Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Michelle Obama never imagined that she’d become First Lady of the United States. She never imagined that one day, she would inspire people all around the world and drive historic change. As the daughter of a city water-pump operator and a stay-at-home mom, girls like her aren’t supposed to do any of that.
But Michelle Obama has spent her life challenging us to reconsider where that “supposed to” comes from — and who determines it. Michelle met her husband Barack in 1989 at the law firm Sidley Austin LLP, where she worked immediately after graduating from Harvard Law School. The two fell in love and married on the South Side of Chicago, not far from where she grew up. They stayed on the South Side to raise their two beautiful girls, Malia and Sasha, before moving to the White House. Of all the things she has achieved in her remarkable life, Michelle considers being a mother her greatest accomplishment.
Her life shows us that you don’t have to look a certain way or act a certain way to fit in; you don’t have to make a lot of money or come from a certain group or class or faith in order to matter. Each of us can write our own story. And when we share those stories with one another, we can lift each other up along the way.
That’s why, as an author, Michelle speaks candidly about her experiences as a wife, mother, Black woman, and First Lady of the United States, telling her story in a way that empowers others to see the beauty in their own. Through her advocacy work, she strives to help young people see the power of their voice and the boundless promise inside of them. Through film and television, she elevates stories and storytellers who have too often been ignored. And as a co-founder of a children’s nutrition company, she’s aiming to help raise a healthier generation of children.
Michelle’s passion for storytelling has set sales records and earned her global acclaim. Her memoir, Becoming — a moving portrayal of her life’s journey and path to the White House — spent over 130 weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers list, sold more than 17 million copies worldwide, and won a Grammy Award. Her second book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times also spent months on the New York Times bestsellers list. In it, she shares the lessons she’s learned that have helped her rise above difficult circumstances. In late 2024, she released the accompanying workbook “Overcoming” a guide with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Through Higher Ground, which she co-founded with her husband in 2018, her work to share stories has won awards and accolades. Higher Ground’s first film, American Factory, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 2020, and Crip Camp was nominated in the same category a year later. She produced and stars in Waffles + Mochi, a show that teaches children about their food and cooking through an adventurous part-yeti, part-waffle tour guide. Higher Ground’s Ada Twist, Scientist and We The People each won a Children’s & Family Emmy Award. The Light We Carry Netflix special recently earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special. She executive produced Leave The World Behind, one of top ten most viewed films in Netflix history, Rustin for which Colman Domingo was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor and the popular Netflix docuseries The Later Daters that follows singles in their 50s, 60s, and 70s as they try for their second (or third, or fourth) chance at love.
Hoping to reach new, diverse audiences, Michelle joined the world of podcasting with The Michelle Obama Podcast on Spotify and Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast on Audible. At its release in 2020, The Michelle Obama Podcast was the most successful original in Spotify history, bringing in more women listeners over 40 than any other podcast. Last year, along with her husband, she produced The Wonder of Stevie alongside Questlove, Stevie Wonder and Wesley Morris.
At the core of Michelle’s story is a belief not just in telling stories aligned with her values, but in living out those values — especially when it comes to strengthening the next generation. Through the Obama Foundation, she founded the Girls Opportunity Alliance, which supports adolescent girls’ education and empowerment around the world. In 2023, GOA launched a partnership with the Gates Foundation and Clooney Foundation for Justice to promote girls’ education and help end child marriage. As part of When We All Vote, she urges young people to register to vote and get involved in the electoral process — reaching more than 100 million people during the 2020 election. And with Partnership for a Healthier America, she has worked to curb food inequity in our country — in 2022 alone, they helped donate more than one million meals for families in need.
Malcolm Gladwell is the author of eight New York Times bestsellers, including his most recent book, Revenge of the Tipping Point. He has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and one of Foreign Policy’s Top Global Thinkers. An extraordinary speaker, Malcolm has an unparalleled ability to be both entertaining and challenging, meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of each unique audience with his signature eloquent, warm, and humorous delivery.
Renowned for his unique perspective on the forces driving human behavior, Gladwell employs masterful storytelling to break down the complex and often misunderstood concepts shaping society. He explored decision-making in Blink, the roots of success in Outliers, our underestimation of adversity and overestimation of privilege in David and Goliath, and why interactions with people we don’t know often go terribly wrong in Talking to Strangers.
In his #1 debut The Tipping Point, which remained on the bestseller list for more than 400 weeks, Gladwell changed the way we looked at the world through his examination of how ideas spread. He revisits the phenomenon of social epidemics in Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering.
