Tanya Diaz’s path into real estate was anything but conventional. Growing up, she was surrounded by a family steeped in hard work and resilience. Her father, a contractor and part-time investor, introduced her to real estate early on. She fondly recalls afternoons spent watching him work, and long drives around the city as he pointed out different properties. This exposure planted a love for real estate in Tanya, but it wasn’t until much later that she followed it as a calling.

Before making her mark in the industry, Tanya held down a job in accounts payable at a hospital. The corporate world was stable but didn’t quite ignite her passion. As she became more drawn to real estate, Tanya made the leap, taking classes and getting licensed. Not long after, she joined the small but ambitious team at Realty of Chicago, where she quickly moved up the ranks and grew with the company.

Tanya’s journey is a testament to the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Despite the comfort of her position at Realty of Chicago, she felt a pull to pursue something different. After five years with the company, she decided to take a bold step—launching her own brokerage. It was a move driven not only by her ambition but by her desire to balance her career with her responsibilities as a mom to three teenage boys.

For Tanya, each professional step is also a family decision. With her husband David, a former Olympic boxer, Tanya chose to build something that worked for their family. This meant scaling back in some ways but staying true to her values. “You have to step outside your comfort zone,” she says, advice she gives not only to her children but also to other women around her. For Tanya, surrounding herself with strong women—especially Latina women—has been a source of strength. She explains how watching the accomplishments of others motivates her to raise her own standards.

The strength of Tanya’s network is clear. When she branched out to create her own brokerage, support followed her. Agents she had mentored over the years began reaching out, asking to join her new venture. What started as a small operation quickly became a close-knit team, more like a family than a typical brokerage. "When you’re with people who uplift you, it makes a difference,” she says. For Tanya, this family atmosphere fuels her desire to continue growing and providing opportunities for those around her.

Tanya’s success is a reflection of her belief in continuous growth. Recently, she received an offer to return to Realty of America (formerly Realty of Chicago) in a new capacity as Illinois’ designated managing broker. For her, this role was an ideal blend of familiarity and challenge. In her new position, Tanya not only manages a growing team but also brings a new set of opportunities for her agents, including revenue shares and stock options—something few brokerages offer at this scale.

Reflecting on her accomplishments, Tanya credits her resilience and the unwavering support of her family. From helping her father on construction sites to launching her own brokerage and, now, taking on a significant role at Realty of America, Tanya’s journey is one marked by a willingness to evolve. “There’s no growth in the comfort zone,” she shares, a principle that has guided her through every step of her career. In an industry constantly changing, Tanya embraces the unknown with confidence, always ready to redefine what success looks like.

Her story is an inspiration to anyone feeling “stuck.” Tanya reminds us that growth often comes through surrounding ourselves with those who push us to be better. Her advice? Don’t fear the challenges. Take a leap, even if it’s uncertain. For Tanya, each risk has paved the way for something greater, proving that success isn’t just about achieving goals but also about the courage to pursue them in the first place.

Dan Wagner’s story is a testament to how the right mix of innovation, community involvement, and personal values can drive extraordinary success in the real estate world. As the Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the Inland Real Estate Group, Dan has witnessed the company’s evolution from humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest commercial real estate firms in the country. The company’s success, however, isn’t just a result of shrewd business acumen—it’s deeply rooted in a commitment to integrity, service, and long-term relationships.

The Inland Real Estate Group’s story started with four Chicago public school teachers who wanted a better financial future. Dan fondly shares how they pooled resources with fellow teachers, venturing into real estate. Their first step was modest: small property investments. Yet, this small collective effort led to the creation of a real estate powerhouse that would revolutionize the industry. From those humble beginnings, Inland grew to become a key player in commercial real estate, even pioneering the use of 1031 exchanges and Delaware statutory trusts.

Dan describes the transformative power of the 1031 exchange, a tax-deferral mechanism that has played a pivotal role in Inland’s strategy. He uses a simple analogy: “It’s like breathing—you don’t realize how important it is until you can’t do it anymore.” He elaborates on how the 1031 exchange allows investors to defer taxes by reinvesting in similar properties, thereby stimulating economic activity across the nation. This strategy enabled Inland to tackle challenges like underwater investments and turn them into opportunities that benefit communities and investors alike.

