The Most Influential Women Leaders In Real Estate | CIO Women Magazine by CIO Women Magazine

Leaders In Real Estate

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN

The Most The City of Petra: An Ancient Civilization hidden under the Sand Pg. 34

Michelle Obama: A Woman of Heart Pg. 12

Pg. 42

Nancy Weng: Disrupting the Legal Profession with Expertise in Personal Injury Law

WWW.CIOWOMENMAGAZINE.COM | JANUARY 2024

MALINDA KONCAR

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty

A Trailblazing

Realtor Empowering Encouragement and Inclusion at the Forefront

C o omen Magazine

How about showcasing your products to 90,000+ C-suite Subscribers? To get recent updates of our magazines

SUBSCRIBE US monica@ciowomenmagazine.com

She leads, she inspires! “I ﬁgure, if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one.”

– Calamity Jane

Dear Readers, In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, it is with immense pride and pleasure that we present to you our latest issue, dedicated to spotlighting the trailblazing women who have carved their paths as visionaries, innovators, and influential leaders in the realm of real estate. This issue is a celebration of their accomplishments, a testament to their resilience, and an inspiration for aspiring professionals across the industry. As we navigate through the pages of “The Most Influential Women Leaders in Real Estate,” we invite you to immerse yourself in the compelling stories of women who have shattered glass ceilings, defied norms, and transformed the real estate sector. From seasoned veterans with decades of experience to rising stars making waves, each profile in this issue is a testament to the remarkable impact women are having on the industry. In our exclusive interviews, you will gain insights into the challenges these women faced, the strategies they employed to overcome obstacles, and the lessons they learned along the way. Their stories reflect not only their individual journeys but also the collective strength and tenacity of women in real estate who continue to shape the industry’s future. Moreover, our feature articles delve into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that are reshaping the real estate landscape under the guidance and leadership of these remarkable women. From sustainable development to community-driven initiatives, the diverse approaches highlighted in this issue showcase the multifaceted contributions of women leaders in steering the industry towards a more inclusive and progressive future. As we recognize and honor these influential women leaders, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of diversity and inclusivity in driving innovation and fostering a thriving real estate ecosystem. By amplifying the voices of these trailblazers, we aim to inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in real estate and empower them to become leaders who will continue to shape the industry’s evolution. On the cover of this issue, we have featured Malinda Koncar and in the special profile section, we have featured Natalie VanOyen. We hope you enjoy reading these stories! Utkarsh D.

C o omen Magazine

CIO Women Magazine, 1985, Henderson Rd, Columbus, Ohio, 43220

9552931801 Follow Us On:

For Sales & Branding Enquiries: monica@ciowomenmagazine.com

For Subscription: info@ciowomenmagazine.com

Publisher CIO Women Magazine

Chief Editor Shalmali W.

Marketing Coordinator(USA) Pamela Wilson

PR & Marketing Coordinator Jimmy B.

Business Development Executive Monica Sanders Creative Design Head Sankalp K. Social Media Manager Narendra S. Digital Circulation Manager Garry Williams

This list is NOT a ranking. The companies on listed in magazine serve different aspects of the market, making ranking them in any order except revenue impossible and unfair. We try to bring a perfect platform for business organization to showcase their valued products/ services. Copyrights © CIO Women Magazine | 2022. All Rights Reserved. The images and content included in this magazine should not be copied, transferred or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronics, mechanical, photocopying, recording, otherwise, without proper permission from CIO Women Magazine. CIO Women Magazine solely owns all the reprint rights.

Ensuring the Safety and Security of Your Business Read More>>

Running A Business With No Hiccups Read More>>

Flexible Working: 5 Unique Business Ideas For 2024 Read More>>

34 42

The City of Petra: An Ancient Civilization hidden under the Sand

Natalie VanOyen: Empowering the Real Estate Landscape with Inﬂuence and Expertise

CONTENTS

Michelle Obama: A Woman of Heart

3 Key Tips to Empower Womenled Small Businesses

CONTENTS CONTENTS

Malinda Koncar

MICH MICH MICH MICH MICHELLE A Wan of Heart Michelle Obama, the ﬁrst lady of America, the wife of the 44th President of America, Barack Obama. She was born on 17th January 1964 in Illinois, Chicago. Multi-talented woman with a heart to contribute to society to her level best is what Michelle Obama is known for. She has a zeal for contributing to society, raises her voice against color discrimination which prevails, and passes on the ﬁtness message to all. A dynamic person as she is, her principles and the giving back attitude are what have made her the ideal personality that she is today. In this article, we take you on the journey of knowing who is Michelle in real and what you can learn from her.

