When women first entered the corporate real estate world in the 1980’s, they had to work hard to establish themselves and prove their capability in a predominately male-dominated sector.  Now, as the playing field is more level, women have formed a strong presence in the market.  Currently, Divaris Real Estate employs many strong female leaders as directors for its Property Management, Lease Administration, Accounting, Human Resources and Marketing Departments. In addition, Divaris has the highest number of women brokers in Hampton Roads, and greatly benefits from all of these female trailblazers.

In 2014, several women received awards and recognition from within the company and across the nation.  Brett McNamee, Senior Vice President of DRE’s Richmond office, was named among National Chain Store Age Magazine’s Top 15 Power Brokers, based on the number of retail real estate transactions, the dollar value of those transactions, and overall reputation in the industry. CoStar also recognized Brett, along with Vivian Turok (Senior Vice President), Diana Teitsma (Charlotte Principal), Krista Costa (Vice President) and Erica Meekins Rorrer (Vice President), as Top Leasing Brokers in their respective expertise and location.

Internally, Divaris recognized Brett and Vivian as Platinum Circle of Excellence Award winners for billing more than $500,000 in 2013, an award specifically created for Vivian years before. DRE was also proud to present Krista, Erica, Karen Beale (Newport News Principal), Mary McGovern (Senior Vice President) and Debbie Wake (Senior Vice President) the Gold Circle of Excellence Award for billing more than $250,000 in 2013. Divaris also acknowledged many of its other female employees for their commitment to the company, leadership and community service.

So why are woman at Divaris so successful? The answer may not really be related to gender at all. All good agents are trustworthy, knowledgeable, professional and driven. Divaris encourages  agents to provide a more personal relationship to their clients, which builds respect. But, sometimes it just takes looking at the big picture a little differently.

“As an example, a woman is more likely to recommend office space to a doctor that is close to a grocery store or school, recognizing that in a lot of cases mothers are the ones running the errands in a household and would appreciate the proximity to other tasks so to more efficiently get things done,” noted Vivan. Some clients acknowledge the different approach to their business and profit from the foresight.

As leaders in their field, their time management and driven personalities aided them in balancing their professional and personal lives.  The industry’s flexibility and relatively independent aspect has allowed many of the women to have families, volunteer in their communities and network with other like-minded individuals.

Brett acknowledges the importance of networking and involvement in career-orientated groups like the Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Real Estate Woman Network, or CREW, of which Vivian, Krista, Debbie and Mollye Schneenberg are all members. Krista holds an annual company-wide school supplies drive for Norfolk’s The Up Center. And, Erica is a co-founder of the CBDX, a young professionals group charged with developing working relationships with key government, community and business leaders in Virginia Beach.

Part of establishing a solid reputation and successful career is defining who you are. The women at Divaris Real Estate have defined themselves as outstanding and dynamic business professionals who contribute daily to the success of the company.