His book, The Bomber Mafia: A Dream, a Temptation, and the Longest Night of the Second World War, was inspired by the four-part series about General Curtis LeMay on Gladwell’s Revisionist History podcast. He weaves together stories of a Dutch genius and his homemade computer, a band of brothers in central Alabama, a British psychopath, and pyromaniacal chemists at Harvard to examine one of the greatest moral challenges in modern American history. He also authored the audio biography Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon, an intimate window into Simon’s legendary career, what it means to be alive as an artist, and how to create work that endures, told over 30 hours of conversation with one of America’s most popular songwriters.
Malcolm is the host of Revisionist History, an award-winning podcast that takes a second glance at overlooked or misunderstood events, people, and ideas and asks whether we got it right the first time. He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1996 and previously served as a science and medicine writer for The Washington Post. He has won a National Magazine Award and been honored by the American Psychological Society and the American Sociological Association. He is a member of the Order of Canada and holds an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Toronto.
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Kristine Lubian Perez, a seasoned Realtor associate at Cervera Real Estate, proudly calls Miami, Florida, her home. Raised in the vibrant city, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and furthered her education with a Master’s from Florida International University. With 18 years of real estate experience, Kristine excels in digital marketing and social media, showcasing her expertise in the ever-evolving landscape of the industry.
Kristine’s passion for real estate stems from her genuine love for helping people find properties that enable them to create lasting memories and live their best lives. Her work is fueled by the joy of building relationships, understanding clients’ needs, and providing tailored solutions. Specializing in pre-construction and new construction, Kristine has an impressive track record, having sold over 100 units at Infinity at Brickell.
For Kristine, the perfect deal is one that ensures mutual benefit and satisfaction for all parties involved, closing flawlessly. She emphasizes understanding the objectives of each individual, aiming for a solution that aligns with their real estate goals. Clients appreciate Kristine’s personalized approach, where she takes the time to comprehend their needs, offering exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and staying updated on market trends.
Kristine’s love for Miami extends beyond its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture. To her, the city is not just a place but a home where family and friends are always around, making it truly special.
A proud member of the Compass Sports & Entertainment division, she’s also an integral part of a national network of elite specialists dedicated to serving top athletes and entertainers with discretion – specialists who have achieved over $11 billion in sales, successfully handling 968 transactions for professional athletes and entertainers.
Leveraging her prior experience as Marketing Director in New York City for a notable fashion designer where she collaborated closely with professional athletes, entertainers, fashion designers, models, and newscasters from CBS News and ESPN, she has honed her skills in managing high-profile clients and understands their distinct needs. With a presence in more than 75 markets, the division is backed by a network of 160+ elite real estate specialists, each rigorously vetted for their expertise and proven track record.
Beyond representing buyers and sellers, Megan prides herself on representing a lifestyle defined by luxury. With a savvy social media presence and a network spanning numerous industries, she has honed into the very essence of South Florida living. Follow her on
social media as she interacts with a plethora of local movers and shakers, sharing must-see hot spots and awakening newfound admiration for all South Florida has to offer.
Maritza Aguiar was born and raised in Miami, with a Cuban background. She is bilingual and a proud mother of two charismatic boys. She has always had a special place in her heart for real estate and was convinced she had to get involved in the industry when she didn’t have the best experience buying her first home.
Maritza strongly believes in “quality over quantity”. She wants to provide her clients with a personalized, detail-oriented experience.
Maritza also has a huge love for all things interior design. She loves finding the “diamond in the rough” and helping her clients see the potential in the sometimes overlooked and hidden properties. She’s not scared to get her hands dirty with a little DIY project.
Outside of real estate, Maritza has received her Associate in Arts from Miami Dade College and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at FIU. When she is not working in real estate, Maritza enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, dining, reading, and watching movies.
For over 40 years, Steve Paikin has been a trusted voice for Canadians seeking perspective and intelligent analysis of current events. He is an award-winning journalist, author, and documentary producer, best known as the anchor of TVO’s flagship current affairs program, The Agenda with Steve Paikin. In his signature straight-forward and humourous way, Paikin’s illuminating keynotes prepare organizations for what’s next. He translates politicians’ words into simple facts — what they’re planning to do, what they’ll probably fail to accomplish, and how this may affect business day-to-day.
Paikin joined TVO in 1992 as the host of their political series Between the Lines. He went on to co-create the Queen’s Park news-magazine series, Fourth Reading, which he hosted for 14 years; to co-host Studio 2 with Mary Hynes, followed by Paula Todd; and to co-create and host Diplomatic Immunity, a weekly foreign affairs commentary show. In 2006, TVO cancelled Studio 2 replacing it with The Agenda with Steve Paikin.
