The Center for Real Estate is committed to connecting students with applied learning opportunities that bridge classroom education with real-world experience. Through partnerships with leading industry organizations, students gain invaluable access to professional networks, mentorship, and the kind of insights that can only come from those actively shaping the field.
This March, five Property Management Certificate students had the opportunity to attend the second annual Women in Multifamily Leadership Summit, hosted by Multifamily Northwest (MFNW) — a premier industry association dedicated to advancing professionalism among rental housing providers, owners, and partners through education and advocacy. The conference, designed to elevate women working within property management, brought together emerging professionals and seasoned leaders for a day of inspiration, honest conversation, and meaningful connection.
Attendance was made possible through scholarships generously provided by Kennedy Restoration, reflecting the kind of community investment that helps students access experiences beyond the classroom.
A Room Full of Possibility
For many attendees, simply being in the room was transformative. Property Management Certificate student Julissa Villalobos described the summit as a turning point:
"This was my first time attending the Multifamily NW Women in Multifamily Leadership Summit, and it was an incredibly inspiring experience. Meeting so many accomplished women in the industry helped me push past some of my imposter syndrome and reminded me that there is space for all of us to grow and succeed. I'm already looking forward to attending again next year!"
Shifting Perspectives
The summit featured keynote speaker Marli Williams, whose session on "energy intelligence" challenged attendees to rethink how they lead and how they see themselves. Central to her message was a simple but powerful reframe: replacing "I have to" with "I get to."
For student Ashley Cortez, that idea left a lasting impression:
"One idea that really stood out to me was Williams' message about shifting our mindset from 'I have to' to 'I get to.' It reminded me how powerful perspectives can be in both our professional and personal lives. I plan to incorporate this way of thinking into my daily life as I progress through school, work, and overall life events."
Building a Community of Belonging
Beyond the keynote, the summit created intentional space for attendees to share their own stories — successes, setbacks, and everything in between. For student Kazia Salazar, those conversations were among the most meaningful parts of the day:
"Attending this summit gave me the opportunity to connect and engage with other leaders in the multifamily industry. I had the chance to speak with incredible women who have been in the industry for years, as well as women who were just getting started. It was amazing to be in a room full of women who have worked so hard to be where they are today. I have been inspired to lean into community and make space at the table where there hasn't always been space for women like me."
Experiences like these are at the heart of what the Center for Real Estate strives to provide — opportunities that go beyond technical skills to help students build confidence, community, and a clearer vision of where they belong in the industry. We are grateful to Multifamily Northwest and Kennedy Restoration for making this possible, and we look forward to continued partnerships that open doors for our students.
Interested in taking the next step toward a career in property management? Explore the Property Management Certificate here.