HELLE HELLE HELLE HELLE E

OBAMA CIO Women Magazine | 13

A Quick Background Screening: Michelle Robinson grew up in Chicago's South side. She is the daughter of Frasier Robinson and Marian Robinson. Frasier, her father, was a pump operator in Chicago's water puriﬁcation plant. Her mother, Marian was a homemaker. Michelle studied sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University. Before sociology, she has also attended Harvard Law School. She returned to Chicago and took a job as a junior associate at Sidley & Austin, where she specialized in intellectual property laws. In 1989, she met Barack Obama when working there. He was hired as a summer associate. Being more interested in public service-oriented-path, in 1991, she joined as an assistant to Mayor Richard M. Daley.

PLEZi: A Health-oriented Beverage for Kids:

ichelle Obama, the ﬁrst lady of America, the wife of the 44th President of America, Barack Obama. She was born on 17th January 1964 in Illinois, Chicago. Multi-talented woman with a heart to contribute to society to her level best is what Michelle Obama is known for. She has a zeal for contributing to society, raises her voice against color discrimination which prevails, and passes on the ﬁtness message to all. A dynamic person as she is, her principles and the giving back attitude are what have made her the ideal personality that she is today. In this article, we take you on the journey of knowing who is Michelle in real and what you can learn from her.

Since 1996 Michelle continued her efforts to do noble deeds. As a people person and a fitness enthusiast, her focus is to provide good quality foods and drinks. She launched a company named PLEZi in 2015. It was designed to give healthy options for kids to drink. She wanted to bring in nutritious foods for kids without any added sugars. The first product of PLEZi was a drink for kids aged between 6 to 12 years. It has 75% less sugar and no added preservatives. Fiber and potassium are on a higher side in this drink, she says.

Becoming: An Autobiography: A book written by Michelle Obama, Becoming is her life's journey. It includes her early life while growing up on the South Side of Chicago with her parents Frazer and Marian Robinson. It was an upstairs apartment where she got her first piano lessons and learned to be an independent girl while her parents took care of her. Further, the book goes ahead by taking us through her education at Princeton University and Harvard Law School. It also has traces of her early stage career at a law firm named Sidley Austin, where she met Barack Obama. It covers further the marriage, her conceiving issues, the IVF treatment she had to go through, and many other personal and career elements that are worth a read. Her journey is inspirational and will keep giving us hope for life. It will keep on reminding us to move forward. Some facts about the Star: 1. Beauty with brains: Michelle excelled in school. She and her brother, Craig, both skipped the second grade. She graduated salutatory of her high class in 1981. Her school name was Whitney M. Young High School, the first magnet school in Chicago. Jesse Jackson's daughter, Santita, was her classmate. 2. A tall height: Michelle Obama is 5-foot 11 inches tall. Her husband, Barack Obama is 6 foot 1 inches tall. 3. Brilliant Student: Michelle Obama was a brilliant student too. She pursued sociology and AfricanAmerican studies at Princeton University and graduated with distinction in 1985. Further, she went to Harvard University where her husband has been too.