Prior to TVO, Paikin was an anchor and Queen’s Park correspondent for CBC Television’s Toronto station, CBLT-TV, and host of a daily news and current affairs program on CBC News. He also held various reporting jobs in private radio and print media, including the Hamilton Spectator and Toronto radio station, CHFI, where he was a Toronto City Hall reporter.
Paikin is the bestselling author of eight book, including his most recent, John Turner: An Intimate Biography of Canada’s 17th Prime Minister. He has also produced several featurelength documentaries, including Return to the Warsaw Ghetto, which won the Silver Screen Award at the US International Film and Video Festival and received awards at the Yorkton Film Festival and Shanghai Film Festival. Paikin currently co-hosts the weekly #onpoli podcast, which provides in-depth coverage and analysis on Ontario politics. Paikin has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University. He holds honorary doctorates from McMaster University, Victoria University, Laurentian University, York University, and honorary diplomas from Humber College, Centennial College, Mohawk College, and Fanshawe College. In December 2013, Paikin was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and was invested into the Order of Ontario.
As Senior Director of Vertical Innovation at Constant Contact, Stephanie brings a decade of experience as a speaker, trainer, and coach in the real estate industry. Passionate about empowering agents for growth and success, she specializes in simplifying complex topics such as AI for content creation, SMS marketing, Social Media and brand building. Stephanie’s dynamic energy and unique talent for making intricate concepts easily understandable have made her a sought-after speaker, known for her dedication to understanding realtors’ needs and expertise in digital marketing.
Tricia is a strong negotiator and dedicated REALTOR® with over 30 years of work experience, including a flourishing real estate career in Arizona since 2006. Growing up on a Colorado farm, she learned the values of hard work, teamwork, and negotiation. She serves both U.S. and Canadian clients, bringing an international perspective through her affiliation with RE/MAX Excalibur in Scottsdale. Tricia’s leadership roles in U.S. and global real estate organizations add value by expanding opportunities for her clients. Known for her P.E.P. Positive, Enthusiastic, and Persistent, Tricia is passionate about delivering the best outcomes for her clients and making every transaction seamless.
David Greenspan, CEO & founder of #MindShare101 is a Nationally recognized Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Coach who has helped many Sales Professionals, and businesses to improve their Sales and Marketing efforts. He helps bridge the gap between their online and offline marketing to achieve a higher ROI on every marketing dollar spent. His direct, raw, and real approach is designed to motivate you and give you the advice you may not want to hear but that you need to know!
David’s goal is to help Sales Professionals build MindShare, which is creating a top-of-mind intuitive instinctive reaction, so when people think of the product or service you offer, they think of your name first, putting you in the right place at the right time to take your business to the next level.
Karley is a bilingual, Miami native with a background in International Business and Marketing with a focus on Real Estate and Tech. She is a commercial real estate relocation and expansion specialist who has represented countless Billion dollar companies in their Miami real estate needs. Investment opportunities, development sites, and pre-construction properties are one of Karley’s strongest suits. Her large off-market portfolio along with her global network and international business affiliates have given her access to the world’s 1% circle.
With her experience in real estate and her digital investment portfolio, Karley is guiding her high net worth clientele towards buying and selling their real estate assets with digital currencies. As an agent and advisor of Web3, she is bringing investors, major real estate developers, and businesses into the Blockchain. Karley is maximizing her clients’ immediate real estate utility by offering them additional revenue sources via blockchain.
Khalid Bryan, also known as ‘Big Business,’ is a Miami-based broker associate, investor strategist, and podcast studio owner helping clients scale portfolios, simplify analytics, and build generational wealth through real estate and media.”
Simo exercises integrity, energy and hard work in every detail of a real estate transaction. He embraces technology and innovation, and uses the latest internet tools to creatively market homes. Simo truly understands the dynamics of the south Florida real estate market and believes in using his knowledge to help his clients reach their goals. He takes great pride in being a leader with the National Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, and the Miami Board of Realtors.
Ruben Sanchez is a highly skilled real estate expert with 20 years in the industry, specializing in the South Florida and luxury market, with a strong focus on pre-construction properties and an international reach in markets such as UAE, Mexico, and Colombia.
With access to Miami’s most ultra-luxury condominiums and residences, Ruben provides clients with exclusive opportunities in these premier high-end developments.
His certifications (ABR, CIPS, PSA, e-PRO, and MRP) and roles on the Miami Association of Realtors Board of Governors and Florida Realtors Director, position him to expertly guide local and international buyers from search to closing.
Ruben is ready to assist you in your next real estate endeavour, whether a primary, secondary, investment or commercial, you’re in great hands.
