libby ekre
hi! i’m libby ekre, your 2024 irem president, from phoenix, arizona.
it’s such an honor to serve irem and share with you the goals i have for my tenure over this next year. the theme for my presidency is the power of purpose. the power of purpose is a force that drives us to achieve our goals and transform our lives.
as i reflect on my own journey, i think about how i found my purpose in an unexpected place - real estate management. it wasn't the career path i thought i would choose, but life has a way of leading us down unexplored roads.
my career journey began when i took a break from college and responded to an ad for a receptionist position, thinking it would give me the time and space i needed to figure out my next steps. little did i know this decision would be the beginning of a life-changing journey.
at the age of 25, i found myself managing a portfolio of multi-family properties, and later, at 34, i co-founded my business, meb management, alongside two remarkable women. joining the local irem chapter board and becoming a cpm propelled me on my journey of self-discovery and purpose.
irem provided me with a platform to connect with like-minded professionals who share their knowledge, experiences, and support each other generously. networking with individuals who understood my challenges and aspirations in those early days gave me the confidence to pursue greater heights.
beyond business success, irem has been a community of friends and mentors, advisors, and peers. irem members are remarkable individuals - wise, thoughtful, kind, and considerate. being deeply engaged with irem over the years helped me find my purpose – it’s also shaped me personally and professionally.
like last year, i’m delighted to be joined by an all-female leadership team.
these exceptional women have the talent and experience to keep making an impact on the world of real estate management – i’m so grateful for their friendship and support. over the next year we’ll continue to advance the priorities defined in irem’s strategic plan, which include:
- expanding awareness, to ensure real estate management is known, understood, and globally recognized as a valued profession.
- cultivating the next generation of property managers, and preparing them to make a positive impact on the future of this dynamic profession.
- elevating the irem experience, remaining relevant to members and customers.
- enhancing ongoing education and lifelong learning to ensure irem's knowledge solutions are recognized as essential to well-managed properties.
- we also hope to grow our membership, expand our resources, and lead the real estate management community worldwide in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
the opportunities for all people in our profession are limitless. i hope to make these opportunities into reality by continuing to build an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and part of something meaningful. everyone matters at irem, and each one of you can discover your unique purpose here.
this is a place to find support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
i’m deeply grateful for the privilege of leading this extraordinary community. together, we continue to embrace the power of purpose, inspire one another, and shape a future filled with growth and opportunity.
thank you!
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