Vol.

08 | Issue 01 | August 2024

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 World’s Most Notable Women Leaders
Making a Mark in Real Estate, 2024

Making Notable
Changes
Today, women hold about forty percent of the
responsibilities in the commercial real estate industry
worldwide. It's important to remember that despite these
substantial achievements, the industry still confronts a
powerhouse who stands as a prominent figure in the
lot of challenges (Jonsson). Notable salary gaps and the
industry, recognized for her achievements and
lack of women in leadership positions are two of the
commitment to excellence. Featured on the cover of
problems that remain unresolved. One of the
Tennessee's Top Agent Magazine and in VIP Knoxville,
characteristics that set the real estate sector apart for a
Kathy has earned her place among the top professionals
long time was the gender gap.
in the real estate landscape.
By looking at real estate companies that have
As a best-selling author of 'The Essential Guide to
successfully countered these positive trends, we can all
Buying and Selling Homes,' Kathy brings her extensive
join forces to advance the greater fight for gender parity
knowledge and expertise to a global audience. Her
and the environment. However, there has been a notable
accomplishments include being ranked among the top
shift in the sector over the last few decades toward
one percent of Coldwell Banker's brokers nationwide, a
greater female participation. In real estate-related
testament to her success in closing thousands of
organizations and businesses, more women are taking on
properties and handling multimillion-dollar transactions.
leadership roles. The increasing acknowledgement of
Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to
women's abilities and contributions to the industry is
read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff
reflected in this trend.
and industry experts.
In this edition “World's Most Notable Women Leaders
Have a lovely read!
Making a Mark in Real Estate, 2024”, World's Leaders
features woman leaders from real estate which are
thriving in leadership and leading with best practices and
strategies to take their idea into action. The cover has
Kathy May-Martin, an award-winning real estate
 CREDIT PAGE

Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez

Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar
Executive Editor Nicole Williams
Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal

Art & Design Director Jack Anderson

Business Development Manager Anna Carter
Business Development Executive Natalie, Omkar
Associate Designer Kevin Rust

Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke

Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh
Marketing Manager Tom Swann
Technical Specialist Barry Jones
Circulation Manager Danny Parker

August 2024

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 08

Kathy
May-Martin
Shaping the Real Estate Landscape While Empowering
Clients and Industry Professionals Alike
14 Lacey Conway

18 Cheryl Chase-Berkson

24 Deeana Tate

28 Irena Markovic

34 Kinga Korpacz

38 Natasa Grdinic
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worldsleaders.com | 13
 LACEY
CONWAY
Leading Latter & Blum
into a New Era

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An Inspiring Journey

Lacey's journey into real estate began early, as

Latter & Blum is a family business deeply
ingrained in her life. Starting with internships
in her teenage years, she has held various
roles within the company, including sales
agent, manager, and executive. This diverse
experience has given her a profound
appreciation for the company's rich history,
founded in New Orleans in 1916. Today,
Latter & Blum boasts a footprint spanning the
Gulf Coast region, with over 3,500 real estate
professionals under its brokerage. From
Blend of Creativity, Empathy, and Adaptability
Houston, Texas to Louisiana and Mississippi,
the company facilitates approximately 20,000
At her core, Lacey finds fulfillment in seeing people happy. In the
transactions annually, with an impressive $6
workplace, her creativity fuels innovative problem-solving, while
billion in annual sales. Renowned for its
her calm demeanor guides her through challenges with composure.
excellence, Latter & Blum is consistently
Shaped by a blend of life experiences and influential figures, Lacey
recognized as a top brokerage in the United
reflects a unique combination of her artsy, literary mother and
States and is affiliated with prestigious
philanthropic, gifted businessman father.
networks such as Leading Real Estate
Companies of the World and The Realty
Supportive and empathetic, Lacey believes in adapting her
Alliance. Through decades of experience,
leadership style to suit the moment and situation, recognizing the
Latter & Blum has weathered numerous
necessity of being demanding, direct, reflective, or quiet as
market cycles and emerged resilient, a
circumstances require. Accessible to both her management team
testament to its enduring legacy.

