Women's Conference

Pam has spent her entire business career in real estate, obtaining her license at 18 years old. Starting at such a young age, she quickly learned the important role industry and product knowledge played in earning credibility with clients and customers. Her intense focus on acquiring that knowledge, combined with award-winning sales production, opened doors to full-time management by the age of 24. Since then, she has spent more than 25 years coaching individual agents and teams to their highest levels of productivity.

Pam brings a unique perspective to the classroom, having accomplished successful management careers in both a traditional privately owned and a fixed fee franchised branded company business model. She has spent the past 5 years as Division Vice President, Senior Trainer, and Broker/Owner of one of the top 20 companies in the country.

Pam is the author and creator of two well-defined training series, specific to real estate business planning and the dynamic growth of real estate teams. She has been a Senior Instructor with the REALTOR® Institute for more than 12 years and was selected as the “Real Estate Educator of the Year” for the state of Virginia. She is also president of Real Estate Guidance, Inc., which oversees her personal coaching and training opportunities.

Liz co-founded the DeRosa Group in 2005 with her husband, Matt. The DeRosa Group, based in Trenton, is an owner of commercial and residential property with a mission to “transform lives through real estate." DeRosa has raised tens of millions of dollars, works with hundreds of passive investors, and controls thousands of residential and commercial assets throughout the east coast.

Liz is the co-founder of The Real Estate InvestHER® community, a platform to empower women to live a financially free and balanced life on their own terms. Liz and co-founder Andresa Guidelli have over 27 years of experience and a 130 Million portfolio. The InvestHER Community has over 50 Meetups across the US and Canada and an on-line community and membership that offers accountability and mentorship for women to take their business to the next level!

She is the co-host of the “The Real Estate InvestHER Show" and co-author of the Amazon Bestseller, “The Only Woman in the Room - Knowledge and Inspiration from 20 Successful Real Estate Women Investors!” Liz has been interviewed for many articles and top-rated podcasts, including being a two-time guest on the top rated BiggerPockets Podcast and the Best Ever Show. On the personal side, Liz is an avid runner, has completed several triathlons and marathons, has two adorable children and is a New York Mets fan.

As chief executive officer, Jarrod C. Grasso leads NJ Realtors® in its mission to serve the professional needs of its members, develop programs and services to conduct business successfully and ethically, and advocate for private property rights and the real estate industry. Jarrod joined the association in 1999 and was promoted to vice president of government affairs in 2002. For 9 years, he served as NJ Realtors®’ chief lobbyist before reaching his current role.

In addition to his work in New Jersey, Jarrod has maintained an active role on the national association level and served as a National Association of Realtors® Director and Chair of the Association Executives Committee in 2015. In 2006, Jarrod was honored by NAR with the Realtor® association Certified Executive designation, which recognizes his specialized industry knowledge and achievements. In 2013 Jarrod was inducted into the NAR Association Executives Committee’s Dr. Almon R. “Bud” Smith Leadership Society. Jarrod has been honored on numerous occasions for his work within the association and for his involvement in his local community.

Currently, he serves as vice-chair of the foundation board at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health Community Medical Center and currently serves on the board of directors for the hospital. He is also a member of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide Board. Jarrod also received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University in 2004. In 2015, Jarrod was recognized by the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey with the Good Guy Award for his leadership in advancing policies in support of women and families. He has previously been selected by business publication, NJBIZ, as a winner in the annual “Forty Under 40” award program. In 2020, Jarrod received the National Association of Realtors® William R. Magel Award of Excellence for excelling in his role as an association executive.

Nick currently serves as President of New Jersey Realtors®. He was Treasurer in 2018 and 2019, First Vice President in 2021, President-Elect in 2022, and three times held roles as a Division Officer (2015 – 2017). In addition, he served as chair and vice chair of several state committees, has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2015, and has served on the Board of Directors since 2011.

On the national level, Nick was the 2021 Chair of the National Association of Realtors® Federal Taxation Committee and has been a member of several additional national committees since 2009. Currently, he is the NAR Federal Political Coordinator to U.S. Senator Cory A. Booker and a member of the 2023 NAR RPAC Major Investor Council.

On the local level, he served on the Board of Directors for Hunterdon/Somerset Association of Realtors® and the Grievance Committee in 2010 and was a member of the Young Professionals Network in 2013. Furthermore, Nick was awarded the NJ Realtors® Good Neighbor Award in 2012, the NAR Good Neighbor Award in 2013, and the NAR Realtor® Heroes Award in 2012. Nick currently lives in Monmouth County with his wife, Ioanna, and their two children, Siena and Constantine.

Shana's expertise includes urban and suburban settings, with particular focus on hipsturbias that are especially hot in today's market. At the start of each professional relationship for selling or purchasing a home, Shana first considers her clients' needs and desires. She then ensures they have valuable information to make informed decisions, including pricing on comparable properties, inventory relative to the tempo of the market, and advice on what makes good financial and investment sense.

Shana sees each client through the entire selling or buying process - including arranging inspections, helping facilitate repairs/renovations, and ensuring closings are successful. 'Because I deeply value my clients' trust, I am responsive, prompt at answering questions, quick to resolve concerns, and always focused on helping my clients achieve their real estate goals.'

Carmen Mercado is the Affordable Lending Business Development Manager for Freddie Mac, in charge of building awareness of resources, products and tools for real estate professionals to help support responsible lending, provide sustainable homeownership and improve access to credit for all borrowers. As part of her ongoing responsibilities, she is focused on engaging with real estate professionals and industry leaders in alignment with the company’s affordable lending, credit access and housing and financial literacy goals. Prior to her current position, Carmen was the National Director of Strategic Growth Markets at Realogy Franchise Group.

Selling everything from starter to stately homes, Donna has been a full-time real estate agent serving the counties of Mercer, Somerset, Middlesex, and Burlington for 25 years. Donna is a powerful partner with BHHS Fox & Roach, REALTORS®, and has achieved yearly coveted BHHS Real Estate Affiliates awards. She is a top-selling agent in sales volume for the BHHS Princeton office. Prior to her career at BHHS, she worked with Burgdorff ERA, a Realogy real estate company, for eleven years. Every year since 1999, she has been a member of the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence® and received various local, state, and national real estate awards. In 2017, the Mercer County Association of REALTORS® presented Donna with the NJ REALTORS® "REALTOR® of the Year" Award. She is currently one of the top real estate agents in Mercer County, ranking in the top 1% in sales performance since 2015.

Donna is certified as a USAA Specialist, Historic Homes Specialist, and Accredited Staging Professional® (ASP®). She also holds e-PRO®, Seller Representative Specialist® (SRS®), and Certified Residential Specialist® (CRS®) designations. Donna is a member of both the NJ State and National chapters of the Council of Residential Specialists®. She currently serves as president of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® - NJ State.

Astute New York Realtor®, innovative business coach, advocate and friend to homeowners and business leaders, Ifoma Pierre (he goes by Pierre) is a multifaceted professional who has built a successful career in New York real estate and gained recognition as an influential and innovative business coach and leadership trainer. As a licensed and long-established Associate Broker, Pierre boasts more than 13 years of experience in the sale, acquisition and leasing of prime residential properties within Queens, New York.

In regard to business coaching and leadership training, Pierre is sought after by entrepreneurs, business executives and corporations for his proven ability to impart valuable strategies to significantly improve business processes, strengthen teams and increase profitability. He is an independent certified coach and speaker for the John Maxwell Team, the number one leadership and management experts in the world and was also a certified mentor for Buffini and Company, the largest business coaching and training company in North America.

Pierre credits his supportive wife of 17 years, 3 wonderful children and his humble beginnings growing up in Trinidad and working hard as a young tailor making English tailored suits for local business owners as the reason for his continual drive for self-improvement.

Brenda has been within the real estate space for 27 years - starting as a Salesperson then to a Broker Associate, then to owning a franchise and now leading a team at Keller Williams. She loves her job and working with people to attain the American dream.

Brenda serves on several boards and committees - currently as the President of the NEXUS Association of REALTORS®, Past President and State Liaison for the Women's Council of REALTORS®-NJ, on the New Jersey REALTORS® Board of Directors and Risk Management Committee and as a Trustee of the New Jersey REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation and National Association of REALTORS® Director.

After four successful years at ERA Central Realty Group, Heather joined the Central New Jersey top-producing brokerage at RE/MAX Tri County. Prior to joining RE/MAX, Heather's keen understanding of the current real estate landscape soared her into the top 15% of ERA agents nationwide and the #1 producer in volume for ERA Central's Robbinsville branch within her first year.