As a resident of Miami for nearly her whole life, Banna Fakhoury has a deep appreciation for all that Miami has to offer and how it’s unique to every other city in the world. As the bilingual daughter of Ecuadorian and Jordanian parents, Banna embodies the wonderful diversity for which Miami is known. From living in West Kendall with her family from the age of three, and now being a resident of Miami Beach, Banna has seen first-hand the immense transformation Miami has undergone.
Banna’s love for Miami inspired her journey into real estate and drove her to earn her license in 2013. She is a certified Realtor® and serves her clients in the Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Downtown, Edgewater, and Miami Beach markets, in addition to the greater Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Banna loves meeting new people and learning about each client’s unique reasons for wanting to explore their real estate options.
Banna has served on the board of the Miami Association of Realtors® Young Professionals Network (YPN) for 4 years. Previously, she served as a sterling investor for the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) whose missions is to promote the election of pro-Realtor® candidates across the United States.
Helping clients get out of the unknown and into their dream home has always been the guiding principle for industry expert Bethany Martinez. A full-time real estate professional since 2013, she is also the 2021 President for the Miami YPN Realtors association and founder of Females for Profit, a unique organization that curates one-of-a-kind events dedicated to the many entrepreneurial women of South Florida.
Having spent six years in the hospitality industry, Bethany brings a unique approach to each endeavor and has mastered the art of calmly and effectively leading clients through life’s major milestones while making the experience memorable and enjoyable. Bringing extensive expertise, refined market knowledge, and a well-rounded perspective to the table each and every time. Ensuring that her loyal clientele feel confident and empowered by her guidance.
I’m Marlene Llamas Leon, your dedicated real estate guide with deep roots in South Florida. For over 18 years, I’ve been helping families navigate the vibrant markets of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, and let me tell you, real estate isn’t just a job for me—it’s my passion.
My mission? Simple: happy clients. That’s why I bend over backward to work around your schedule, ensuring your experience is as smooth as possible. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, I’ve got you covered. Proudly representing LPT Realty, I bring more than just experience to the table. With a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from St. Thomas University and a slew of industry accolades, including being named one of Miami’s Top 20 under 40 Realtors in 2021, I’m committed to excellence in everything I do.
But what truly sets me apart? My knack for building lasting relationships. Over the last decade, a whopping 80-85% of my deals have come from referrals—proof positive that my clients and fellow Realtors trust me to deliver results. In addition to my client-focused work, I hold prestigious designations including Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) and Performance Management Network (PMN). I’m also endorsed by the National Association of Realtors as a Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) designee, and I hold certifications as a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) and At Home with Diversity (AHWD).
I’m honored to serve as a Miami YPN Board Member as well as Director for Florida Realtors, representing District 4 from 2020 to 2025. It’s a role I take seriously, advocating for our industry and ensuring that your voice is heard at the highest levels.
Being a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors Miami-Dade since 2015 has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to receive some recognition for my work too—being named Member of the Year in 2016, Rising Star in 2018, Mentor of the Year in 2019, and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024. In 2021, I had the privilege of serving as President of the Women’s Council of Realtors Miami-Dade Board of Directors. It’s been an incredible journey!
Antonio Correa was born in Ecuador. At 15, he moved to Italy, where he received his degree in industrial mechanics. He makes Miami his home and represents buyers, sellers, renters, and investors in luxury and new construction real estate throughout South Florida. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, Antonio is a pro at communicating with ease and comfort.
A trustworthy realtor, Antonio is focused on helping his clients achieve financial freedom in the real estate world. Working with love and honesty every step of the way, his mission is to help all clients find their dream house, from leading buyers step-by-step through the home-buying process to advising sellers on how to obtain the highest possible sales price for their properties. His dedication to this mission is the cornerstone of his practice, and he and his team will do everything in their power to ensure that every client is satisfied.
I’m a licensed real estate advisor that covers the South Florida market. With over 18 years of experience in the real estate industry, I have dedicated my career to helping property owners and investors maximize value, optimize investments, and negotiate the best deals. My expertise, backed by industry-leading certifications and leadership roles, ensures my clients receive top-tier guidance in today’s competitive market.
With a deep understanding of market trends, investment strategies, and negotiation tactics, I am committed to helping you maximize the potential of your real estate assets. Whether you’re considering selling, acquiring, or repositioning your portfolio, let’s discuss how I can help you achieve your goals.
