D P R N E I S I
LET THE POWERFUL WOMEN IN OUR COMMUNITY INSPIRE YOU TO KEEP REACHING FOR THE STARS!
J E S S I C A C O AT E S HOWARD COUNTY OF ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (HCAR)
Jessica Coates is the CEO of Howard County Association of Realtors also known as HCAR. HCAR is a trade association serving 2100 members. It’s core values are education, advocacy, and community outreach. Her previous experience as a lobbyist and VP of Government and Community Affairs, exemplifies her strength as an advocate on a local level. HCAR Cares is the non-profit arm of the association and is tremendously important to Coates. She works had to provide volunteer opportunities for their Realtors to serve the community. Coates says her “She-ro” has always been her mother who was a single-parent. Blown away by her mother’s presence at a young age, she was molded by her mother’s work ethic. As a little girl, Coates watched her mother go back to college; it was hard work. Her mother’s dedication to professionalism and commitment to excellence was palpable. Excellence was set as the standard. Witnessing this changed Coates forever. She had never seen a woman reach the level of success that her mother was able to obtain. “Looking back, it was all for us,” says Coates proudly, “I am careful to take on things I can give my best to. I feel I’m representing my mother that way.” Coates advises women to invest in themselves. She goes on to say, “I’ve learned you create your own lane by investing in you. I’m fulfilled because I am serving people and helping people. “
BY HE R
ARTICLE KATRINA HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY EDISON MANALO POEMTOGRAPHY
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Columbia Lifestyle | May 2020