16 | August 2024
and agents, she values open
communication and enjoys frequent
calls and emails.

As a mother of two children, an

animal lover, and an equestrian,
Lacey's personal life informs her
professional ethos. Drawing
inspiration from her creative mother
and compassionate businessman
father, she approaches her work with
the same core values and beliefs she
applies to her family life. Leading a
family-owned business like Latter &
Blum, Lacey prioritizes adaptability
and compassion, making difficult
decisions for the company while
seeking advice and counsel from Seizing Opportunities significant role in life, and waiting
others. too long can lead to a mindset of
According to Lacey, numerous feeling unqualified. Lacey suggests
Reserved and calm, Lacey's character studies indicate that men often that delaying action can result in self-
allows her to be an attentive listener, pursue opportunities as they arise, imposed limitations and encourages
essential for effective leadership. regardless of whether they feel fully women to seize opportunities when
Beyond her professional endeavors, qualified, whereas women may they arise, rather than waiting for
she remains dedicated to supporting hesitate, even when they possess the perceived readiness.
friends and family, finding solace and necessary qualifications. In Lacey's
reflection in her passion for view, women could benefit from
equestrianism and her time spent in aspiring to higher positions, even if
nature. they don't feel entirely prepared. She
believes that timing plays a

worldsleaders.com | 17
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Cheryl
Chase-Berkson
Achieving Remarkable Heights
Unwavering Dedication and Adaptability

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Cheryl Chase-Berkson, the esteemed
Broker/Owner of Chase Pacific, boasts a
rich and inspiring journey in the real
estate industry that spans over four
decades. Having received her California
Real Estate License in 1976 and
subsequently earning the Real Estate
Broker's License in 1980, Cheryl's
expertise and passion have propelled her
Cheryl's passion for dance remained a
constant in her life, and she pursued
opportunities as a performer,
choreographer, and instructor while
stationed in El Toro. However, following
a divorce and relocation to San Diego in
1978, Cheryl shifted her focus to real
estate to support herself and her children.
Her first foray into real estate was
to remarkable heights. purchasing a home in Laguna Hills in
1974, and she obtained her California
Cheryl's journey began in Fresno, CA, Real Estate License in 1976. Despite her
where she was born to parents who had initial passion for dance, Cheryl
initially been told they couldn't have embraced her new career path in real
children. Raised as the only child in a estate with determination and resilience.
loving family, her father, a successful
florist, and her kind mother provided her Journey from a Single Mother to
with a nurturing upbringing filled with Successful Business Owner
love. Though they have since passed
away, Cheryl holds dear the values they Cheryl's career began as a single mother
instilled in her, such as the importance of of two sons, starting in real estate sales in
integrity and faith in God's love. She 1976. Her journey took her from Mission
excelled academically, graduating with Viejo/Laguna Hills to San Diego in 1978,
honors from Fresno High School and where she continued to thrive and evolve.
earning Summa Cum Laude honors from She held key roles in renowned real
Fresno State University. During her time estate firms such as Forest E. Olsen,
at Fresno State, Cheryl received Coldwell Banker, Tarbell, ERA The
numerous accolades, including Property Store, Better Homes & Gardens,
recognition as Freshman, Sophomore, and ReMax. In 1993, amidst a
Junior, and Senior Woman of the Year, challenging market, Cheryl courageously
and was named National Campus Queen ventured to open her own property
in 1969. She pursued a diverse academic management and real estate company,
path, majoring in home economics, Chase Pacific, which this year is
geography, and dance. celebrating its 31st year in business. Her
maiden name is Chase and when she
Following graduation, Cheryl married her opened her own company, she wanted to
high school classmate, who became a include the Chase name to honor her
Marine Corps jet pilot. They were father who, in 1947, opened his own
stationed in various locations across the business, Chase Flower Shop, in Fresno
United States, including Quantico, VA, where she grew up.
Lubbock, TX, Yuma, AZ, and El Toro,
CA. During this time, Cheryl furthered Over the years, Cheryl has steered her
her education, earning a Master's degree business through various economic
in secondary education from Texas Tech landscapes, displaying resilience and
University while stationed in Lubbock. adaptability. She oversees a team of 10
She also pursued additional coursework staff members and 13 agents. Her
at Arizona Western College while in approach to work has never been “all
Yuma. about money” but rather about giving
professional and caring service to clients

