It’s International Women’s Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by sharing the insights and accomplishments of the incredible women at Property.ca Inc. Brokerage. Last year, we featured agents Colleen Doiron and Magy Youssab. This year we decided to change it up and focus on six of the smart, talented women who work at our corporate headquarters and ensure our agents have what they need to succeed.
We asked them about the things they’re proudest of, the women who inspire them – and what celebrating International Women’s Day means to them. Here’s what they had to say.
Solange Burrell and her mum
Solange Burrell, HR Coordinator
Greatest inspiration: “My mum and her close friends who were like my aunties – their generosity to the community and their loved ones inspire me, along with their strength, emotional intelligence – and the unconditional love they’ve shown me throughout my life, even now that I live on another continent.”
Biggest moment: “I recently got a publishing deal for a novel I wrote during the pandemic called Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace. It has been a tough journey with a zillion rewrites, but it’s finally coming out in the fall. And you can actually pre-order it at Barnes and Noble – when I saw that I was so surprised!”
Thoughts on equity: “It’s heartbreaking that women and people from minority groups are still having to fight for equity. I remember going on equality marches with my mum in the 90s, and here we are, still fighting for the same things in 2023. I hope to see some significant and positive changes by the time my 4-year-old niece is of working age. I imagine a universe where everyone is treated equally – like in the classic Star Trek episodes I love so much!”
Khaya Buhler
Khaya Buhler, Data Administrator
Inspired by: “The woman who inspires me the most is my mum. She's been strong in everything life has thrown at her and continues to be curious and learn with incredible grace. She doesn't always get everything right the first time, but she's always working to get it right the next time.”
On teamwork: “My proudest professional achievement is the way the data team works together. I'm always proud to work with incredible women: Bonnie, Leanne, and Kasey are great teammates who teach me new perspectives all the time.”
About equity: “This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, #embraceequity, means meeting people where they are. Equality and equity are often used interchangeably, but they're not the same. Everyone has unique combinations of circumstances and needs, and treating everyone the same means that, inevitably, some will be left out. Instead, we need to take the time to see the whole person and build supports around them that make their life meaningfully better.”
Ana Roldugina
Ana Roldugina, Full-Stack Developer
On being a problem-solver: “As a full-stack developer, I spend a lot of time troubleshooting and figuring out how to make things work. But it's worth it when I get to help someone out and solve an issue that's been bugging them. I love being able to use my skills to make a difference in people's lives. Whether it's developing a cool new feature our agents love or fixing an annoying bug, there's nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that my work is making a positive impact.”
The importance of equity: “Growing up in Russia, there was a real disconnect between the formal celebration of International Women's Day and the reality of gender inequality and discrimination. Embracing equity requires a commitment to honesty, to acknowledging the ways in which different groups of people are treated unfairly, and to taking action to create a more just and equitable world.”
Celebrating women: “Throughout history, countless women have made significant impacts by challenging the status quo and introducing innovative ideas. On International Women's Day, let's celebrate these women and their contributions, and commit ourselves to pursuing positive and constructive change. Remember, every small step counts, and together, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.”
Read more: On International Women’s Day, let’s embrace equity together
Christine Worrall
Christine Worrall, Director of Marketing
Best teacher: “My grandmother taught me balance, empathy, respect – and being fierce when I need to be. These are values I stay true to to this day, in both my work and personal lives.”
Proudest accomplishment: “Earlier in my career, I started an internship program, and at the end of the internship the intern reached out to tell me they learned a lot from me and really valued the experience. Then, months later (on International Women’s Day!) they sent me a message to let me know how they respected me as a woman leader and that the experience motivated them to pursue marketing further. It was the most touching thing someone could say to me.”
On lifting up other women: “Celebrate the achievements of women every day. Not just leaders, but also future leaders, mentors and mentees, because everyone makes a difference in their own way. And lead by example: ensure equal opportunities are provided and embraced no matter what your culture, gender or ethnicity.”
Kenya Maynard-Ross
Kenya Maynard-Ross, Front Desk Supervisor
Proudest accomplishment: “Becoming the front desk supervisor at Property.ca Inc.! I’m responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the front desk team, and supporting agent success.”
On International Women’s Day: “This is a day to celebrate the progress women have made – but also to remember that the march isn’t over yet.”
Message to other women: “Do not be defeated by all the battles you have to face. March forward and never lose hope for the future.”
Jovana Kipic
Jovana Kipic, Sales Coordinator
Proudest achievement: “Moving into the sales coordinator role at Property.ca Inc. and having the opportunity to build out new processes to help our agents stay organized, grow and succeed!”
Most inspiring woman: “My mother. Seeing the amazing business she built on her own inspires me day after day. The level of success she has managed to achieve as a woman in the construction field is incredible and I couldn’t be any more proud. She taught my sister and me what hard work truly looks like, and I can only hope I can be half as successful as her!”
Message to women: “Know you are beautiful from your heart to your soul, and never let anyone hold you back!”
A big shout out to these inspiring, interesting women – and to all our female colleagues in the office and in the field. Happy International Women’s Day!