March 11, 2021 MLA Canada Celebrates Women's History Month

In honour of celebrating Women's History Month, we decided to feature our leadership team to share those women who inspire them.

Shayna Mcquisten, Chief Operations Officer and Partner of MLA Canada.

Which women in history have been most influential to you and why?

This week, I'm celebrating all of the powerful women who have helped shape the world we live in today and paved the path for us ahead.

• ROSA PARKS, who encourages me to stand up for my beliefs, no matter what the world says;
• RUTH GINSBURG, who motivates me to fight for what I care about & speak my mind;
• JANE AUSTEN who reminds me to lead with kindness and care;
• MAYA ANGELOU, who dares me to be fearless and reminds me of the power of our words;
• All of the wonderful male allies I have had that only ever made me feel superior for being female.
• And my Mom, my Sister and my Daughters who support me in being the person I am today. Today and every day, I am grateful to have grown in their light.

What's your one piece of advice to women entering the world of real estate? 

Be yourself, whatever your style. Reach out and grab the opportunities with confidence and the rest will come. 

Suzana Goncalves, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Which women in history have been most influential to you and why?

There are many women who have paved the way and been exceptional role models. Perhaps it's top of mind because of her recent passing and just having read her autobiography, but Ruth Bader Ginsberg created a precedent-setting shift in society about equal rights and spent her career advocating for them. Although focused in the USA, her reach was global.

What in your mind are some of the most significant moments in history that women have contributed to?

When I think about women in history I think about the lack of knowledge and education Canadians have on women in our national story. Here is a great starting point for those who are curious.

Women in Canadian History - A Timeline 

36 More Great Women

A few standout points to me is how recent some of the big milestones are:

• Women were not declared "persons" in Canada until 1929. Less than 100 years ago!
• Although some provinces and groups of women could start voting in 1920, it wasn't until 1960 that all-women groups were eligible to vote including our Indigenous Women. This was only 60 years ago.
• With these milestones being relatively recent, it's no surprise that unconscious bias exists. We must all be aware and proactive in our commitment to pushing progress forward on this important topic. It will not happen by accident or by hoping others will do the heavy lifting.

What's your one piece of advice to women entering the world of real estate?

Stick with it, don't be deterred. Work hard. Speak up. Build your network and connect with people (male and female) who can be champions for you in your workplace and industry.

Brittany Reimer, Managing Director, Fraser Valley office at MLA Canada.

Which women in history have been most influential to you and why?

As a retired Olympic athlete, there are so many strong women in sport that have inspired me over the years. From teammates who fought for inches day after day in the pool, competitors who challenged me to be better, my coaches' commitment, and my mother who dedicated herself selflessly supporting my dream. I feel grateful for their support and proud to be a strong businesswoman, sister and mother.

What in your mind are some of the most significant moments in history that women contributed to?

Through their tennis careers, the Williams sisters (Serena and Venus) have shown the world diversity and the meaning of strength, perseverance, and dedication.

What's your one piece of advice to women entering the world of real estate?

Choose to challenge yourself, strive for progress and inches, not perfection, and always stand up for what you know is right.

Ashley Judd, Vice President, Sales Operations

Which women in history have been most influential to you and why?

I feel fortunate to have had many incredible role models, both personally and at a distance, who helped define my values and continue to inspire me daily to lead with my heart and stay committed to pursuing my passion. It's an honour this week to celebrate a few of the inspiring women that top my list.

Influential women in society, such as:

OPRAH WINFREY - For her life story and self-made success through hard work, passion, and dedication. Humanitarian and charitable work notwithstanding, I envy her bravery in how she approaches tough personal topics head-on that others in her social stature may shy away from.

In close proximity:

My Mother, for teaching me the value of leading with love, and her overall magnetizing energy, and my Sister, whose creativity, intuition and ability to always follow her heart is a daily inspiration.

Last but not least, the incredible leaders around me at MLA Canada; SHAYNA MACQUISTEN, SUZANA GONCALVES, BRITTANY REIMER, SARAH RASHEED and numerous others within our organization that show up every day committed to the pursuit of their passion. They all deserve recognition and celebration!

What's your one piece of advice to women entering the world of real estate?

Authenticity is everything. Stay focused on showing up as the best version of yourself every day while remaining open to learning. We can all learn something from everyone we work with, and there are some incredible leaders in the industry within Vancouver, both male and female, that you could be so fortunate to work alongside.

Learn more about MLA Canada's Culture