Michelle's Career Took an Unexpected Turn: During the early 1990's she had to rethink her career path. After the death of her father and a close friend, she decided to leave her corporate law field to work in public service and be selfless. She took a job in the mayor's office and then in the city's office of planning and development. In 1993, she became the founding executive director of Public Allies Chicago, an AmeriCorps national service program. It provided training to young adults who wanted to pursue careers in the public sector. 1. A Fitness Freak: Michelle Obama is a fitness freak and it is quite visible. She has shared her fitness regime in many news articles to inspire women to be fit. It is a reminder for every person out there, to lead a healthy lifestyle. Her meticulous efforts and commitment to ward fitness and exercise have been an inspiration to all. The arms full of toned muscles quite vividly depict her commitment to working out. 2. Fashionista: Occasionally, Michelle Obama likes to don pricey designer fabrics. She is, both, praised and criticized, for her fashion sense. It is said that she is a fan of budgetfriendly brands like J. Crew and H&M. On the expensive front, she has sported Lanvin Sneakers worth $515. She was volunteering then at a food bank. On the gracious occasion of a reception regarding the London Olympic Games with the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, she sported a $6800 J. Mendel jacket for a visit to Buckingham Palace.

CIO Women Magazine | 15

An Empath for Those in Need: 16

In 1996, Michelle joined the University of Chicago, as an Associate Dean of Student Services, to bring the campus and community together. Under her regime, she successfully developed the University's ﬁrst community service program. As the Vice President of Community and External Aﬀairs, her volunteerism reached new heights. Here's a list:

1. Let's Move:

In 2010, Michelle launched the campaign Let's Move. She brought together educators, medical professionals, community leaders, parents, and others in a nationwide eﬀort to address the challenge of childhood obesity. This initiative has a progressive goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity. The initiative provides healthier foods in schools, helps kids to be more physically active, or urges companies to market healthier foods for children. Let's Move is an extension of the PLEZi company's vision and mission statement.

2. Reach Higher: To empower students via education, in 2014, Michelle started the Reach Higher campaign. To encourage students to complete their education past high school, she launched this campaign. It was an urge to students to enroll themselves in college degree programs, to join a community college, or a professional training program. “Reach Higher” aims to ensure that all students should understand the "why education is important" factor. The initiative exposes students to various colleges and educational institutes, the initiative helps students understand ﬁnancial aid eligibility, and also provides summer learning opportunities.

3. Let Girls Learn: 2015, Mrs. Obama joined President Obama in launching the ‘Let Girls Learn’ initiative. It was a U.S. government initiative to help girls go to school and stay in school, whoever needs to do so. As part of this eﬀort, Mrs. Obama calls on various countries across the globe to educate and liberate young women. She shares the stories of these women with the students in her ‘Reach Higher’ initiative, so they know the struggles the women are going through to get a basic education. It is also for them to understand the importance of getting aid for education.

4. Joining Forces: In 2011, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Jill Biden came together to launch ‘Joining Forces’. It was a nationwide initiative that called all Americans to rally around service members, veterans, and their families. It was a calling to support them through wellness, education, and employment opportunities. This initiative worked together with the public and private sectors to make sure that the veterans, service members, and their families had the necessary tools to succeed in life. These were the 4 main initiatives that Michelle Obama started. Via these social initiatives, she has become a role model for women and an advocate for healthy families. Other service members, veterans, and their respective families were also a part of the initiative which got immense help to lead a good, healthy, and ﬁnancially stable life.

CIO Women Magazine | 17

3. Multiple Tasks: Michelle Obama is the author of a best-selling book where she wrote about the White House garden. She joined millions of children in breaking the Guinness world record for jumping jacks. Moreover, she has helped almost 50,000 veterans and military spouses to get jobs through her Joining Forces initiative. Qualities of Michelle Obama: Ÿ Zeal for Social Work: Michelle Obama has a strong personality and an ability to call others to action. She isn't a typical first lady. Her ability to motivate, inspire, and take action is immensely flawless. Many of the controversial social issues were faced by her, but she went through it all like a confident and powerful woman. It made her an iconic figure and her legacy will remain for a long time

Ÿ Inspirational: Michelle Obama was able to transform political lines and radical divides. She has inspired millions of people, without any doubt. Michelle kept her stand about the power of the individual is paramount, and why you shouldn't underestimate your ability to inspire real change in the community. Ÿ Compassionate: Empathy and compassion are needed to maintain healthy and harmonious relationships in the organization. She went on to establish the Chicago chapter of Public Allies. It was a humble eﬀort from her side to prepare youth to join the civil service. Being compassionate is a way to people's hearts. It earned her the trust and respect of the employees and maintain employee retention. Ÿ Strong Character: Michelle Obama was always vocal and honest about the stark realities faced by minorities in America. This topic was picked up in a