#LetsFlamingle I am a proud 3rd generation realtor & in business with my mother, Joy Carter & Uncle, Jeff Booker who are successful realtors in South Florida for the last 34 Years. I am a former Keller Williams Young Professionals President for the South Florida area and a Certified Referral Trainer for America’s #1 Referred Agent, Michael Maher. I love working with great people & other professional realtors!
A trailblazing leader who has left an indelible legacy on the real estate sector domestically and abroad, Teresa King Kinney has an ability to produce results that’s second to none. Already this year, she has earned an FIABCI International Real Estate Federation Medal of Honor and the International Women’s Achievement Award from World Trade Center Miami. She was named among Swanepoel Power 200’s most powerful people in real estate, coming in at No. 10 in the Top 20 Organized Real Estate Executives and No. 15 in Top Women Executives. She also received Inman’s new MLS Reinvented Award.
Michael LaFido is a real estate consultant and top-producing Realtor with over twenty years of experience in the real estate industry. Michael’s marketing has been featured in Forbes, Mansion Global, and the Wall Street Journal, just to name a few. He is also the author of the books “Luxury Listing Specialist”, “Outside the Box”, and the best-selling book in 6 categories “Secrets of Top Luxury Agents”.
Michael, the founder of the Marketing Luxury Group, assisting other real estate agents, brokers, and affluent homeowners by providing top-tier services including coaching, consulting, lifestyle marketing, public relations to help agents and owners sell their luxury homes; utilizing proven and innovative strategies.
Michael has created the nationally recognized Luxury Designation for real estate agents which is known as Luxury Listing Specialist (LUXE). This Designation establishes an in-depth and detailed set of standards for agents that represent high end buyers and agents that sell luxury homes and is currently offered for Continuing Education (CE) for real estate agents in many states.
Van Jones is an Emmy Award–winning CNN host, New York Times bestselling author, and a globally recognized changemaker. Known for building bridges across political and social divides, he brings a dynamic voice to some of the most pressing issues of our time: equity, innovation, and purpose in action.
As the founder of impactful organizations including REFORM Alliance, Dream Corps, and Green For All, Van has helped drive real change in areas ranging from criminal justice reform to environmental equity. His storytelling, optimism, and realism have inspired global audiences to reimagine what leadership looks like in every sector. Van will share his perspective on progress, purpose, and finding common ground in a complex and fast-changing world.
His message will challenge assumptions, spark new thinking, and leave you inspired to lead with greater intention and impact.
Edward Jegg is the Research Manager on Altus Group’s Data Solutions team. He is responsible for the creation and delivery of market reports in all the major markets tracked across Canada. As part of the research group, Edward provides market information and intelligence for clients and stakeholders to help support better decision-making and a more informed real estate industry. Prior to his current role, he was a part of the Altus Economics team, which began as Clayton Research, and has over 35 years of experience working in real estate research and analytics.
Emily Leung is the current Manager of Client Support and Product Development. She has over 25 years of experience teaching Real Estate Technology to TRREB members as TRREB’s Professional Development Specialist. She is passionate about equipping members with the most innovative technology to do their jobs in this competitive market and takes on complex topics and teaches them in an easy-to-understand way.
Jason Mercer is TRREB’s Chief Information Officer. He leads TRREB’s market analysis program that provides products and services that help REALTORS® and their clients fully understand trends in the GTA housing market and underlying economic drivers. Jason also oversees the delivery of information and data products to the TRREB membership.
Jason has private and public sector experience in the real estate industry, having previously held positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. He possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Science in Planning degree from the University of Toronto.
Jason is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, a Registered Professional Planner with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and a Member of Lambda Alpha International, the Land Economics Society.
Raymond Wong is the Head of Data Solutions at Altus Group, and has over 30 years of market research experience. He works closely with both internal and external clients to ensure the market information and insight to help achieve their overall real estate strategy. He also regularly presents key market trends to clients, news media and at industry events.
Since launching the brokerage firm, Real Estate Sales Force (RESF) in 2005, Jorge’s company has grown to four offices throughout South Florida with over 475 agents. He was the 2020 Chairman of the Miami Association of Realtors. He has served as NAR Global Liaison of the National Association of REALTORS®. Jorge is the 2025 Vice President for Florida Realtors.
Tim Weisheyer, broker-owner, Dream Builders Realty and dbrCommercial Real Estate Services in Central Florida, is the 2025 president of Florida Realtors, the state’s largest professional trade association. He is active in both residential and commercial brokerage, as well as real estate development.
Weisheyer was the president of the Osceola County Association of Realtors® in 2011 and was recently awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award for more than two decades of outstanding commitment to the industry. He has been recognized for his service and leadership on the local, state and national levels, including being inducted into the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Hall of Fame. As a former elected official, Weisheyer is also a recognized leader in education at all levels and served as president of the Florida School Boards Association.
