Today is all about Latina Power! In this episode, our host Teresa Palacios Smith is joined by a panel of powerful Latina women in the real estate community. They discuss their upbringing, introduction to real estate, and how they’ve found their current success. Speakers are Deitra Catalano, Chief of Staff for HomeServices of America, Aniella Gonzalez, VP and general counsel for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services EWM Realty and Florida Realty, and Doris Lopez, Broker-owner of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Real Time Realty and Real Property Management.
How did these women get started in real estate?
- Aniella practiced law for over 20 years. She had focused her efforts on real estate litigation, working with title companies throughout Florida. She stepped out of her practice to enter her current role, where she feels supported by the people around her.
- Deitra had a conversation with a friend in sales, which led to an interview and a career in sales. Through that relationship, she met Gino, and she started working for him.
- Doris got her real estate license to support her husband’s goal to own a property management franchise. When the market crashed in 2008, they got into a brokerage. To this day, she enjoys teaching agents and helping them develop the skills they need.
Discussing their roots:
- When the communist regime took over Cuba, Aniella’s parents decided not to have children until they could leave the country. Because of their different visas, her parents were separated for 13 months. Her dad left behind three brothers and sisters. It was a difficult decision, but they knew the regime was not for them.
- Doris’s mom was a teacher in Mexico, and her dad was an engineer, but they decided to come to the United States to find a better life. While they had the opportunity to go to school, her parents agreed to be field workers, with her mom attending school at night.
- Doris grew up constantly migrating. She learned to be on the go, and it was a challenge. But her parents taught her to go for whatever she wanted and be unafraid of change.
- Deitra’s grandma was born on an Apache reservation in Arizona. She was close with her and was fortunate to spend much time together. She played a massive role in Deitra embracing her culture through faith, music, food, and dance.
Facing and overcoming discrimination:
- Because Doris was constantly moving, she leaned on her interest in sports. Whenever she went to a new place, she was able to work through frustrations and show people her value through sports.
- Aniella’s grandparents didn’t speak English, so she was often their translator. But, for her, success was a given because her parents didn’t make their sacrifices for mediocrity.
What is the driving force in their lives?
- For Deitra, it’s her family (and especially her son.) She’s been a single mom since 2009, so her goal is to lead by example for him.
- Aniella had many teachers and mentors throughout her life who’ve seen something in her that she never saw in herself. Ultimately, she looks up to her mom because of her sacrifices for Aniella to succeed.
- Doris started her real estate career because she knew she’d eventually need to provide for her parents, and she wanted to be prepared.
The best decision they’ve made:
- Deitra’s best decision was the conversation she had 19 years ago with the person who put her in contact with Gino.
- When Aniella was 18, she decided to go to college. Her all-women school gave her the sisters she wouldn’t have otherwise as an only child.
- Doris’s best decision was being a business owner. The flexibility of her work schedule meant she was always there to support her kids.
Some parting advice:
- Doris - Be open, and don’t put your ego before your clients. Ask questions and be honest if you need to consult someone else for the answer.
- Deitra - Do what makes you happy, and celebrate roles that offer continuous improvement.
- Aniella - Don’t undersell yourself because the men aren’t doing it. This is your profession; make sure your clients and customers understand that.
Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook and subscribe to her YouTube channel.
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