A Wan of Heart 18

OBAMA

MICHELLE

Ÿ 2015 commencement speech at Tuskegee University. There she reminded black students to stay strong and resilient against the odds. She truly believes in standing up for what she believes in and living by her values. Ÿ Powerful Speaker: Michelle Obama has a powerful communication tact. She had an astonishing way of keeping people hooked to her presence and making them feel they were a part of something big. She gave powerful speeches about her experience as a black woman competing in academia. She also emphasized the need to stand up for women's rights. Conclusion: Michelle Obama is a dynamic woman with multiple qualities to admire. While raising daughters Malia and Natasha, she handled her all responsibilities effortlessly. Managing her time, fulfilling the duties towards her social activities, and raising the kids, she managed it all. Excellent time management skill is her trait to admire. Nobody has enough hours in the day, so you need to define the priority tasks and complete them as decided no matter what. She is a personality that will be remembered and remembered for many years. Her contribution to society, speaking up for empowering women and children, and providing education to a majority of children in need have made her inspirational for many.

CIO Women Magazine | 19

COVER STORY

MALINDA KONCAR A Trailblazing

Realtor Empowering Encouragement and Inclusion at the Forefront

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

CIO Women Magazine | 23

raditionally a male-dominated industry, real estate is eventually witnessing the rise of powerful women leaders who are breaking the existing gender stereotypes and making the environment more inclusive than ever. These women are not only reshaping the landscape of real estate but also inspiring a new generation of professionals to challenge preconceived notions. One such prime example of powerful and resounding leadership is demonstrated by Malinda Koncar (Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty). Malinda’s commitment to women’s empowerment extends beyond rhetoric. By fostering inclusion and offering guidance, she is recognized for contributing to a more positive and sustainable landscape for women in the industry. Triumphing a Challenging Transition Malinda’s career as a successful realtor has been a journey of several hardships and an undetermined spirit to climb the ladder of success. While embarking on a career in real estate, she experienced numerous significant challenges, particularly while transitioning from the fitness industry with limited knowledge of the real estate landscape. Her unfamiliarity with the industry norms and intricacies marked a

substantial hurdle that she had to surpass. During this journey, Malinda also came to terms with the pervasive issue of gender biases–a challenge she had to confront head-on. Leaving behind the fitness sector for real estate, Malinda grappled with gender-based obstacles that manifested in subtle yet impactful ways. The industry’s landscape presented a considerable learning curve, with gender biases being a pronounced aspect of her challenges. As a woman entering this domain, she faced a distinct propensity for bullying, not only from male counterparts but also surprisingly from fellow females, creating a complex dynamic. While navigating such scenarios, Malinda observed that some men resorted to loud and indignant behavior, attempting to bully or intimidate her to achieve their desired outcomes. Simultaneously, she also noticed a similar assertiveness, at times bordering on intimidation, from certain women in the industry. This duality of challenges added an extra layer of complexity to her professional journey, requiring her to handle varying forms of intimidation from both genders adeptly. Besides the above, another initial hurdle she faced was adjusting to the necessity of standing her ground, finding her voice, and dispelling any apprehension about utilizing it. In view of these, overcoming the fear of confrontation and challenging those who sought to intimidate them became integral aspects of her professional growth. These challenges highlighted the importance of resilience, determination, and self-advocacy in a field where gender biases and power dynamics can shape interactions. In response to these challenges, Malinda did not merely adapt but actively worked to change the narrative. She