He is the chair for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board, which oversees operations at Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport. Weisheyer was appointed to the GOAA board in May 2021 by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and has also served as the chairman of the Orlando Executive Airport Advisory Commission.
Maria Grulich serves as Vice President of Commercial Real Estate and Global Business for the Florida Association of Realtors, overseeing and developing commercial and global initiatives and programs for Florida.
She advises and supports Realtor® members and association/board staff on global matters and markets at the local, state and federal levels while strengthening relationships and cooperation with international organizations. She manages activities such as international expos, conferences, trade missions, as well as serving as the team liaison to the National Association of Realtors.
Maria is the Florida Realtors Liaison to the Commercial Alliance Committee, Global Business Committee, Global Business Exchange, and Diversity Committee. In February 2025 the Miami Association of Realtors awarded Ms. Grulich the Global Advocate of the Year Award. In November 2022 Ms. Grulich successfully brought home to Florida the NAR Diamond Award for Global Achievement. Florida is the first State in the nation to receive this prestigious award. She is the 2024 AEC Representative to NAR’s Global Alliance Board. Her background includes Economic Development. She worked on the recruitment of many industries teaming with Enterprise Florida and the Governor’s office. Ms. Grulich was also Executive Director for the Florida /NASA Business Incubator. Where she assisted entrepreneurs develop businesses from NASA patents.
Anyone who follows the high-end real estate market recognizes Dolly Lenz as unquestionably the industry’s premier real estate professional.
Prior to her entry into the real estate industry, Dolly held various positions in the retail, motion picture, and insurance industries. She began her real estate career working in the listings department of a small mom-and- pop firm. Her impressive sales results caused industry insiders to take notice and led to her being recruited by Alfred Taubman, Chairman & CEO of Sotheby’s where she spent over 10 years as their top-producing broker and spearheaded Sotheby’s international sales efforts. Dolly’s ability to continually set sales records soon led to her being featured in “New York Magazine” as one of the City’s top ten real estate “Power Brokers”.
As former Vice Chairman of Douglas Elliman, Dolly had responsibility over New Development sales as well as her own proprietary residential and commercial clients. In 2013, Dolly left the real estate company to start her own ultra-luxury sales and marketing firm, Dolly Lenz Real Estate (DLRE). During her career, she has sold an unprecedented $14.0 Billion in property, including her record-setting sales of a $57.0 million triplex penthouse to billionaire Rupert Murdoch, the New York Foundling’s $45.0 million West Village Mansion, and the $212.0 million sale of a building lot at 400 Fifth Ave for Richard Fuld of Lehman Brothers to a European Billionaire. Dolly has also managed the sales and marketing efforts of New York, Miami, & Naples’ most illustrious properties including the Ritz Carlton at 50 Central Park South and the Millennium Partners Luxury Property Portfolio, the iconic Apthorp and Manhattan House condominiums, The Cipriani Club Residences, Miraval Living, & the Mark on 8th in Naples, Florida. Dolly has one of the most impressive client rosters in the industry. Although she is mainly known for discretely representing high profile celebrity & UHNW clients, Dolly does over half her business with private families and discreet foreign buyers, including heads of state and sovereign wealth funds, who buy & sell significant New York and Florida properties. Having previously established a strong foothold in the Miami & Palm Beach markets, she extended the firm’s reach to Naples in 2020, eagerly introducing her esteemed clients from the Northeast and abroad to the enchanting Southwest Florida region, including the prestigious neighborhoods of Port Royal, Aqualane Shores, & the areas distinguished country club and golf communities.
Jenny Lenz, a native New Yorker, pursued her education at The Dalton School on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and later attended The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. There, she majored in Economics and French, with a minor in Entrepreneurship & Management.
Her professional journey began with a Summer Analyst position at Barclays bank in the Investment Banking Division. Following graduation, she accepted a full-time Analyst position in the bank’s Industrials Group. She later transitioned into real estate, following in her mother’s esteemed footsteps, joining Dolly Lenz Real Estate LLC. Her passion for real estate developed early, nurtured by exposure to breathtaking properties during business trips to Europe and Asia. She upholds her mother’s legacy by engaging in the New York, Florida, and international real estate markets and has worked on many significant transactions and projects alongside her mother and team, amassing great experience in the luxury real estate market. She actively participates in real estate conferences across the U.S. and Australia as a speaker. A soughtafter commentator, Jenny shares her insights on real estate matters through various media outlets, including CNBC, NBC, Fox Business, and Schwab Network. She is also a columnist for The Australian – Mansions and has frequently been featured on NBC’s network series “Open House”.
