Names in the News

Alana Gates receives the 2024 Advancing Real Estate Education Award

Alana Gates was honored with the 2024 Advancing Real Estate Education Award, which recognizes faculty who have made exceptional contributions to advancing real estate and appraisal education through the California Community College Real Estate Education Center. Alana says that, looking ahead, she remains steadfast in her mission to “elevate the real estate program’s standards locally and statewide, with a focus on enhancing the educational experience for all students and the faculty who teach them.”

OC REALTORS® Director Mary Rampone Recognized as Woman of the Year Making "Herstory" Nominee

Director Mary Rampone was recognized as a Woman of the Year Making "Herstory" Nominee by Assemblywoman Laurie Davies for her service to the city of San Clemente. Mary stated, “It was an honor to be amongst amazing female leaders!"

Paula Cosenza is awarded the Heart of Safety by the Beverly Carter Foundation

The Beverly Carter Foundation honored member Paula Cosenza with the Heart of Safety award for her time on the NAR REALTOR® Safety Advisory. Paula referred to the recognition as a “beautiful surprise.”

Chika Sunquist is Appointed Commissioner of the California Department of Real Estate.

Real Estate Commissioner Chika Sunquist was appointed Commissioner of the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) by Governor Gavin Newsom on November 28, 2023. She assumed office on January 3, 2024.

Senator Janet Nguyen Awarded Certificates of Recognition to Julie Hile and Vicki DeBoer.

Senator Janet Nguyen awarded members Vicki DeBoer and Julie Hile with Certificates of Recognition in honor of Women’s History Month. They are both officially titled a Woman of Distinction.

Coast to Canyon Receives C2EX Brokerage Endorsement

Congratulations to Coast to Canyon for receiving the C2EX Brokerage Endorsement awarded by the National Association of REALTORS®! To receive this endorsement, the Managing Broker and at least 80% of the agents within an office must obtain their C2EX Endorsement. Kudos to Lynne Suzanski, Colleen Trujillo, Heidi Stoops, Candy Babcock, Katy Manes-Smith, Cathie Berlin, Stephanie Chapin, and OCR Past President and Broker, Rita Tayenaka, for committing themselves to excellence! To learn more about C2EX (Commitment to Excellence), visit www.nar.realtor/c2ex.

Pictured from left to right: Andrew Lin, Maureen McGrath, Yami Martinez, Kurosh Abascal, Anthony Cosenza, and Lisa Yi

Young Professionals Network Committee Collects 10+ Racks of Clothing Benefitting Working Wardrobes

In March, the Young Professionals Network (YPN) held a clothing drive for unemployed and underemployed individuals, which turned out to be a huge success. YPN collected 10+ racks for Working Wardrobes to benefit families in Camp Pendleton and people who are re-entering the workforce. Keep an eye out for more YPN drives to participate in.

Pictured from left to right: Rick Cosenza, Tony Faulkner, Julie Wright, Paula Cosenza, Mayor Mike Munzing, Laurie Johnson, OCR President-Elect Ed Molina, Thomas Lotts, and Mary Rampone.

An Evening with the Mayor of Aliso Viejo

OC REALTORS® Members attended an Evening with the Mayor of Aliso Viejo, Mike Munzing. The festivities took place on March 14th at the Nolet Gin Headquarters, where attendees enjoyed networking, food, and beverages.

Level Up Leadership Series with Mary Kelly

The Leadership & Professional Development Committee hosted Mary Kelly, an internationally recognized economist, author, and speaker on March 27th to speak to our Leadership Academy Alumni, Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs, and our Directors. Mary spoke about dealing with change and crises in their roles as leaders. A few lucky attendees walked away with a copy of one of the many books that Mary has written.

Congratulations to the lucky members who won a book by Mary Kelly

Congratulations to our Learn & Win Winner

Congratulations to Regina Singh who won an iPad Air for the first quarter drawing of our Learn & Win program. OCR members are encouraged to attend classes in either of our offices for a chance to win. For each in-person class attended, you receive 1 entry into the quarterly drawing. The more you attend, the more chances to win!

Ed Molina, Matt Cortez, Caleb Gonzalez, Jake Anderson, Laurie Johnson, Colleen Trujillo, Scott White, Ron Pascual, and Brian Genovese

OCR Joins OCBC 2024 Advocacy Trip for County Development

Orange County REALTORS® joined the Orange County Business Council 2024 Sacramento Advocacy Trip in making the voice of businesses heard and their mission to advance economic development, workforce, infrastructure, and housing properties for the nation's sixth largest county.

Pictured left to right (front row): Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, Senator Janet Nguyen, Dirrisy Doan, Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, Laurie Johnson, Jake Anderson, and Matt Cortez. Pictured left to right (back row):: Caleb Gonzalez, Ed Molina, Scott White, Brian Genovese, Colleen Trujillo, and Ron Pascual.

Pictured left to right (front row): Dirrisy Doan, Senator Kelly Seyarto, Senator Josh Newman, Senator Janet Nguyen, Laurie Johnson, Jake Anderson, Ed Molina, Matt Cortez. Pictured left to right (back row): Caleb Gonzalez, Scott White, Brian Genovese, Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, Orange County Business Council President/CEO Jeff Ball, Colleen Trujillo, and Ron Pascual.

Names in the News is intended to be primarily a place where REALTOR® and Affiliate members of Orange County REALTORS® can share professional news—about accomplishments, awards, and other milestones—with one another. If you have news to share, please submit it online at www.ocrealtors.org/names.