confronted gender biases head-on, demonstrating that a woman’s voice is both powerful and indispensable in the real estate industry. By standing firm, she asserted her presence and paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable professional environment. Strategic Expertise in Motivating Clients As a licensed real estate professional affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Pennsylvania and Ohio, Malinda is dedicated to seamlessly integrating strategic expertise with a sincere comprehension of her client’s objectives. Her mission revolves around guiding clients through the real estate process, providing educational support, and assisting them in making informed decisions. In her role, Malinda prioritizes empowering clients to address their questions independently and make decisions that align with their goals. Her approach goes beyond mere guidance; it fosters client autonomy and enables them to achieve the desired outcomes in their real estate endeavors. Within Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Malinda utilizes her licensure in Pennsylvania and Ohio to bring a wealth of knowledge to her clients. By combining strategic experience with a genuine understanding of client goals, she ensures a seamless and informed journey throughout the real estate process. With a relentless focus on empowerment, Malinda is a dedicated advocate for her clients, helping them navigate the complexities of real estate transactions with confidence and autonomy. Moreover, her commitment to education, strategic support, and client empowerment embodies her role as a trusted partner in achieving real estate objectives.

COVER STORY

CIO Women Magazine | 25

Recognized Realtor at the Helm Malinda’s commitment to client welfare, impressive attention to detail, and ascent with Berkshire Hathaway showcase the profound impact marked by her dedication and strategic effort. While reflecting on her professional journey, she recounts her humble beginnings, selling just one home in her first year, which was a challenging sale by the owner. The financial return from that sale barely covered her costs for gas and other expenses. Despite this initial hurdle, Malinda’s perseverance and commitment over the past five years have propelled her to remarkable heights within the real estate industry. Currently holding the impressive rank of number 7 among solo licensed agents in Pennsylvania and Ohio within Berkshire Hathaway, Malinda has achieved recognition in the Chairman’s Gold Circle. Her accomplishments include winning a cruise, signifying a remarkable ascent from her modest start to becoming a successful agent in her demographic. This trajectory underscores Malinda’s dedication, resilience, and continuous growth within the real estate profession. As a recognized real estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Malinda focuses on effective communication with clients, building a robust network, and guiding them through the intricacies of real estate transactions. Her responsibilities span from assisting clients in qualifying for loans, locating suitable homes, formulating strategic offers, negotiating on their behalf, and providing education to empower informed decision-making. Recognizing that real estate transactions represent significant financial investments for clients, she also ensures meticulous attention to legalities, contracts, and protection measures. Recognizing the gravity of the responsibilities associated with real estate, Malinda emphasizes the need for thoroughness to safeguard the interests of her clients. For many individuals, a real estate transaction is the most substantial financial commitment in their lifetime. Hence, she focuses on navigating the complexities of contracts and legalities to ensure every aspect aligns to protect the clients. 26

COVER STORY

Driven by the Collective Ability to Collaborate At Berkshire Hathaway’s helm, the paramount objective for Malinda is prioritizing the client’s interests above all else. Achieving this requires eﬀective collaboration with various stakeholders, making it particularly crucial to establish strong networks with lenders, title companies, and closing entities.

Additionally, Malinda emphasizes the importance of a seamless process that extends beyond client interactions to encompass all aspects of a transaction that fosters friendly and communicative relationships with clients and lenders, title companies, and all parties involved in the real estate process. Moreover, the focus on network building goes hand in hand with providing

excellent service to clients. Establishing solid connections with lenders contributes to the eﬃciency of ﬁnancial processes, ensuring clients receive optimal support in securing loans. Likewise, maintaining positive associations with title companies and closing entities facilitates a streamlined and problem-free conclusion to real estate transactions.

CIO Women Magazine | 27

COVER STORY

Malinda also places a high premium on relationships beyond client-agent dynamics. Her approach involves actively engaging with all stakeholders involved in a transaction, recognizing that a collaborative effort from everyone contributes to achieving the end goal—successfully closing deals. According to her, a company’s effectiveness is amplified when everyone works cohesively, with a shared commitment to prioritizing the client’s needs and maintaining open lines of communication with all involved parties. Ensuring Gender Encouragement at the Core Being a woman leader in a maledominated industry like real estate, Malinda’s philosophy and perception of feminism revolve around promoting equality, predominantly with equal pay in the industry. Highlighting how women neither seek nor demand higher salaries and commission splits, she says, “If you’re not asking, you’re not receiving.” So, feminism is trying to balance out the inequalities of gender differences. She adds that in the real estate industry, respect between genders and equal pay. As a determined female leader, Malinda ensures inclusion while ensuring women empower each other within the organization. Prioritizing the importance of inclusion and women empowerment, she perceives these aspects as a powerful bond among women. Her commitment to these principles is rooted in compassion, empathy, and the desire to uplift others rather than tearing them down. One of Malinda’s notable strengths in real estate is building positive relationships with fellow agents and actively supporting them on their professional journeys.

