Women Who Lead

06/10/2026

This month on Women Who Lead, Teresa Palacios Smith spotlights three rising professionals from the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices REthink Council who are helping shape the future of real estate through innovation, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to excellence.

This episode marks the first installment of our Next Wave Leaders series, spotlighting REthink Council members who are helping shape the future of real estate.
Joining the conversation are:
• Kaylee Eisenhauer, REALTOR®, The Eisenhauer Team, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate, Vancouver, WA
• Alexandria Harris, REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty, Indianapolis, IN
• Mandy Althoff Moultrie, REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices York Simpson Underwood Realty, Raleigh, NC
Together, these women represent the next wave of leadership professionals who are embracing change, challenging conventional thinking, and creating new possibilities for the future of our brand and industry.
""The future doesn't belong to those who wait for opportunities. It belongs to those willing to create them.""
– Teresa Palacios Smith
If you're looking for fresh perspectives and inspiration from leaders who are helping shape what's next, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
TUNE IN
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10 AM PT | 12 PM CT | 1 PM ET
WomenWhoLeadSeries.com
YouTube: WomenWhoLeadYouTube.com
Podcast: Women Who Lead Podcast

06/09/2026

I can't wait until tomorrow when I interview members of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rethink council. Please join me! excellence.

This episode marks the first installment of our Next Wave Leaders series, spotlighting REthink Council members who are helping shape the future of real estate.

Joining the conversation are:

• Kaylee Eisenhauer, REALTOR®, The Eisenhauer Team, Berkshire Hath
away HomeServices Northwest Real Estate, Vancouver, WA
• Alexandria Harris, REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty, Indianapolis, IN
• Mandy Althoff Moultrie, REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices York Simpson Underwood Realty, Raleigh, NC

Together, these women represent the next wave of leadership professionals who are embracing change, challenging conventional thinking, and creating new possibilities for the future of our brand and industry.

TUNE IN
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10 AM PT | 12 PM CT | 1 PM ET
WomenWhoLeadSeries.com
YouTube: WomenWhoLeadYouTube.com
Podcast: Women Who Lead Podcast

06/03/2026

A few weeks ago, I received one of the most unexpected honors of my career.

During NAHREP Atlanta's Women of Worth event, I was surprised with the Legacy of Excellence Award. The surprise was perfectly executed, and I was completely caught off guard.

As I reflected on the moment, I realized I had not properly thanked the people who made it so special.

My sincere gratitude to Jessica Bryan, Paola Figueroa, and the entire NAHREP Atlanta Board of Directors for this incredible honor. Thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and for continuing to elevate the mission of NAHREP Atlanta.

A very special thank you to Magda Esola for helping keep the secret and making sure I was there that day. Looking back, I still have no idea how all of you pulled it off!

Twenty-one years ago, my fellow co-founders James Altamirano, Bobby Armes, and I shared a vision for what NAHREP Atlanta could become. Watching that vision grow through the leadership of so many dedicated presidents and board members has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life.

I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge Gary Acosta and the late Ernie Reyes Jr., co-founders of NAHREP. Their vision created opportunities for generations of Latino leaders, myself included. Their belief in the power of homeownership, advocacy, leadership, and community inspired chapters across the country and laid the foundation for everything we have accomplished in Atlanta.

This recognition means so much because it comes from a chapter and a community that have shaped my journey in countless ways.

I would also like to recognize the leaders who helped carry the chapter forward through the years: James Altamirano, Luis Morales, Miguel Hawkins, Roberto Salomon, Helen Hernandez Archer, George Klein, Rick Guerrero, Ron Martinez, Neil Terc, Raquel Lavender, Jose Placencia, Selena Williams, Manny Recinos, Sebastian Riveros, Paty Soltero, Perla Franco, Carmen Barreda, and our current President, Jessica Bryan.

Each leader contributed to the story of NAHREP Atlanta and helped build the chapter we celebrate today.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the years. The friendships, mentorship, leadership, and shared commitment to expanding Hispanic homeownership are what make NAHREP so special.

I am deeply honored, incredibly grateful, and proud of all that NAHREP Atlanta has accomplished—and all that is still ahead.

With gratitude,

Teresa Palacios Smith ❤️

05/27/2026

As we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for a timely and important conversation about housing, demographics, and opportunity.

My guest on Diversity MATTERS is Karthick Ramakrishnan, PhD, Executive Director and Founder of AAPI Data, a nationally recognized scholar, political scientist, author, and leading voice on demographic change, civic engagement, and issues impacting AANHPI communities.

Fresh from presenting at the AREAA Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., on the newly released State of AANHPI Housing Report, Dr. Ramakrishnan will help us unpack key trends shaping one of the fastest-growing communities in America.

Together, we’ll explore:
• Homeownership trends, opportunities, and barriers impacting AANHPI communities
• The diversity within the AANHPI population and why nuanced understanding matters
• Economic influence, generational shifts, and what the housing industry should be paying attention to

This conversation is about far more than data. It is about understanding people, recognizing the richness within communities, and preparing our industry to lead more effectively in a rapidly changing America.