20 | August 2024
and customers, knowing if that for the well-being of others, and the estate industry, financial matters,
approach is the focus, financial needs faith to trust. acquiring people skills, and
will be met. She also teaches and seeking wisdom to truth and
insists all staff to function with two Upholding Ethical Standards spiritual strength in life.
important work concepts: 1) treat
others the way they would like to be Cheryl is dedicated to making Managing Responsibilities as a
treated and 2) whatever decision they positive contributions to society, the Business Owner
make, if standing in front of a judge, real estate industry, and people's lives
make sure they can defend it. by focusing on three key areas: As a business owner, Cheryl
Ÿ Increasing awareness of current shoulders a range of responsibilities
She made the recent decision to events, seeking peace, honesty, to ensure the smooth operation and
consolidate her two offices into one and fairness in all relationships success of her enterprise. Her daily
main office in the Scripps Ranch area and transactions, understanding routine is characterized by a
of San Diego. Her reasons were for the value of time being more disciplined schedule of rising early in
closer communication and important than money, and of order to perform responsibilities,
camaraderie among staff, to deepen one's eternal destiny. overseeing each department's
the company's culture, and to Ÿ Challenging deceptive practices activities and needs, staying abreast
enhance financial resources with and promoting ethical behavior: of regulatory and compliance
which to promote and honor staff. Cheryl is committed to requirements, and ensuring the
Her company serves all of San Diego confronting dishonesty and timely management of bills,
County, from coastal to country. unethical conduct in society and insurances, and company renewals.
the real estate industry. She Cheryl conducts regular meetings
Sharing Qualities of Effective encourages transparency, with staff and agents to maintain a
Leaders integrity, and accountability in cohesive workflow, plans events and
business dealings and strives to special highlights to foster a positive
Cheryl's leadership development uphold ethical standards in all work environment, and attends
strategy revolves around a aspects of her work. By business and networking meetings to
commitment to continuous learning promoting honesty and fairness, stay connected within the industry.
and active engagement in community Cheryl aims to create a more Additionally, she remains vigilant
committees, driven by perseverance, trustworthy and equitable about legal issues relevant to the real
optimism, and a joyful approach to environment for all individuals estate sector and ensures that
each day. However, she also observes involved in real estate equipment and the company website
certain deficiencies in leadership transactions. are updated as necessary.
today, such as an overemphasis on Ÿ Facilitating access to education
financial success at the expense of and knowledge: Cheryl Despite the challenges and demands
giving back as well as a reluctance to recognizes the transformative of her role, Cheryl finds immense joy
keep abreast of industry trends. power of education and believes in the happiest part of her daily
Cheryl believes effective leaders in the importance of providing routine: resolving client problems
should possess qualities such as individuals with the opportunity with peaceful and fair outcomes.
caring, kindness, perseverance, a to acquire knowledge and skills. When clients express their
positive attitude, a strong work ethic, She advocates for proper appreciation for the excellent service
and integrity. She emphasizes the education and encourages provided and offer edifying remarks
importance of prioritizing others' continuous learning to empower about her and her staff, Cheryl's
needs, taking risks and not being individuals to make informed sense of fulfillment is profound.
immobilized by fear, and overcoming decisions and pursue their goals
the fear of failure. effectively. Cheryl is dedicated to When it comes to hiring new team
Ultimately, Cheryl advocates for a promoting educational initiatives members, Cheryl looks for specific
leadership approach rooted in that enable individuals to enhance traits and behaviors during the
humility, service, a genuine concern their understanding of the real interview process.

