Join us on Wednesday, March 5th, for an empowering panel featuring some of our community’s most inspiring leaders.  Whether you're a woman looking to advance your career or an ally striving to build a stronger industry, this conversation is for you!

Empowering Women  Leaders
Wednesday, March 5th
Breakfast 9:30 am / Panel begins at 10:00 am
Free to Members

Panelists:

What to Expect:

• Hear personal stories of resilience and success
• Gain actionable insights to foster growth and leadership in real estate
• Discover strategies brokerages can use to support and promote female professionals

Did you know that women are the #1 purchasers of homes? Supporting and understanding this important client group is essential for everyone in the real estate industry. This panel will provide insights to help you connect, serve, and elevate the women who drive the market.

This event is a must-attend for everyone in real estate—whether you're an agent, broker, or leader—looking to build stronger, more inclusive teams and better serve your clients. 

Let’s celebrate and elevate women leaders together! 

About the Panelists

• Kara Schug (Moderator):  The creator and host of Think Your Way to an Epic Life, a podcast launched in 2022 that features inspiring conversations on resilience, success, and personal transformation. Overcoming extreme poverty and childhood adversity, she discovered personal development through Tony Robbins’ teachings, igniting a lifelong passion for growth. As an executive coach with Keller Williams Realty since 2020, she helps high achievers break through limitations and accelerate success. In 2024, she sold her real estate business, Casa Dream Team, to focus on podcasting, coaching, and speaking. A dedicated learner, she has studied with top personal development leaders, embracing the philosophy of investing in oneself. Through her work, Kara empowers others to overcome challenges and design a life of purpose and abundance.
• Clint Gray:  A  dynamic business leader and community builder, currently serving as Vice President of Business Development & Facilities for New Mexico United. He has been instrumental in growing partnerships from under $1 million to nearly $5 million, earning the 2023 USL Partnership Award. With 25 years in the financial industry, Clint excels in revenue growth and creating memorable experiences, from coaching a national champion to orchestrating large-scale fan events. A devoted husband and father of seven, he channels his passion for sports, business, and people into making a lasting impact.
• April Kovari:  A seasoned professional in the title insurance industry, starting her career in 1986 and now serving as President/State Manager for Fidelity National Title of New Mexico, overseeing 115 employees across nine offices. She specializes in managing complexity, fostering credibility, and building a culture of respect. April is actively involved in professional organizations, including CREW, NAIOP, and the New Mexico Land Title Association, and serves as Co-Chair for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women.
• Ceela McElveny: the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Visit Albuquerque, where she leads initiatives to promote the city as a premier travel destination. With over two decades of experience in marketing and communications, Ceela has a proven track record of developing and executing strategic campaigns that enhance brand visibility and drive tourism growth. Before joining Visit Albuquerque, she held leadership positions in various organizations, where she honed her skills in public relations, digital marketing, and brand management.
• Dr. Denise Montoya:  A dedicated leader with nearly three decades in public service, primarily in higher education. She is the CEO/Executive Vice President of the New Mexico Home Builders Association and Founder of P.S. People Strategy, Inc., specializing in leadership development, strategic planning, and human resources consulting. She has held executive roles at Northern New Mexico College and New Mexico Highlands University, focusing on finance, administration, and student success. Dr. Montoya earned her PhD from the University of New Mexico and serves on multiple boards, including as Chair of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation Board and Trustee for Southwestern College. A published author and national speaker, she has received honors such as Albuquerque Business First’s Women of Influence award and HR Volunteer of the Year, continuing to shape education, leadership, and community development across New Mexico.
• Roberta Ricci:  Serves as the Chief Experience Officer at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC), where she leads the Convention and Tourism Department, Membership Program, and Marketing Department. In her role, she directs various signature events, fostering employee growth and development to help the Chamber thrive. Roberta is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and enhancing experiences within the business community. She specializes in building strong relationships with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations, contributing to the AHCC’s vibrant ecosystem. Roberta is a proud graduate of the University of New Mexico, where she earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management. Her previous roles include Executive Director at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, Development Director of the CNM Foundation, and Senior Alumni Relations Manager at the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management. In addition to volunteering for many committees within her community, Roberta serves or has served on several boards, including The University of New Mexico Alumni Association, The Rio Grande Community Development Corporation, Mark Armijo Charter High School, and the Hispano Philanthropic Society of the United Way of Central New Mexico.

This March First Wednesday is  sponsored by the ABCD Committee