One memorable example Dan shares is about a dilapidated Kmart building in Naperville, Illinois. The property’s owner couldn’t sell it due to high capital gains taxes, leaving it as an eyesore in the community. Instead of condemning the property, Inland proposed a 1031 exchange solution that allowed the owner to sell without an immediate tax burden. As a result, the property was redeveloped into a thriving retail space, bringing jobs and revenue to the area. It’s stories like these that highlight why Dan is so passionate about advocating for the preservation of the 1031 exchange.

For Dan, it’s not just about business; it’s about doing the right thing for the people and communities Inland serves. This philosophy has guided Inland through both triumphs and tragedies, including the recent passing of their longtime Chairman and CEO, Mr. Dan Goodwin. Goodwin, who rose from poverty to create a billion-dollar enterprise, left a lasting legacy of resilience, generosity, and leadership. His personal story, growing up in a home with only a washtub and a toilet, only makes Inland’s success more remarkable. Today, his vision lives on through leaders like Dan and the team at Inland, who continue to prioritize ethics and community impact.

Innovation, as Dan puts it, has always been part of Inland’s DNA. From pioneering fractional share investments in Walmarts to expanding into various segments like property tax management and insurance, Inland has continually adapted to meet market needs. But as advanced as Inland’s strategies are, Dan insists that success in real estate still comes down to relationships. “Everyone can talk about AI and technology, but it’s all about building trust and maintaining integrity.”

He further emphasizes that being involved in professional associations has been key to his own career development. “Iron sharpens iron,” Dan notes, encouraging emerging professionals to network and collaborate with their peers, even if they are competitors. It’s through these dynamic interactions, he believes, that the most growth happens. “Get out there, learn, and meet your colleagues,” Dan advises, stressing the value of shared knowledge and mutual...

Liza Irazoque's story is one of determination, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Born and raised in Chicago to Mexican parents, Liza's journey is deeply rooted in her multicultural upbringing. Her parents ensured she stayed connected to her heritage by taking annual trips to Mexico, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for her culture. This strong sense of identity has been a driving force in her career and personal life.

Liza’s professional journey took an unexpected turn when she decided to move to Cancun. Initially intended as a short vacation, it turned into a three-year stint selling timeshares. "I arrived on a Wednesday, saw a job post, and by Saturday, I was already working," Liza recalls. Her experience in Cancun not only deepened her connection to Mexico but also honed her sales skills, preparing her for her future in real estate.

When COVID-19 hit, Liza found herself back in Chicago. The pandemic shutdowns brought her back home, where she sought new opportunities. Driving by a real estate school one day, she decided to pivot her career. "I wasn't doing anything at the moment, and with no one traveling, timeshares were at a standstill. So, I thought, why not give real estate a try?" she explains.

Transitioning from selling timeshares to real estate wasn't as drastic as it might seem. Both roles required her to connect with people and understand their needs. However, the motivations of her clients were different. "In timeshares, people are on vacation, and there's often buyer's remorse. In real estate, clients already want to buy a home; it's a significant, tangible investment for their families," Liza notes.

Liza’s ability to read people and adapt her approach has been crucial to her success. She emphasizes the importance of making connections and collaborating with colleagues to better serve clients. "I'm a people's person. I love to interact and be involved in various organizations. Building relationships and collaborating is key to providing the best for my clients," she says.

Her approach to real estate is holistic, taking into account the emotional and psychological aspects of buying a home. "We're more than just brokers; we're psychologists, financial advisors, and problem-solvers for our clients. It's about preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, making sure clients feel comfortable and prepared for any scenario," Liza explains.

One of Liza’s notable strengths is her ability to anticipate and manage client expectations. By preparing clients for potential challenges, she ensures they remain calm and confident throughout the transaction. "If anything goes wrong, they remember I warned them, and we can pivot together," she says.

Liza’s personal journey has also influenced her professional approach. Having struggled with weight and self-esteem issues, she underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2019, transforming her life. This personal victory has given her a newfound confidence and a passion for running, with two marathons under her belt. "Running is my me-time, a way to de-stress and reflect on life and business. It’s about the journey, not just the destination," Liza shares.

Her success in real estate is a testament to her adaptability, resilience, and strong work ethic. As she continues to grow her career, Liza remains committed to learning and evolving. "Challenges are a part of life and business. Staying informed and connected with industry changes through organizations like YPN and NARUP helps me adapt and thrive," she states.

Looking ahead, Liza is excited about her new chapter as a solo agent. After gaining valuable experience on teams, she's eager to implement her learnings into her own business. "I want to see what I can achieve on my own, applying everything I’ve learned to provide the best service to my clients," she...