How Greystar Women Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This March, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month by amplifying the voices of women at Greystar who advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. From providing encouragement to challenging stereotypes, these team members are making an impact.

Follow along below as they share advice, experiences, and book selections that are sure to keep you inspired all month long.

Tashina Johnson – Manager of Performance Strategy

“I always encourage young women to stand in their truth. Do not play shy or weak to make others around you with bigger voices feel comfortable. Discomfort is where we grow the most. So do the things that make you uncomfortable. Go after the positions that scare you and conquer them. Get turned down and use that feeling to push you harder. And when you make it to your next step, pull someone up with you. The world that I help create is the world my daughters will grow in, so by growing other young women, I create a better space for them.”

A book that I love is... Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Tunde Oyeneyin.

Jenna Braddy – Managing Director, Office of the CFO

"In general, I find Greystar's company culture to be very supportive of families. When I told my boss that I was having a baby, I was touched when he told me to make sure that I took the time I needed for my parental leave. He didn't want me to feel pressured to come back before I was ready. It was impactful to hear that from the CFO and to know that he valued and supported me as a female leader at the company."

A book that I love is... Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

Khristina Dundon – Regional Property Manager

“It's important that we continue to remind this next generation of women that we have substance over anything else. Continue to absorb every piece of knowledge you can and speak with strength. At Greystar, programs like LDT (Leadership Development Track) and WIN (Women's Inclusion Network) have created an environment where I am continuously challenged to be the best version of myself.”

A book that I love is... Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis.

Magdalena Kryzanowska – Design Manager, Europe

"Real estate is a male-dominated business. Increasing the number of female leaders contributes significantly. Witnessing examples and hearing stories of struggles and successes, this change needs to occur not only at a high level but also in day-to-day settings.”

A book that I love is... Choosing Me by Kelly Weekers.

Kirsten Overlie – Community Manager

"In my own journey as a young, working woman, I've encountered judgment. But from these experiences, I've learned the importance of advocating for what's right and speaking up. To the next generation of women, remember to use your voice and don't be afraid of failure. If you cast a wide net, you may not catch every fish, but you'll bring in some. Celebrate your wins shamelessly!"

A book that I love is... Caste by Isabel Wilkerson.

Samantha Kochanasz – Senior Marketing Manager

"Be willing to take the time to mentor and encourage women. Too often, we get wrapped up in our own work, making it difficult to find the time to support and empower the next generation. Also, it is often easier to criticize someone's weaknesses than to take the time to help them learn and grow."

A book that I love is... Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner.

Mary Parker – Project Coordinator

"Working in the construction industry, I have encountered both stereotypes and biases. If we openly share our success stories within the predominantly male construction industry, we can inspire the next generation of women. We must pass on what we have learned to pave a path forward for the success of other women in this field.”

A book that I love is... Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey.

Alexis Sowuleski - Managing Director, Investor Relations

"Just do it! I've seen anecdotes that men typically apply to jobs when they meet ~50–60% of the listed qualifications, but women think they can't apply unless they check every single box. If a stretch role comes up where you think you're supposedly not qualified, give it a shot. Worst case, you quickly realize you don't like it, but you still learn new things and will have tried something different. Best case, you grow into your role as a leader and flourish."

A book that I love is... All Things Aside by Iliza Shlesinger.

Other Books Our Team Members Love

As you add the books recommended by the women above to your reading list, here are a few more options to consider. These titles, by female authors from across the globe, are favorites among other team members at Greystar.

- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

- The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

- Between Sisters by Adwoa Badoe

- Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman  

- Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto

- The Strays by Emily Bitto

- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

- The Invisible Mountain by Carolina De Robertis

- The Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

- The Little House by Kyoko Nakajima

- The Women in Black by Madeleine St John

Thank you to the extraordinary women within our Greystar team who lead by example in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As we continue our month-long celebration, may these book picks inspire, entertain, and uplift you along the way.

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