Meet the Future Leaders of GAAR

GAAR is proud to celebrate the graduation of the 2024–2025 Leadership Development Program (LDP) participants! Over the course of four months, this exceptional group of REALTORS® and GAAR staff committed themselves to personal and professional growth, emerging with sharpened leadership skills and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve their industry and community.

Throughout the program, participants explored essential topics that challenged them to reflect, connect, and grow. They began by discovering their personal “why” and learning how their core values shape their leadership style. From there, they tackled advanced communication strategies, performance excellence, conflict resolution, and how to successfully adapt to change. Each module is built on the last, preparing them to lead with purpose and confidence in any setting.

In addition to the four training modules, LDP participants journeyed through GAAR’s committee meetings and Board of Directors sessions to gain a firsthand understanding of how volunteer leadership operates within the Association. They also attended REALTOR® Day at the Roundhouse and participated in an NMAR legislative session to gain deeper insight into the importance of advocacy and how policy decisions directly impact the real estate industry. These experiences helped them see how decisions are made, how policies are shaped, and how member voices are represented.

The program also extended beyond GAAR’s walls. Participants met with local housing organizations like Homewise and United South Broadway Corporation to explore adjacent real estate resources and community housing programs. These visits broadened their knowledge of homeownership support systems and expanded their professional networks, equipping them with tools to better serve their clients and communities.

To the graduates: thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your passion for leadership. We can’t wait to see how you continue to make a difference within GAAR and beyond.

Congratulations, LDP Class of 2024–2025! 

LDP Graduates
  • Nicholas Armstrong
  • Petra Bolileau
  • Jennifer Branum
  • Carmen Cavnar
  • Olga C'de Baca
  • Talia Freedman
  • Katya Gomez
  • Jihan Hanna
  • Beatriz Hernandez
  • Elena Hernandez
  • Karen (Baca) Jimenez
  • Jody Anne MacGillivray
  • Zach Martin
  • Monica Martinez-McNeil
  • Andrew Mathis
  • Nisa Morales
  • Cassandra Morrison
  • Sonya Olguin
  • Steve Palmer
  • Josiah Pratt
  • Nicole Prill
  • Minerva Rivas
  • Jennifer Rodgers
  • Vinay Rodgers
  • Kelly Roda Taliaferro
  • Sam Ybanez

GAAR Leadership Development Program

The course was developed and led by GAAR Facilitator Sarah Bernson, whose extensive background as a collegiate volleyball coach brings a unique and impactful perspective to leadership development. A former Division I athlete, Sarah has spent over 20 years coaching at the NCAA level, including head coaching roles at prestigious programs. Her firsthand experience as both a student-athlete and coach has deepened her understanding of high-performance environments, team dynamics, and leadership under pressure. Drawing on this foundation, Sarah designed the new Leadership Development Program to reflect the same principles of accountability, growth, and collaboration that drive successful teams. Since joining GAAR, she has translated her coaching philosophy into purpose-driven training that empowers real estate professionals to lead with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.

The LDP Course is offered biennially, with the next program set to begin in Fall 2026.