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Kinga
Korpacz
A Seasoned Realtor with 22
Years of Excellence in
Chicagoland Real Estate

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 a
professional development and From Treasurer to Visionary
expertise in various aspects of real President
estate. As the Broker Owner of EXIT
Realty Redefined, she holds a key Kinga's election as Treasurer at the
leadership position in her real estate Mainstreet Organization of Realtors,
agency. Her role as Treasurer at the the largest real estate organization in
Mainstreet Organization of Realtors Illinois, showcases her leadership and
highlights her financial leadership financial acumen. Managing finances
within the largest real estate for a group with nearly 20,000
organization in Illinois. Additionally, members requires a deep
serving as the Ball Chair for the understanding of real estate dynamics,
Legion of Young Polish Women financial expertise, and strategic
underscores her dedication to leadership.
full-time agent with an impressive 22 community involvement and
years of experience in the real estate leadership. In her role, Kinga has the opportunity
industry, Kinga Korpacz is one of the to make a significant impact on the
top-producing Realtors in the Kinga's involvement in political Illinois real estate community. Her
Chicagoland area. Her entrepreneurial coordination, as the NAR Federal responsibilities as Treasurer involve
journey includes owning Diamond Political Coordinator for Congressman overseeing and managing the
Automotive from 1995 to 2002, which Raja Krishnamoorthi and a member of organization's financial affairs,
was both an auto body shop and used the NAR – FPC Advisory Committee, contributing to its overall success and
car dealership. Currently, her real illustrates her engagement in real estate sustainability.
estate specializations lie in Residential advocacy at the federal level.
Sales. Thriving in this position, Kinga
Within the Illinois Realtors envisions her company becoming a
Kinga prides herself on being a community, she holds prominent market leader. Her emphasis on
knowledgeable, professional, and positions, including Vice Chair of the excellence, innovation, and client
trustworthy agent dedicated to Local Governmental Affairs satisfaction reflects her commitment to
providing the absolute best Committee, Vice Chair of the Strategic driving positive change in the real
representation for her clients. To Planning Committee, and membership estate industry. As a leader, she is
deliver top-notch service, she in the RPAC Trustees and RPAC poised to influence and shape the
continuously undergoes professional Fundraising Working Group. Her direction of the organization,
training in all aspects of real estate. participation in various committees, contributing to its growth and success.
Her mission revolves around delivering such as the Mainstreet Government
the utmost professional services to Affairs Northwest Committee and the The vision also includes expanding
customers and clients, facilitating Outstanding Pole Abroad Committee, reach, entering new markets, and
seamless home purchases and sales. showcases her commitment to serving a larger client base. Kinga's
With a client-centric philosophy, Kinga addressing real estate issues at both team will stay ahead of industry trends,
treats her clients' interests as if they local and international levels. using cutting-edge technologies for an
were her own. As a Realtor, she is enhanced client experience. She
committed to upholding the duties Being recognized as the Top Real anticipates a transformative role for her
outlined in the Realtor Code of Ethics Estate Broker of the Year for 2024 by company, evolving into a source of
and Standards of Practice set forth by the International Association of Top leadership and mentorship within the
the National Association of Realtors. Professionals further acknowledges real estate community. This involves
Kinga's outstanding contributions and sharing knowledge, experiences, and
A Testament to Real Estate Expertise achievements in the real estate best practices to empower emerging
industry. professionals, contributing to industry
Kinga's impressive list of designations, growth and professionalism.
including CRS, GRI, ABR, CNE, SFR,
CDPE, CIAS, RSPS, BPOR, and -Pro,
reflects her commitment to

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