Join us for Diversity MATTERS
Wednesday, May 27th | 10:00 AM PT | 12:00 PM CT | 1:00 PM ET
Streaming Live: Diversity Matters
YouTube: DiversityMattersYouTube.com

05/13/2026

This month on Women Who Lead, Teresa Palacios Smith brings together three exceptional leaders who are not only driving results within the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network—but elevating those around them through their leadership, consistency, and commitment to excellence.

Joining the conversation are:

• Debra Fortin, Director of Operations, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Myrtle Beach Real Estate, a respected industry professional whose experience, professionalism, and leadership continue to make a lasting impact within her market and beyond.
• Whitney Leonard, President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties, a dynamic leader recognized for her energy, innovation, and ability to inspire growth while navigating an ever-evolving real estate landscape.
• Pam O’Rorke, Broker/Owner, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Oklahoma Realty, an accomplished real estate leader known for her steady guidance, strong market presence, and dedication to developing agents and building high-performing teams.

Together, these women represent the strength of the network, leaders who show up, deliver results, and lead with purpose, creating influence that extends far beyond their individual markets.

“Great leaders don’t just succeed individually; they create momentum that lifts everyone around them.”
Teresa Palacios Smith

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and learn from women who are leading with both impact and intention, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

📺 TUNE IN
Streaming Live: WomenWhoLeadSeries
YouTube: bit.ly/WomenWhoLeadwithTeresa
Podcast: Women Who Lead Podcast

05/12/2026

I’m especially excited for this upcoming episode of Women Who Lead because this conversation feels a little like coming home.
Before Women Who Lead and my work in Diversity and Inclusion, I spent years in the relocation industry, helping people through some of life’s biggest transitions and learning lessons about leadership, relationships, and resilience that still stay with me today.

This month, I’m joined by three women I deeply respect, not just as leaders, but as friends and professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping people and organizations move forward.

From group moves to international relocations, this conversation will go far beyond logistics. We’ll be talking about leadership under pressure, the human side of relocation, the unexpected moments that test us, and what it really takes to guide people through major transitions with confidence and care.

Joining me:
Katie Adams, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate
Linda Lindenmoyer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty
Jill Wylie, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties

Wednesday, May 13
1 PM ET | 10 AM PT

Watch live:
Facebook: WomenWhoLeadSeries.com
YouTube: WomenWhoLeadYouTube.com

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in relocation, or simply love authentic leadership conversations, I think you’re going to love this one.

04/29/2026

This month on Diversity MATTERS, Teresa Palacios Smith, Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer for HomeServices of America, is honored to welcome Jacqueline Ruiz, CEO of Fig Factor Media and Publisher of Latinas in Real Estate.

In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, this episode highlights the extraordinary impact of women leaders and the power of storytelling to inspire change, elevate voices, and create lasting influence across industries and communities.

Jacqueline has built an enterprise dedicated to inspiration and empowerment. Through her company, Fig Factor Media, she has published 38 books of her own and more than 500 books for authors across 34 countries, creating the largest collection of Latina stories in the world.

Together, Teresa and Jacqueline explore:
• How storytelling can transform leadership and amplify voices that deserve to be heard
• The inspiration behind Latinas in Real Estate and its growing impact across the industry
• The role creativity, alliances, and purpose-driven leadership play in building lasting legacy

04/22/2026

This morning, I had the opportunity to lead a Fair Housing class with Edina Realty. Thank so much Travis Peltier and Tina Syrstad for all your work in getting with CE and State credits and behind the scenes work!

I’ll be honest, teaching virtually, you don’t always get to see the audience or feel the energy in the same way.

But what I did receive afterward was incredibly meaningful feedback, and it was a reminder that these conversations matter—whether we can see the impact in the moment or not.

Fair Housing is not just about compliance. It’s about awareness, responsibility, and ensuring we are serving all communities with integrity.

Tomorrow, I will be in Charlotte attending the United Latinas conference, where I'll be continuing important conversations alongside an incredible group of leaders.

I hope to see you there!

04/21/2026

Stories have the power to change everything.

Next week, we’re re-sharing a powerful conversation on Diversity Matters with Jackie Ruiz (the pilotina) and I couldn’t be more excited for more people to experience it.

Jackie was featured last month, but with many of us attending the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Sales Convention and the NAHREP Policy Conference, I didn’t have the opportunity to truly highlight this incredible woman and her inspiring story.

You’re going to want to hear about her journey, her voice, and her impact. She truly defines courage and perseverance.

📅 Wednesday, April 29th
⏰ 10 AM PT | 1 PM ET
🎥 Tune in at:

DiversityMattersSeries.com
or DiversityMattersYouTube.com
I hope you’ll join us.

04/21/2026

I was recently featured in RISMedia, and like many of us, I sometimes hesitate when it comes to sharing moments like this.
But then I received a thoughtful message from Juan Martinez thanking me for mentioning him in the article and it made me pause.
Because while I’m incredibly proud of the work and the recognition, I’m also very aware that none of it happens alone.
This journey has been shaped by the people, partnerships, and organizations that have supported, challenged, and believed in me along the way. Many of them are reflected in this article, and I’m deeply grateful.
I also want to thank RISMedia for the opportunity and for sharing this story. And to those who have supported me along the way, whether mentioned here or not, please know how much I appreciate you.
Sharing the article here if you’d like to read it.

For Teresa Palacios Smith, inclusion is not a program—it is a practice. As chief inclusion and engagement officer at HomeServices