Where are They Now?

By Sabrina Blair

Director of Communications and Programs

As Orange County REALTORS’® Leadership Academy enters its seventh class this year, 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, visit www.ocrealtors.org/la.

REALTOR® - Lorraine Zuschlag

Class of 2016-2017

What spurred you to apply for the Leadership Academy?

I was in the first Leadership Academy so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I wanted to learn more about applying good leadership skills and learning about the real estate industry as a whole. I was amazed at how many different aspects of our industry were covered in Leadership Academy, from learning how the real estate association functions, to awesome team-building exercises, really understanding what Leadership is and how the legislative process works for our industry, and more!

What was the biggest thing you gained from participating in the Academy?

That a leader's role is to bring up new leaders. That was powerful because oftentimes the concept of a leader is at times associated with sole leadership, the person at the top. But what I learned is Leadership is far more encompassing and inclusive, for the betterment of people in general. Leadership is a gift we pass on to others.

Have you always been a natural leader or interested in leadership roles?

I am currently the Team Lead of the Broker Services Department with HomeSmart Evergreen Realty where my team and I work daily with our agents, guiding them to be leaders in their business through education and training and providing them assistance when issues arise. I have also enjoyed a few years on the MLS Committee, and the Grievance Committee, and I am currently a member of the Professional Standards Committee with Orange County REALTORS®. Those are awesome committees (of the many) that help educate and support our fellow REALTORS®.

What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone considering applying for the Academy?

You should definitely join! Leadership Academy was more eye-opening and empowering than I could have possibly imagined. It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of awesome people!

REALTOR® - Alton Hitchcock Jr.

Class of 2022

What spurred you to apply for the Leadership Academy?

I’m a firm believer that if you do something, you should give yourself to it. Service is an important part of any organization. I wanted to get to know the people and the process that makes up OC REALTORS®.

Have you always been a natural leader or interested in leadership roles?

I like being heard and I want my opinions to count. I don’t think that makes me a natural leader, but it lends itself to my speaking out and that has often landed me in those positions.

What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone considering applying for the Academy?

I’d encourage them to do so, of course! It taught me some skills and introduced me to the people that make this thing happen. I’m glad to be a part of it.

"You should definitely join! Leadership Academy was more eye-opening and empowering than I could have possibly imagined." —Lorraine Zuschlag

"I like being heard and I want my opinions to count." —Alton Hitchcock Jr.