Despite the strong history of women professionals in the real estate industry, there remain important opportunities to accelerate the advancement of women as brokerage owners and industry leaders. That’s why four years ago, I helped establish the Hera Society, with a goal to strengthen the individual and collective impact women real estate leaders have on the ERA network, in the industry and in the communities they serve.
Inspired by the name of the Greek goddess of women and families, the Hera Society helps members navigate the unique challenges to their professional growth, including financial fitness, leadership development and inclusion.
We meet several times a year at both live events and virtual workshops, and in between, we keep connected through a real-time communications channel.
After nearly 20 years with the brand, I can truly say that ERA Real Estate is a family. We support one another to grow and succeed, both personally and professionally. We understand the importance of harnessing the power within the ERA brand to learn, build relationships, and be inspired by each other’s stories and journeys.
At our recent annual convention in Austin, Texas, we held a panel discussion spotlighting the personal journeys of several Hera Society members, facilitated with passion by Melissa Sullivan, Sr. Growth Consultant, who shared stories of courage, resilience and pivotal moments that shaped their leadership paths.
Here are some of the comments that stood out to us.
Sunita Arora
Getting started
Sunita Arora, broker-president, ERA One Source Realty
I did not come into the industry with a blueprint or built in connections — I had to figure it out myself and build my own path. And because of that, I truly believe you don’t need a perfect start to create something meaningful. You just need the willingness to begin and the courage to take the first step and keep going.
Ranelle Birmingham
Making a change
Ranelle Birmingham, broker-owner, ERA Sarver Real Estate, Inc.
When faced with a difficult decision, weigh out the pros and cons, look at the advantages and disadvantages, but most importantly, consider if the change is the right fit for you, your company and your agents.
If it is a good fit, then move forward, and pull your team up with you. If it is not, then be brave enough to say no, even though others may not agree or may be disappointed in the decision. It is more important that you make the decision from a stance of creating an environment where you and others with you will thrive and grow, even if the answer is no.
Investing in client trust
Real estate is a people business as much as it is a buying and selling homes business. What you invest in others by doing what is ethically and professionally right develops trust that will sustain you with client and agent support for years to come.
Clients make your market strong regardless of the ups and downs and current economics. Don’t let the market dictate your success. Dictate your own success by building client trust, staying on top of education and engaging in time-saving and tech-savvy tools, which will result in a winning combination in any market.
Stephanie Bellanova
Seeing yourself as a leader
Stephanie Bellanova, broker-owner, ERA Central Realty Group
Looking back on my career, it’s hard to believe that I was ready to give up. I was wearing many hats within the company and in my personal life, from manager and bookkeeper, to marketing, training and sales, plus being a mom of two boys, during that time. My mother and I, who were doing it all then, were ready to sell the company.
Through exploring a sale to my now partner, things took a different path. I was ready to give up. But when I met with Scott Lauri to discuss him acquiring us, he said, “I’ll acquire you if that’s what you really want but honestly, I’d rather be your partner.”
That hit me unexpectedly and gave me the courage and inspiration to keep going with him as my partner. As a leader, it’s crucial to remember that you are always leading and inspiring, regardless of how you feel, even when you don’t feel like you are. Seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes can completely change your mindset.
Reminding yourself of your worth as a leader
People watch tone, choices and endurance more than grand speeches. Even small acts — like calmly answering a question, showing up on hard days or protecting your team’s time — model behavior and set norms. Your team internalizes those cues and replicates them, so your presence matters even when you think it doesn’t.
When Scott Lauri offered partnership instead of a purchase, it wasn’t only a business decision — it was an external affirmation of my worth and potential. Outside validation doesn’t erase difficulty, but it can interrupt the negative self-narrative that says, “I can’t do this,” allowing you to see options you’d written off.
Some ways to remind yourself of your worth and impact:
- Ask trusted people how they perceive your strengths and impact.
- Keep a “leadership ledger” of small wins and moments where others leaned on you — concrete reminders when self-doubt rises.
- Invite partnership and shared ownership (mentors, co-leaders, advisors) so responsibilities and perspective are distributed.
Melissa Sullivan
Lifting each other up
Melissa Sullivan, ERA Real Estate Senior Growth Consultant
There is real power in coming together with women who openly share their stories and remind us of the importance of persevering through it all. Our Hera gatherings empower us — through shared stories, connection and the strength that comes from lifting each other up.
Events like this perfectly align with the Hera Society’s mission. We take the knowledge and inspiration from our time together back to our companies, communities and personal lives to raise everyone up around us. When we are in each other’s corner, I truly believe there is no limit to what we can dream and do. Here’s to all the women out there leading with purpose and passion!
Lee Ann Roughton is the national vice president for franchise performance with ERA Real Estate.