With over 27 years of experience at Teranet, Theresa is a seasoned expert in developing and delivering training for a wide range of industry-leading real estate products. Her dedication to education and client success has made her an integral force behind comprehensive training initiatives for Teranet products like GeoWarehouse and REALM, empowering professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to excel.
Grammy Award-winning international superstar Pitbull (Armando Christian Pérez) brings his signature message of motivation to audiences around the world. Pitbull boasts billions of audio streams and video views, and hundreds of gold and platinum certifications – but his global success didn’t happen overnight. Throughout his remarkable journey to success, Pitbull has continued to take lessons from his experiences, give back to his community, and share a message of hope and positivity with his audiences.
A global music superstar and consummate entertainer, Armando consistently delivers an unforgettable program that leaves audiences inspired and motivated to cultivate their passions and turn their dreams into reality. His journey is a true testament to the power of resilience and relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. Rising from a challenging childhood and often turning a “negative into a positive,” his story is a potent source of motivation and inspiration for individuals and organizations alike. Pitbull’s lyrics often convey messages of fighting against odds, believing in oneself, and not being afraid to take risks. As a speaker, he electrifies audiences, sharing his personal story of triumph and strategies for maintaining a mindset that cultivates resilience, focus, and relentless pursuit towards goals. Pitbull challenges the status quo and continues to defy the odds and emerge victorious.
Ashley St John is a REALTOR®, speaker, and trainer with over 17 years of experience in the Ontario real estate market. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in developing high-performing teams and fostering a dynamic, results-driven office culture. She inspires agents to elevate their careers through structured coaching, mentorship, and innovative strategies.
Ashley is a recognized expert in compliance training, real estate software, and industry best practices. She also serves as an instructor at the Centre for REALTOR® Development, where she facilitates professional designations for the National Association of REALTORS®. Additionally, she has taught at numerous boards and associations across the province. Outside of her professional work, Ashley is a proud mother of five and a dedicated business partner to her husband, Colin.
Michelle Leong Francis is a highly respected Commercial Designated REALTOR® and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) candidate, known for her expertise in real property, governance, and alternative dispute resolution. A renowned HR Law mentor with the Law Society, she advises on professional ethics, compliance, and legal best practices, shaping the future of the industry.
Beyond her leadership roles, Michelle is a sought-after ADRIO speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer, specializing in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), cultural intelligence, and professional ethics. Her consulting and training programs equip businesses, legal professionals, and industry organizations with the skills to navigate complex negotiations, regulatory compliance, and conflict resolution.
A force for transformative change, Michelle combines deep industry expertise with a passion for fairness, integrity, and education—empowering professionals and organizations to excel in an evolving global landscape.
Harpreet Sandhu is a REALTOR® and Broker with over 12 years of experience. He is known for his expertise in real estate education, marketing, and technology. As an instructor at TRREB, he has trained and mentored countless REALTORS®, helping them confidently navigate industry tools and market trends.
Cliff Spicer has been a dedicated member of TRREB’s Professional Development Department for over a decade, specializing in technology and analytics. Known for his ability to simplify complex topics, he excels at making advanced concepts accessible and engaging for audiences of all experience levels. With a relaxed and approachable training style, he delivers sessions that are both informative and enjoyable. Whether he is analyzing data or exploring the latest technology, Cliff’s passion for empowering others shines through in every presentation.
Allie K. Miller is a top artificial intelligence leader, advisor, and investor. Previously, Allie was the Global Head of Machine Learning for Startups and Venture Capital at Amazon (AWS), advising the top machine learning researchers and founders in the world. Prior to that, Allie built an artificial intelligence product at IBM—spearheading product development across computer vision, conversation, data, and regulation for thousands of companies.
Outside of work, Allie is changing the game of AI. Allie has spoken about AI around the world, addressed the European Commission, drafted foreign AI strategies, and created eight guidebooks to educate businesses on how to build successful AI projects. Allie was named AIconic’s 2019 “AI Innovator of the Year,” a LinkedIn Top Voice for Technology and AI for the last five years, Award Magazine’s Top 50 Women in Tech and Top 100 Global Thought Leaders, Chief in Tech’s Top 100 Women in Tech to Watch in 2022, ReadWrite’s Top 20 AI Speakers in the World, MKAI’s Top 20 AI Mavericks, Data Salon’s Top 25 Data Science influencers in the world, and Neptune’s Top 20 AI Influencers.