In the industry, where collaboration is key, she recognizes the significance of amicable relationships with other agents. She acknowledges that working harmoniously with those who share a camaraderie is more effective than navigating challenges with individuals who may have engaged in negative interactions, such as attempted bullying. Moreover, keeping communication lines clear and maintaining a goal of mutual assistance lay the foundation of Malinda’s approach towards women empowerment and gender inclusion. Additionally, a particular focus for Malinda is reaching out to newer agents entering the industry. Understanding the vulnerability of these individuals, who often face bullying or intimidation from more experienced agents, she takes proactive steps to offer guidance and support. Recognizing the industry’s harsh realities, where approximately 85% of new agents fail in their first year, Malinda dedicates herself to empowering and mentoring newcomers. By helping newer agents, she aims to ensure they overcome the initial challenges and embark on a path toward long-term success. Essentially, Malinda’s commitment to women empowerment extends beyond rhetoric; she actively engages with newer agents, creating a supportive environment that counters the prevalent challenges faced by those new to the real estate business. By fostering inclusion and offering guidance, Malinda contributes to a more positive and sustainable landscape for women in the industry. “It’s not just the clients involved in the transactions. You need to be friends and communicate with all the lenders, the title company, and all sides to get the closing to the end,” she adds.

Striking a Balancing Chord between Work and Life Balancing work and personal life in real estate poses a continuous challenge for Malinda. The nature of the job demands a round-the-clock commitment, as she frequently adapts her schedule to align with clients who, in most cases, have their jobs. This often means working when others are off, creating a dynamic that can be challenging to navigate. When asked about harboring a perfect balance between work and life, Malinda says, “Work-life balance is really difficult with real estate. You are working 24/7. Considering the terms of people buying a house, they usually have jobs. So you’re working around their work schedules. So you’re working when everybody else is off, which makes things a little bit difficult.” With crucial tasks and submissions due by midnight or within a short five-day timeframe, finding equilibrium between professional and personal spheres becomes notably complex. Malinda acknowledges that achieving a harmonious balance in home and personal life is an ongoing pursuit that she is actively working toward. The real estate profession, characterized by seasonal fluctuations, adds a layer of complexity to achieving work-life balance. Maintaining a sense of equilibrium becomes more demanding, particularly during the bustling seasons. The busy periods entail sustained and intensive work commitments, leaving little room for personal reprieve. During the quieter winter months, Malinda finds an opportunity to recuperate before gearing up for the renewed demands of the approaching spring.

CIO Women Magazine | 29

COVER STORY

Despite the inherent challenges, Malinda recognizes the importance of continuously striving for a more balanced lifestyle. Real estate work demands adaptability and resilience, and she is committed to reﬁning her approach to manage the demands eﬀectively. The acknowledgment that work-life balance is an ongoing pursuit aligns with her dedication to providing optimal service to clients while recognizing the need for personal wellbeing.

The Philosophy of ‘Women Empowering Women’ While recognizing there are numerous empowering women out there, Malinda draws her inspiration from Gabby Bernstein. Although that takes up a personal side of things to help women on a very personal level, while not so much in real estate, she believes she is more inspired by the everyday women who are working two jobs, raising kids, and trying to buy a house, some of the high-income earners. “I think it’s the day-to-day people I feel have more inspiring stories for me,” she adds. Malinda is a seasoned leader in the real estate industry who believes there are certain qualities that women leaders must possess, specifically in a very challenging and highly technical job, to become successful. Some of these are strategy, negotiation skills, and collaborative efforts. Essentially, one must be very strategic. While previously, the industry market was good, and people were used to doing the same thing, it has significantly changed over the years and has become volatile. Therefore, individuals must be able to pivot, adapt, and change quickly as the environment changes, interest rates rise, and market prices fluctuate. “Adaptability, being strategic, having strong negotiation skills, and then adding that layer of compassion and empathy, to bring that full circle,” says Malinda. For aspiring women entrepreneurs seeking to make a mark in the real estate business or in general, Malinda advises being transparent, honest, and passionate. “As long as you maintain transparency, honesty, passion, and drive, you’ll succeed no matter what you do. With real estate, you need to have tenacity and grit to keep moving forward when things get challenging and just not give up,” concludes Malinda.

