Local businesswoman, Shula Kentwell, has become the first woman from the Hunter to be appointed to the Board of The Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW).
Shula, a Principal and Director of PRDnationwide Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and SafeHands Property Management, is the only new board member of REINSW and joins a team of 13 re-elected members.
She is hoping to use her appointment to be a strong advocate for the industry in the Hunter.
“I am not just representing my agency, I hope to encourage Principals and REI members from all brands in our area to contact me with their ideas and opinions and allow me to pass on concerns and suggestions to the Board, that is what I am here for,” Shula said.
A licenced Real Estate Agent, Shula has held both senior and executive roles for over 25 years working for national and international businesses.
Her strengths lie in start-ups and growing businesses both organically and through acquisition. Shula brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, leadership, quality and governance and has held CEO roles for the past decade and half.
President of REINSW, Leanne Pilkington, originally reached out to Shula to encourage her to nominate for the board.
“We need stronger representation from all over NSW and the Newcastle region is a huge growth area. It’s important we have a diversity of views from all over the state, so we aren’t dominated by Sydney agents,” Leanne said.
A major focus for the REINSW Board will be to move forward with the industry’s pathway to professionalism which is a push to see real estate recognised as a formal qualification with the professional standards council.
“It will mean as a consumer you will be able to choose an agent who has to abide by a code of ethics and has a certain level of experience and success,” Leanne said.
Women involved in the real estate industry are encouraged to come along to the Catch up with the
property girls events which are being planned throughout 2020.
The December event was a huge success where brokers, lawyers, agents, property managers and those who service the property sector attended at Merewether Surfhouse to hear from Got Your Back Sista founder, Melissa Histon.
Shula has been a strong proponent of women in the real estate sector.
“The industry has traditionally been dominated by men, however that is changing as more women are seeing real estate as a viable career with many pathway options,” she said.
“I want to continue to encourage more women to see that the property sector offers flexibility to recognise their talent, leadership and unique skills that are vital to the industry.
“Companies need to also appreciate the impact that women are having on their organisations with the different perspective they bring and realise there is plenty to be gained by investing in gender diversity.”
IMAGE | Shula Kentwell from PRD Newcastle & Lake Macquarie has joined the REINSW Board.
