The worldwide annual celebration acknowledges women’s accomplishments, and this year’s theme, ‘#InspireInclusion’ [i], underscores the ongoing efforts required to genuinely incorporate women by openly embracing their diversity in terms of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and identity. 

Mrs Mindy Powell-Hodges, Head of Network at Raine & Horne Group, said, “On International Women’s Day, we extend our appreciation for all women, particularly the thousands of women in across our network who contribute significantly to moving the industry forward.

Highlighting Raine & Horne’s commitment to inclusion within the real estate industry, the super brand’s Corporate team boasts over 50% female representation.

Mrs Powell-Hodges stressed, “However, it’s important to note that we don’t enforce a quota system. Our focus remains on selecting the most qualified candidate for every role.”

One such candidate is young gun executive Ms Lauren Barham, National Products & Training Manager. She commenced her tenure at Raine & Horne in 2019, following her role at the global AI-tech company CCT. During her time there, CCT collaborated with the pioneering brand in launching Amplify, the first-to-market AI-powered social media marketing platform.

Since 2022, Ms Barham, a marketing graduate from Macquarie University, has strengthened the capabilities of the super brand’s Products & Training department. She successfully expanded the team’s headcount and notably has maintained a zero-attrition rate since taking on a leadership role. 

In 2023, Ms Barham also assumed the reins of the super brand’s philanthropic initiatives by managing the Raine & Horne Foundation, which was launched in 2021. Under her guidance, the foundation has raised over $650,000 for causes such as Dignity, a charity combating homelessness. At the same time, she spearheaded a recent alliance with RuralAid, the most trusted charity for rural and regional communities.

Ms Barham highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day as a valuable occasion to honour and celebrate the often-overlooked women in our lives. “It’s a celebration recognising the underappreciated contributions of women and acknowledging the strides they’ve made, both personally and professionally.”

“As women, we contemplate the future and the possibility of starting families, and reflect on the sacrifices our careers may demand. Yet, I’m heartened by the increasing inclusivity and open-mindedness towards accommodating family life in the workplace.

Upon assuming leadership of the Raine & Horne Foundation, Ms Barham prioritised renewing the partnership with Dignity. She stated, “Through this collaboration, we are actively addressing homelessness, focusing on individuals who may not be visibly experiencing it on the streets or in parks but are, in fact, living in their cars.

“On International Women’s Day, it’s important to note that many of these vulnerable individuals are women or single mothers who have endured domestic violence.

“Our commitment extends to preventing them from slipping through the cracks, and by providing essential support to Dignity, our goal is to create more accommodation and ensure secure housing for those in need.”

The real estate industry is an ideal fit for women

Real estate and a career with Raine & Horne present an ideal career avenue for women, allowing them to define their own work-life balance. 

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it’s important to highlight that the real estate profession provides flexibility and limitless earning possibilities and is well-suited for mothers or individuals seeking a career change,” Mrs Powell-Hodges said.

Mrs Casey DeMichele, a young mother and leading Sales Consultant at Raine & Horne Murraylands, acknowledges the inherent flexibility in the real estate industry that should be celebrated on International Women’s Day. 

Despite the challenges of navigating first-time motherhood, Mrs DeMichele has diligently positioned herself as a leader in the Murraylands region of South Australia. Even during her maternity leave in 2022, she successfully closed deals on 24 properties. 

“The support I receive from the team at Raine & Horne Murrylands allows me to balance both my commitments at home as well as in my career. This drives me to go the extra mile.”

Mrs DeMichele sees real estate as a career that allows a flexible schedule. She balances office and remote work, spending three days at the office and the rest working from home, ensuring a harmonious work-life balance.

On Queensland’s Gold Coast, the dynamic mother-daughter duo Jasmin Turpin and Jacqui Read of Raine & Horne Robina/Mudgeeraba, plans to celebrate with a company morning tea.

At the age of 24, Ms Turpin has gained recognition as one of the youngest and most accomplished principals at Raine & Horne, recognised in the top 10 per cent of the network and a member of the highly-regarded Chairman’s Club, following her incredible success. Taking a bold step, she ventured into her own business in 2023. Reflecting on her real estate career, she said, “I enjoy the flexible work hours, although you end up working more than expected.”

For Ms Turpin, International Women’s Day also provides a moment to reflect on the support from her mum, Jacqui Read. “Women having a day like this to reflect on their achievements is important while growing up with a very strong and business-oriented mum has profoundly influenced me.”

[i] https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme