushing, staying positive, and always giving 100 %. 

It's an honor and privilege to share this Chairmanship!

The Greater Nashville Apartment Association has made an impact on my professional development. During the last 21 years, I have gone from a Leasing Consultant, Assistant Manager, Community Manager, and to date Regional Property Manager with Lion Real Estate. GNAA has stretched, challenged, and helped me grow in ways that you  could not imagine--- it was during this time I fell in love with the business. If you declare your career path, align yourself with good people, and a solid organization like the GNAA, you can do anything you set your mind to. It was not easy, let me tell you, but I trusted the process and stayed the course.

I joined the Gala Committee in 2014 because I felt it best suited my personality and skillset. Who doesn't want to plan a party? But, I soon realized that it was not about throwing a party. It was about creating new relationships, learning, growing with people of all different backgrounds. I learned more about developing my leadership style and understanding how a business is to be developed and run successfully. It ignited a new passion that I would not have discovered if I had not joined a committee. Learning the marketing, sales, budgeting, training, and coaching processes were all aspects of this role that I took back to my properties and shared with my teams. I decided to encourage all my employees to get involved, continue their education, and empower them to become our future leaders. I went to my employer and asked for a budget to develop my employees regarding investing in their talents. As a result, my office and maintenance teams were able to get certifications and attend educational classes that proved beneficial to their performance on site. I am elated that I aided in their development.

My life changed when members elected me to the Board of Directors in 2016. I learned how to be a better communicator and effective leader. As a result, I was able to raise and empower leaders. The GNAA is your source for continuing to find your career path and becoming tomorrow's leaders.

 Therefore, I ask you to please get involved with our organization. It would be the best ride of your life.

Over my tenure in this field, I have learned many skills and enhanced my talents during my term as Chair, and I ask you to commit to doing the following:

Attend a luncheon, go to a networking event or volunteer on one of our committees. I ask that you visit our new website. Sign up for an education class today! Now that we can come back together, let's shift our energy. Let's all get involved, which leads me to my initiative for 2022! 

"When Everyone is Included, Everyone Wins." (A Quote by Jesse Jackson).

 I am proud to announce: The Greater Nashville Apartment Association Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee!

This Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee will serve as an advisory body to the GNAA President, the Executive Committee, the GNAA Board of Directors, and the team in fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. In addition, the committee will develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders and serve as advocates to promote and share information throughout and outside the association about diversity, equity, inclusion initiatives, and professional development.

The committee will help to improve member relations and retention, boost professional development and educational offerings, encourage multiple perspectives, allow greater transparency and ensure that all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences are valued in our ever-changing, diverse workforce.

So, will you join me?

Will you help me redefine our workforce?

Will you engage in a world of inclusion?

I look forward to seeing you at our committee meetings, educational opportunities, and mixers next year.

I can't emphasize enough that the GNAA is your tool to get you where you want to be and make a statement about your commitment to the multifamily industry.

I want to thank again all my trailblazers who have helped me on my career journey. Thank you all so much for your support to the Management Companies, Suppliers, Volunteers, my mom, my Shero, family, and friends!

When Everyone is Included, Everyone Wins! Let's go 2022

Thank you!