The Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and other members of the real estate industry congratulated the Women's Council of Realtors Silicon Valley Network 2018 president and officers at their installation on Feb.1, held at Villa Ragusa in Campbell. Sherry Souza, 2017 WCR national president, administered the oath of office to the 2018 WCR leadership group. 2017 WCR state president Theresa Wilson delivered the inspiration and invocation.
WCR serves as a network and source of education and business tools focused on the needs of women Realtors. The organization seeks to empower women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
The 2018 president of the women's Realtor group is Anna Maria Valenzuela, a Realtor with Keller Williams Bay Area Estates Los Gatos and a member of SILVAR. Joining Valenzuela as this year's officers and board directors are Francine Terrell (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage), president-elect; Rosy Davalos (Wells Fargo Home Mortgage), treasurer; Claudia Mendivil (Intero Real Estate Services), secretary; Tracey McNeely (Legacy Real Estate), membership director; and Cynthia Sanchez-Singh (Keller Williams Bay Area Estates), programs director.
Valenzuela is a past president, having served as 2012 president of local WCR chapter. She told members and guests that she is inspired to serve the women's Realtor group again. She noted the past years' life's challenges have taught her the true meaning of resiliency and the importance of embracing life.
"Our theme for 2018 is 'Beauty in Strength,' because we understand the beauty that comes from deep within through diversity and unity," said Valenzuela.
Calling to arms all WCR members to work together for a successful year, Valenzuela announced, "A new day is on the horizon for WCR."
Valenzuela specified the local WCR chapter's collective goals are to create a strong foundation for members in the organization; to build, reinforce and nurture relationships; to provide members with the tools and resources to better their business; to build confidence and strength in themselves and their business; to encourage growth in leadership and make a difference in their community.
WCR is the 12th largest U.S. womens professional organization in the country, with 11,500 members and 253 networks. A partner of the National Association of Realtors, WCR was founded in 1938 with the goal of advancing women as professionals and leaders in the real estate industry.
Nearly 100 officials and representatives from the state and local WCR chapters and Realtor and other real estate professional associations and companies attended the installation ceremony. Representing the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors were president-elect Alan Barbic and Region 9 chair Karen Trolan, who led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Also in attendance was Jennifer Tasto, a SILVAR member and National Association of Realtors President Liaison to the Philippines.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.