Heather went on to earn the New Jersey Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award, received national recognition as a Top 10 Most Tech-Forward Agent by Dotloop- a Zillow Group Company, and has trained numerous agents and brokerages across the country on her industry-leading home marketing techniques.

Heather has a strong desire to represent with the utmost integrity, the avid resolve to produce impactful results and the passion to provide unparalleled service. This drive led her to join RE/MAX: The #1 name in real estate and found The HTR Group; providing even more tools of success for her team's clients.

Pinky’s life purpose is to be a shining light who does magical things to inspire greatness in others. Pinky Shah graduated with her Doctorate in Pharmacy from Rutgers but joined her father in the mortgage business in 2004. She is now a team leader at NEO Home Loans. She has a true passion for guiding clients to become successful homeowners and grow their generational wealth. Her team focuses on education, transparency and proactive communications all starting with an initial dreams and goals call.

Her team utilizes numerous strategies to be a conversion partner and referral generator for her Realtor® partners.

Always striving to deliver more value, Pinky is part of an elite group of lenders focused on changing the mortgage industry so clients and partners come to expect more of their lenders.

She is a member of multiple nationwide coaching groups for loan officers and Realtors® across the country and actively engages in personal development activities. Pinky leverages her learnings to give back to her local community and partners. Agents have praised her group training, creativity, and emphasis on accountability which helps them to achieve both their business and personal goals.

Lastly, she is also an active community contributor. Most notable, she donates $100 to the Children’s Specializes Hospital for ever family served.

Brandi is part of the Survey Research and Communications group at the National Association of Realtors®. She assists with the production and dissemination of survey research reports, as well as focuses on digital/social media maintenance and content creation. She also serves as a liaison between internal Research Department staff and non-members/consumers.

Brandi has a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Candace is a dynamic and accomplished Broker Associate from South Jersey. With a background in mortgage, education, and coaching, she has established herself as a rising star in the real estate industry. At a young age, Candace embarked on her journey in the world of real estate, quickly making a name for herself as one of the youngest brokers in the state. She currently leads the Prestige Realty Group and serves as a top producing agent at Fathom Realty.

Candace's dedication and expertise have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the prestigious NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award. She is also serving her second term on the NJ REALTORS® Young Professionals Network Committee. Her commitment to excellence, combined with her innate ability to connect with people, has propelled her to the forefront of the industry.

A resident of Hamilton, Miesha brings insight and knowledge of the area and its encompassing neighborhoods. For the past 10 years she and her husband have been learning and gaining knowledge in the real estate world by living from coast to coast due to work related relocations. During that time, Miesha has become a real estate investor as well.

Her ability to relate to buyers, renters, and investors alike, allows her to represent clients with a deep understanding of their needs in the ever-changing market.

During her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, photography, and spending time with family and close friends. She is a bit of an adventurer, always willing to try new things.

Yuliya V. Tedeschi, Esq. joined New Jersey REALTORS® in 2021 as General Counsel and is involved in all aspects of the association’s legal affairs. She serves on several committees and works closely with members to promote compliance with laws, regulations and guidelines impacting the real estate industry. She also serves on the National Association of REALTORS® Risk Management Issues Committee.

Yuliya is a graduate of the University of Delaware and obtained her J.D. at the Delaware Law School (formerly Widener University School of Law). She is licensed to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Keri is a top producing REALTOR®, top social network marketer and internationally sought-after speaker who inspires audiences through her expert knowledge, humor, keen insights and personal experience.

Keri has been a student of the mind and a thought leader from a very young age. Building a thriving real estate business from the age of 19 for over 20 years and then building 2 successful network marketing businesses has taught her about success through mindset and action.

Over the years, Keri studied with the great masters and thought leaders - Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, Floyd Wickman, Zig Zigler, Tom Hopkins, Jack Canfield, Mel Robbins, Guy Kawasaki, Brian Tracy and Les Brown. The one resounding theme in each course she mastered was that WE control our projected futures. Our responses, or defaults and the perspectives that we have determine our quality of life.

Keri became a certified coach and Nero-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner and began her vision quest into inspirational speaking and breakthrough coaching. This has been a passion project as she fully intends to leave a positive impact on the world!