LEADERSHIP
SNAPSHOTS
Mentorship Moments : Scott Allen & Melisa Caraveo
Scott Allen has been in in the industry for nearly two decades , and is currently an area manager for Baron Properties . Scott was paired up as a mentor with Melisa Caraveo , who started as a leasing consultant in early 2019 and now works as an assistant property manager for Greystar .
What is the greatest takeaway you have had through this mentorship experience ?
Scott : There are times that I forget how I got to where I am today in this industry and having a mentee has really made me think back to how I got here and how large of a role my mentors impacted my career .
Melisa : Everyone starts somewhere , we all go through trials and tribulations to get to where we are now and it is important to not give up and to advocate for yourself .
Why is Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace important to you ?
Scott : Because growing up gay was very difficult in the late 80 ’ s early 90 ’ s and I was treated very badly and left out many times because of it . It was a very difficult time in my life and I want to do any and everything I can to never have another person feel the way I did . Melisa : As a first-generation Latina , it ' s important to be heard and seen in spaces like this , as this industry is not well known to many and when I started it did not feel very diverse . I grew up watching my parents struggle to complete an application for an apartment and translate documents that they needed to sign , so being able to be in this space and to make a change for my residents , prospects , and even vendors by just simply translating is incredibly fulfilling but a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go .
What ' s a time that changed your perspective in your career ?
Melisa : After I left my old company due to a bad experience . It really changed my perspective on what I wanted to do with my career in property management . The experience helped me learn my worth and I am glad I listened to my heart , and I am so happy at where I am now . I have learned so much .
What would you share with your peers or coworkers from your mentorship program ?
Scott : Mentoring gives you a chance to help develop the next generation that will take our place and gives you a sense of peace that our industry is in the best hands possible when passing the torch .
Melisa : Do it ! The connections , friendships , mentorships , and experiences you get from this program are so helpful for your personal and career growth .
M . I . N . D ( Mentoring Into New Dimentions ) was created by AAMD ’ s Inclusion & Diversity committee to engage with new talent in the industry by providing them with a mentors who are proven industry leaders . It is designed to give mentees the tools and confidence they need to reach their goals in an inclusive environment . For more information on getting involved , contact destiny @ aamdhq . org
Tributes 2023 Finalists Announced !
Congratulations to all of the Finalists for Tributes 2023 ! Finalist interviews take place in July and the event is on September 15 , 2023 ! Scan QR code to view complete list of finalists ( will be printed in next issue of Trends ) or visit www . tributes2023 . com www . aamdhq . org JULY 2023 TRENDS | 11