CIO Women Magazine | 31

An Ancient Civilization hidden under the Sand

t the core of the barren crimson desert resides the City of Petra, a legacy of a bygone era. This hidden city is covered with tales carried by desert winds and unfolds its secrets with the air of mystique. Its rose-red facades, masterfully carved into the living rock, stand as silent witnesses of an ancient civilization lost into the stack of time. Each façade is a canvas of stories of a forgotten empire and resonates with the whispers of a rich history. As we walk through the narrow Siq, the canyon guarding Petra’s entrance, the anticipation builds—we are set on a journey back in time, guided by the echoes of a lost civilization’s heartbeat.

CIO Women Magazine | 35

Where Is PETRA Located? It sits approximately 150 miles south of Jerusalem and Amman, the capital of Jordan. Positioned midway between Damascus, Syria, and the Red Sea, it became a strategic hub for trade and commerce. This historical site is notable for its stunning rockcut architecture and pioneering water management system, a crucial innovation that transformed the otherwise waterless and mountainous surroundings into a habitable area. It is known as the ‘Rose City’ due to the hues of its stone structures. It earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

An Enchanting History The story begins with a tribe of Arabian nomads known as the Nabataeans. Originally, wanderers who thrived in the desert by herding animals. Over time, their expertise in desert survival transformed them into prosperous traders, dominating key routes for spices and incense from Arabia to Egypt and the Mediterranean. The Nabataeans, once nomadic, accumulated wealth as desert traders, transitioning from goatskin tents to constructing impressive structures. The shift from nomadic life to settling down remains a mystery, shrouding Petra’s origins in intrigue. In 312 B.C., the Greek Empire attacked, marking its first historical mention. The Nabateans cleverly defended their city against the Greeks, using the mountainous terrain as a natural barrier. However, in 106 A.D., the Romans invaded, leading to the Nabatean surrender. The Romans renamed the territory as Arabia Petraea and ruled for over 250 years. The city endured until an earthquake in the fourth century A.D. that damaged many structures. Later, the Byzantines assumed control, governing for approximately 300 years. The Lost City This ancient city experienced a decline in the eighth century A.D., losing its prominence in trade, politics, and culture. Despite this, it remains noteworthy for its unique architecture, especially the rock-cut structures crafted by the Nabatean Bedouins. Its early architecture emerged by carving structures directly into the surrounding stone. Over time, Petra evolved, absorbing Roman and Byzantine influences, resulting in a fusion of cultural elements. Initially known for detailed Nabatean tombs, the city later featured Christian churches built by the Byzantines, who regarded it as the capital of the province of Palaestina. The Romans left their mark with the Roman Road, adorned with Roman-style gates. Despite changing rulers, the Nabateans’ influence endured in Petra’s design. Resulting in a captivating blend of cultural contributions spanning centuries.

CIO Women Magazine | 37

Inside Petra:

THE SIQ: It is the ancient main entrance leading to the city of Petra. A split rock with a length of about 1200m and a width of 3 to 12m, and height up to about 80m.

THE SILK TOMB: It is one of the most dramatically colored tombs in Petra dating back to the first half of the first century AD. The interface measures 10.8 meters in width and 19 meters in length with a door in the middle Today’s Petra After the eighth century, this abandoned city, Petra became a refuge for nomadic shepherds for centuries. In 1812, Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered Petra and documented his findings. This revelation captivated the interest of the Western world, drawing architects and scholars. A formal excavation project commenced in 1929, led by British archaeologists Agnes Conway and George Horsfield, along with scholars Tawfiq Canaan and Ditlef Nielsen.