Allie is also the Founder of The AI Pipeline to build stronger diversity in ML, co-founder of Girls of the Future, a national ambassador for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), an ambassador for the 10,000-person organization Advancing Women in Product, an angel investor in machine learning startups, and has won the Grand Prize in three national innovation competitions.
Allie is driven, ambitious, and quick-witted. She holds a double-major MBA from The Wharton School and a BA in Cognitive Science (coding a three-year ML study and studying Computer Science, Linguistics, and Psychology) from Dartmouth College.
Author, entrepreneur and International speaker Daniel Lewis is the proud founder of the award-winning tea company Daniel’s Chai Bar & Pekoe. Daniel helps people and organizations adopt a more human-centric approach to business, entrepreneurship and life.
His people-focused outlook on entrepreneurship and his experiential business tactics have garnered him and his company national recognition and many awards and honors such as the 2014 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2016 Business Excellence Award and 2017 Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneurs and just recently 2022 Global Visual Victories Silver Medal for most creative Pop-Up Store Design. Daniel’s success with his retail tea brand has even landed him an opportunity to serve HRH King Charles III during his 2017 Royal Tour to Canada.
Daniel grew his company from a grassroots start-up to an established local tea brand that served the Royal Family. The journey has been both challenging and worthwhile and Daniel aims to present organizations with the grit and tenacity it takes to start a business and the hope and inspiration needed to sustain it. Using real-life examples and experiences, Daniel Lewis will leave you ready to tackle your business, customers and people in a creative, realistic and impactful way.
Mark Weisleder is a senior partner at Real Estate Lawyers.ca LLP and practiced law for over 35 years. Mark’s books for real estate agents, buyers, sellers, and landlords are best sellers. Mark has appeared as a guest real estate expert on CTV, Global TV, BNN, City TV, CBC radio, and Newstalk 1010. He has also been quoted in each of Canada’s major national newspapers on real estate issues.
Sean Provencher is the Founder and CEO of Endgame Coaching. He specializes in helping real estate professionals future-proof their businesses. His session explores how AI is transforming real estate and teaches REALTORS® how to leverage technology to stay ahead.
Bita Di Lisi is a licensed paralegal in excellent standing with the Law Society of Ontario. With over two decades of experience, she is a trusted advocate for real estate professionals and landlords navigating property management, tenant relations, and legal complexities.
Bita began her real estate career in 2004 when she obtained her broker’s license. She quickly built a reputation for helping landlords and investors acquire small to medium-sized multiplex properties. Alongside her husband, Robert, she founded a successful property management company, overseeing more than 100 rental units.
Her experience in landlord-tenant matters led her to pursue a paralegal license, allowing her to represent clients before the Landlord and Tenant Board. Her firsthand experience as a landlord gives her unique insight into the challenges real estate professionals face.
Bita and Robert later founded Stonegate Legal Services Professional Corporation, providing expert representation to realtors and landlords across Ontario. With deep industry knowledge and a commitment to her clients, Bita helps simplify legal processes and empowers professionals to navigate real estate with confidence.
Dr. Ellen Choi is an educator with a Master’s degree in social psychology from the London School of Economics and holds a PhD., in Organizational Behaviour. She is an Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and researches employee mental health and well-being, focusing on how mindfulness and self-compassion enrich work and life. Prior to entering academia, Ellen worked in commercial real estate as an office broker. She is a delightfully authentic and relatable speaker known for combining her academic training with life’s awkward moments to deliver meaningful messages with practical takeaways.
Cherry Chan, CPA, CA, is not only an experienced real estate tax professional but also a seasoned real estate investor, author, blogger and a sought-after public speaker who is passionate about helping individuals and businesses navigate the complex world of real estate taxation. She graduated on the Honour Roll for Accountants, ranking among the top 50 in Canada in her graduating year, and was named one of the “Top 50 Women in Accounting” globally in 2018.
With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Cherry specializes in providing tailored tax strategies to help clients maximize savings and minimize liabilities in the real estate industry. Cherry’s commitment to client success, combined with her engaging and accessible approach, makes her a go-to resource for demystifying tax concepts and empowering individuals to make informed decisions in their real estate ventures.
Further contributing to this field, Cherry has authored two key books: Complete Taxation Guide to Canadian Real Estate Investing, an Amazon bestseller, and Complete Taxation Guide to Canadian Real Estate Agents, Canada’s only book dedicated exclusively to helping real estate agents navigate taxation.
Mary-Anne Gillespie – Real estate coach and motivational speaker with an inspiring story. She overcame homelessness and became an Ironman World Championship athlete, using her experiences to inspire REALTORS® to push past challenges and achieve new levels of success. Her session will help you build resilience and take your business to the next level.