We are incredibly proud to share that six of our own have been nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal‘s 2026 Women in Leadership Awards.
Congratulations to Rainy Hake Austin (Executive of the Year), Deedee Howard (Mentor of the Year), Gloria Castellanos (Champion of Women), Gina Michelle (The Accelerator), Monique Navarro (Community Impact Advocate), and Jeeb O’Reilly (Mentor of the Year).
Here, three of our nominees, Jeeb O’Reilly, Deedee Howard, and Monique Navarro, share the advice that has defined their careers, how they’ve carved out a competitive edge in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets, and what they love about L.A.
And be sure to mark your calendars— winners will be announced during a special award ceremony on June 9th. Congratulations again to our nominees!
What’s one leadership lesson you learned early in your career that still shapes how you mentor others today?
Jeeb O’Reilly: Early in a real estate career, it’s easy to think the business is about deals, negotiations, and hustle. And those things matter. But over time, you realize the people who build durable success are the ones who become trusted long before they become impressive and successful.
Deedee Howard: One leadership lesson I learned early is the importance of having great relationships with other agents and seeing them as collaborators, not competitors.
Monique Navarro: The most powerful lesson I learned early on is that lifting others up is one of the greatest ways to elevate your own brand. Real estate is a business rooted deeply in connection — the relationships you build, the trust you earn, and the people you champion along the way are what sustain a lasting career. When I help others, I always come back to that truth: your success is directly tied to how genuinely you invest in the people around you.
One lesson I learned early is the importance of having great relationships with other agents
and seeing them as collaborators, not competitors.
— Deedee Howard
Real estate can be a highly competitive space. How have you differentiated yourself as a leader in the industry?
Jeeb O’Reilly: In real estate, almost every opportunity comes through relationships. Clients continue to trust me with major financial decisions… because I continue to keep them informed about the market and their deal.
Deedee Howard: Being 100% there for my clients when they need me, always keeping their interests at the forefront, and leading with honesty, integrity, and follow-through.
Monique Navarro: For me, it starts with relationships — with clients and equally with other agents. A collaborative spirit closes deals that competition never could. Beyond that, I’ve always believed in offering more than the expected. I elevate every home with intentional floral design, exceptional photography, and marketing that tells a story. The experience I create for sellers and buyers feels less like a transaction and more like a boutique hotel — curated, personal, and concierge-level from start to finish. That standard of care is what sets me apart.
A collaborative spirit closes deals that competition never could.
— Monique Navarro
Looking back at the women leaders and mentors who influenced you, what advice would you give women entering the real estate space today?
Jeeb O’Reilly: Understand and learn that knowledge of the market creates confidence, and confidence creates opportunity. Every day is a learning experience about the diversity in Los Angeles
Deedee Howard: From the beginning, everyone really needs to understand it’s a 24/7 job and your mantra needs to be work, work, work. I would also remind women that we are much better multitaskers than men, which has always given us an edge.
Monique Navarro: Don’t measure your journey against anyone else’s. Women bring something deeply powerful to this business: the ability to build genuine relationships, to guide with empathy, and to earn trust in a way that truly moves people. Lean into those gifts unapologetically. Don’t try to replicate someone else’s path — bring your talents, your voice, your instincts. That is your competitive advantage.
Over time, you realize the people who build durable success are the ones who become trusted long before they become impressive and successful.
— Jeeb O’Reilly
What makes the L.A. market so dynamic? What do you love about it?
Jeeb O’Reilly: Unlike many cities, L.A. isn’t one unified market. It’s dozens of micro-markets with different economics and cultures. I love that every day brings new clients and friendships into my life.
Deedee Howard: You never know what each day might bring. L.A. is a city with its own unique history, architecture, and personality, unlike anywhere else in the world. Every house, client, and deal has its own unique story, which is what keeps me excited to see what’s next.
Monique Navarro: Los Angeles is unlike anywhere else in the world, and that’s exactly what makes it so extraordinary to work in. This city contains multitudes — the art, the culture, the architecture, the coastline. You can wake up to a beach lifestyle, retreat to a ranch, or immerse yourself in the pulse of a world-class city, all within the same city.
But what truly sets Los Angeles apart is its people. This is one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities on the planet — a living, breathing mosaic of nationalities, traditions, languages, and perspectives all woven together into something completely unique. Every community brings its own artistry, cuisine, architecture, and spirit, and that layering of cultures creates a richness that is truly extraordinary.
As a real estate professional, that diversity is not just fascinating — it’s a privilege. Every client I work with carries their own story, their own vision of home, shaped by their heritage and their dreams. Understanding and honoring that is something I take deeply seriously. Los Angeles doesn’t just tolerate difference — it celebrates it. And that energy, that eclectic, ever-evolving soul of the city, is what makes me fall in love with it over and over again.
