3 minute read
Leadership Academy: Where Are They Now?
By Sabrina Blair, Director of Communications and Programs
As Orange County REALTORS’® Leadership Academy gets ready to embark on their seventh class in January 2024, we would like to check in with a few Alumni to see where their leadership journey has taken them since graduation. The OCR Leadership Academy was launched in 2016 because 2015 President Rita Tayenaka and other Directors saw a need for new blood in leadership roles at the Association level and decided to form an academy to train, grow, and nurture leaders. The Academy is currently facilitated by our 2020 President, Danielle Corliss To give readers a better idea about what the Academy can do for members, we are featuring graduates in OC REALTOR ®. To learn more about the Leadership Academy or to apply for the next class, visit www.ocrealtors.org/la.
REALTOR® Colleen Trujillo, Class of 2018-2019
Have you always been a natural leader or interested in leadership roles?
Yes, I started young with student council, captain of my cheerleading squad, chairperson for various committees in college. I helped to start the baseball booster club at Tesoro High School and organized several blood drives through Little League. I’ve managed several softball teams for my daughter and volunteered with Viejo Little League. I’ve never been one to sit on the sidelines, but I definitely don’t seek the spotlight either.
What was the biggest thing you gained from participating in the Academy?
The friendships I’ve made and continue to cherish. Also, the seminars regarding personality traits were very insightful!
Where has your leadership journey taken you since graduation? What leadership roles have you obtained?
I was a member of several committees at OCR including PAEC and have been honored to serve as a C.A.R. Director for the past 3 years. I was the co-chair for the REimagine Committee in 2023. I am also serving as a Key Contact for Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez. I have also stepped outside of my box and became a licensed Pilates Instructor even though I’ve never been one to enjoy public speaking.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone considering applying for the Academy?
Go for it! If not you, then who? If not now, when? We need more voices, we need to replace ourselves. Trust that voice inside yourself, go for it!
REALTOR® & AFFILIATE Van Gordon, Class of 2019-2020
What spurred you to apply for the Leadership Academy?
I found Leadership Academy was a necessity for me at that time when I wanted to grow my career and leadership skills.
What was the biggest thing you gained from participating in the Academy?
I learned how to understand and work with different types of people for a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.
Where has your leadership journey taken you since graduation? What leadership roles have you obtained?
I've been involved more with Orange County REALTORS® at different levels and different positions as Affiliate Committee Vice Chair (2020-2021) and Chair (2022) then elected to the Board of Directors for 2024-2026. I was also honored to be the first Secretary of the Vietnamese National Association of Real Estate Professional Southern California.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone considering applying for the Academy?
Be open to new changes and learn. Be involved and be consistent.
