Just Between Us Girls

Welcome to another episode of Just Between Us Girls, where host Arianny Damian, Director of Business Development at Thompson Restoration Associates, is privileged to have Lindsay Romaniw, Senior Property Manager at Colliers, as her guest.

In our introduction, Lindsay shares insights into her role at Colliers and why her journey into advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion is so crucial.

We delve into history and context, exploring the impact of small yet impactful initiatives like removing names from applications to combat biases in hiring processes. Addressing cultural norms and latent benefits in the workplace becomes paramount to attract and retain diverse talent. We also stress the importance of recognizing when advocacy isn't our forte and empowering those who champion the cause.

Lindsay opens up about her personal journey of checking privilege and feeling compelled to advocate for the DEI Committee. We discuss the weight of advocacy and the necessity of collective action, including the often unnoticed invisible labor shouldered by women in the workplace. From organizing birthday cards to cleaning communal spaces, these tasks often fall on women disproportionately.

Transitioning to allyship and activism, we tackle feelings of inadequacy and the shift from performative to meaningful action. Celebrating wins, like diversifying leadership roles through Spring cleaning competitions, underscores the significance of integrating DEI principles into daily practices.

We address challenges within corporate culture, including the lack of diversity in leadership and biases embedded in organizational structures. Overcoming barriers involves recognizing and redistributing invisible labor, as well as purposefully integrating DEI efforts into everyday actions.

In conclusion, we urge listeners to embrace allyship and advocacy in their workplaces, emphasizing the need for continuous, meaningful contributions beyond symbolic gestures.

Keep up with us on IG: @thompsonrestores

In this episode of "Just Between Us Girls: Creativity and the 3 F's: Firm, Fair, Flexible." your host, Arianny Damian is thrilled to have Angi Carey, Director of Property Management at Scioto Properties, with us. In this episode, Angi introduces herself and her role at Scioto Properties, sharing her journey into property management and the critical role creativity plays in her work. Starting in commercial management straight out of Oakwood at 18, Angi provides insights into the mission-driven nature of her company and balancing financial success with mission fulfillment.

We dive into the dynamics of a male-oriented industry, discussing how Angi overcame challenges to ensure her suggestions and initiatives were heard and implemented. She also shares her experience of juggling responsibilities as a property manager and a parent, emphasizing the importance of negotiating for flexibility and understanding in the workplace.

Angi highlights the power of creativity in problem-solving and client satisfaction, showing how it extends beyond artistic expression to practical skills like HVAC and mechanical knowledge. She stresses the importance of being proactive in making oneself visible and advocating for one's ideas, urging women to assert themselves rather than waiting for recognition.

We explore cultural insights, focusing on the significance of asking questions and challenging norms to effect change, with women often leading the charge in championing workplace culture. Angi reflects on the traits of firmness, fairness, and flexibility in leadership, sharing experiences that have built resilience and adaptability in her career journey.

In conclusion, we encourage listeners to embrace creativity and assertiveness in their professional endeavors, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating workplace challenges. We emphasize the value of women's voices and contributions in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Join us on "Just Between Us Girls" for an inspiring conversation with Angi Carey about creativity, resilience, and making your voice heard in the workplace.

Keep up with us on IG: @thompsonrestores

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 6 of "Just Between Us Girls: Representation, Bias, and Building Your Value." your host Arianny Damian is delighted to have Alissha Mitchell, Commercial Property Manager at OhioHealth Corp, join her on this episode!

In this episode, Alissha introduces herself and her role, sharing her unique insights into the commercial real estate industry and her experiences as a black woman in the field. We delve into the differences between residential and commercial tenant needs, highlighting Alissha's expertise in catering to the unique requirements of commercial tenants.

We discuss the importance of representation, emphasizing the impact of having a black woman in a leadership role within the commercial real estate sector. Alissha shares her personal experiences and observations on diversity and inclusion in the industry, providing valuable perspectives on navigating career advancement.

Alissha offers strategies for negotiating advancement and advocating for oneself in the workplace, stressing the importance of demonstrating skills not listed on one's resume through tangible achievements. She explains how understanding a building as its own ecosystem and having acumen in mechanicals can greatly benefit a property manager.

We explore effective strategies for communicating one's worth and investment to employers, highlighting the importance of articulating the value and impact of one's work during negotiations and career discussions.

In conclusion, we encourage listeners to understand and adapt to the unique needs of commercial tenants in property management, reflecting on the significance of diversity and representation in leadership roles within the real estate industry. We aim to empower individuals to confidently negotiate advancement and communicate their value in the workplace.

Join us on "Just Between Us Girls" for an enlightening conversation with Alissha Mitchell about representation, bias, and building your value in the commercial real estate industry.

Keep up with us on IG: @thompsonrestores

In Season 1, Episode 9 of Just Between Us Girls, host Arianny Damian welcomes Ralph Smithers, AVP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations at Encova. Ralph shares his journey from an underwriter to a leadership role in DEI, discussing how his passion and alignment with core values shaped his path. Listeners gain insight into Ralph’s approach to balancing career, service, and personal fulfillment. Ralph offers practical tips on creating room for service in daily life, underscoring the role that joy and hobbies play in fostering a well-rounded, purpose-driven life. His advice includes adding wonder into everyday experiences and embracing community engagement as a vital part of personal growth. He highlights the influence of friends and community, sharing reflections on the impact they have on one’s future and sense of fulfillment.

This episode encourages listeners to align their work with their values and take an active role in advocating for positive change within their communities. Ralph’s advice on finding purpose, joy, and the power of community is a compelling reminder of how passion can build a fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

In Season 1, Episode 8 of *Just Between Us Girls* titled "Maybe She's Born With It, Maybe She's Leaning In," host Arianny Damian welcomes Kristy Daniel, Vice President and Principal at Elford, to share her journey as a woman in the brokerage industry. Kristy introduces herself and reflects on her experiences growing up with an entrepreneurial father and a hardworking mother, both of whom influenced her strong work ethic and career path.

Kristy discusses the challenges she's faced in a male-dominated industry, sharing stories of having to work harder than some of her peers to achieve the same results and how these experiences resonate with many women in the workplace. She opens up about the emotional and professional impact of witnessing unequal opportunities, where others seemed to have things "just happen" for them while she had to create her own path.

As a woman in brokerage, Kristy offers valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities she has encountered, and how her presence has positively impacted her male colleagues and the work environment. She also explores the tools and strategies that helped her overcome obstacles and achieve success in her career.

The episode concludes with Kristy encouraging listeners to reflect on their own journeys, emphasizing the importance of persistence, resilience, and leaning into challenges. She leaves women navigating similar career challenges with advice on how to succeed in male-dominated fields.

Join *Just Between Us Girls* for an inspiring conversation with Kristy Daniel about overcoming adversity, leaning into challenges, and making an impact in the brokerage world.