BAB AL SIQ: It is Arabic for gateway to the ‘siq’. Here you will see three massive Djinn blocks, which are squared monuments carved out of the rock.

THE THEATRE: Carved into the side of the mountain at the foot of the High Place of Sacrifice, the theatre consists of three rows of seats separated by passageways. It can it can accommodate 4000 spectators. Over the years, significant discoveries were made, including the Greek scrolls in 1993 and the recent identification of a buried monumental structure through satellite imaging. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, this lost city witnessed the forced relocation of Bedouin tribespeople by the Jordanian government. In the early 2000s, it earned recognition as one of the ‘Seven New Wonders of the World,’ resulting in a surge in tourism.

THE DAM: It was renovated by the government in 1964 in the same way originally built by the Nabataens. Built to protect their capital from ﬂoods that arrived during the seasonal rain.

THE TREASURY (AL KHAZNA):

It is almost 40 meters high and intricately decorated with Corinthian capitals, friezes, ﬁgures and more. The Treasury is crowned by a funerary urn, which according to local legend conceals a pharaoh’s treasure.

How and When to Visit? Don’t limit to just a day trip—it’s vast, covering over a hundred square miles, four times the size of Manhattan. While donkeys and camels can speed things up, most of its wonders are best explored on foot, involving some uphill treks. Stay at least one night in town and plan your exploration through a series of hikes. Local guides, with their extensive knowledge, reveal hidden tombs and details you might miss. This city welcomes visitors year-round. Opt for spring or fall for pleasant weather and stunning light. Summer is lovely but scorching. January and February are cooler, with occasional rain. Due to the high elevation, nights are chilly. Make the most of Petra’s changing hues by arriving early and staying late for sunrise and sunset. Many mysteries of this long-lost city are still buried under the golden sand of the desert. Mysteries that hold a voice telling the story of the past. However, this mist of unknown stories is the very factor that makes this place more appealing. Once you leave Petra, you will leave with a perspective questioning the circle of time entangled with stories. And who knows, this adventure might help you with your own story.

Lesser Known Facts: Ÿ Caravan City: Often known as the ‘Rose City,’ it was a caravan city strategically located at the crossroads of major trade routes. Its prosperity was built on trade, serving as a hub for caravans traveling between the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean. Ÿ Rock-Cut Architecture: One of the most distinctive features of this city is its rock-cut architecture. The structures were carved directly into the rose-red cliﬀs of southern Jordan, showcasing the remarkable engineering and artistic skills of the Nabataeans people. Ÿ Nabataean Water Engineering: Its ability to thrive in a desert environment was facilitated by sophisticated water management systems. The Nabataeans constructed intricate trenches, cisterns, and channels to control and distribute water throughout the city. Ÿ Hidden Monastery: While the iconic Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) and the Monastery are well-known, Petra is home to numerous lesser-explored sites. One such site is the ‘Ad Deir’ or the Monastery, located high in the mountains. Larger than The Treasury but sees fewer visitors due to its remote location. Ÿ Mesmerizing Nights: Visitors have the unique opportunity to experience Petra by Night. The archaeological site is illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a magical atmosphere. The journey through the Siq to reach The Treasury under the soft glow of candlelight is a ravishing experience. Ÿ Lost and Rediscovered: Essentially lost to the Western world after the 14th century. It became a forgotten city until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. His accounts of the hidden city brought it back into the limelight. Ÿ Amphitheater with Acoustics: This city boasts a wellpreserved amphitheater with impressive acoustics. Despite its ancient origins, the theater can still seat thousands of spectators and is occasionally used for performances. These lesser-known facts of Petra add layers to its historical and cultural signiﬁcance.

CIO Women Magazine | 39

CIO Women Magazine | 43

CIO Women Magazine | 45

CIO Women Magazine | 47

3 Key Tips to

Empower Women-led Small Businesses

CIO Women Magazine | 49

Comen o Magazine

w w w . c i o w o m e n m a g a z i n e . c o m