Welcome to the first quarterly newsletter of 2026! As we step into this new year together, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead for our chapter.

At the January Luncheon, I had the honor of sharing my vision and theme for the year: "Building Community Through Connection." If you missed it, I invite you to read the full Kick-Off speech here — but I'll leave you with the words that have guided my own journey in this organization, and that I hope will inspire yours:

"Every single time I said yes, I gained more than I could have imagined — not just professional development, but genuine relationships with people who challenged me, supported me, and believed in me."

That spirit of saying yes — to opportunities, to new connections, to growth — is the foundation of everything we are building this year.

A Strong Start to 2026

We've hit the ground running. Our committees have been actively programming, and there is no shortage of ways to engage. Be sure to check our events calendar at iremaustin.org to stay up to date on all upcoming luncheons, educational offerings, networking events, and more. More great programming is on the horizon, and you won't want to miss a thing.

📣 IREM HQ Spotlight: Property Con 2026 — Right Here in Austin!

We are proud to share that IREM Headquarters is bringing its flagship national conference to our own backyard. After a sold-out first year, PropertyCon: An IREM® Education Experience is returning and expecting to welcome over 500 industry leaders — and it's happening April 7–9 right here in Austin, Texas.

The conference features more than 50 expert speakers, 30+ education sessions, and is designed for early and mid-career professionals, students, and executives alike. This year's agenda includes sessions on topics like growing and scaling your property management company, sustainability on any budget, agentic AI and workflow automation, violent crime prevention strategies, and retaining property management talent.

Please note: The registration deadline was Friday, March 27, 2026 — if you haven't yet registered, reach out directly to IREM HQ to inquire about late availability. We strongly encourage all members to attend this rare opportunity to experience a world-class industry event without ever leaving Austin. Learn more at info.irem.org/propertycon.

📍IREM Austin's TRENDS Event — April 28 at Brazos Hall

Mark your calendars for one of IREM Austin's most anticipated annual events — TRENDS 2026, taking place on Tuesday, April 28th at Brazos Hall in Austin.

This year's TRENDS event promises to be truly unique. We're bringing an exciting slate of speakers to explore one of the most compelling stories shaping Austin's real estate landscape today: the growing impact of aerospace and defense technology on our local market. From shifting land use and workforce housing demand to the evolving commercial corridor, this is a conversation our industry needs to be having — and you won't want to miss it.

Register for TRENDS 2026 here — and invite a colleague while you're at it. Space is limited, so secure your spot early.

🔗 Stay Connected, Get Involved

None of what we accomplish this year would be possible without the dedication of our Industry Partners, our engaged members, and the incredible committee volunteers who give their time and talent to this chapter every single day. You are the heart of this organization, and I am deeply grateful for each of you.

If you've been thinking about getting more involved — this is your sign to say yes. Whether you have a few hours a quarter or are ready to take on a leadership role, there is a place for you here. Submit your volunteer interest form at iremaustin.org and let's connect.

The best chapters of this year's story are still being written. Keep a close eye on our events calendar — there is so much more to come, and we are just getting started.

With gratitude and excitement,

Ashley Rodriguez, CPM®

2026 President, IREM Austin

Making a Difference Together

IREM Austin Outreach in Full Swing

The IREM Austin Outreach Committee kicked off a new season of community involvement this spring with a meaningful volunteer opportunity on March 24. Members volunteered with Foundation Communities at their Supper Club at Balcones Terrace, sharing lunch and engaging in friendly conversation with residents while supporting our local Austin community.

Thanks to the generosity of our members, IREM Austin contributed $300 to Foundation Communities. This support was made possible through Supper Club participation and member donations during Amplify Austin (March 4–5). We are grateful for the continued support that allows our chapter to give back locally.

This is just one of many ways IREM Austin members are connecting and supporting the community throughout the year. We’re excited to continue growing our partnership with Foundation Communities and look forward to more opportunities for members to volunteer, connect, and make a positive impact!

Member Spotlight

Meet Simoné Stone, Senior Property Manager - Live Oak

From leasing agent to commercial property manager—Simoné Stone’s real estate journey has been all about growth, curiosity, and community.

She began her career in Class A multifamily communities, later advancing to an Assistant Property Manager role and contributing to a successful Class A lease-up. In 2018, she transitioned to commercial real estate with Live Oak CRE, LLC, where she continues to build her career today.

Through IREM, Simoné focuses on professional growth, meaningful industry relationships, and a community rooted in collaboration and learning.

Outside of work, she tries to spend time gardening, prioritizing her health, and tackling projects around the house. But as a mom of a 9-year-old and a 22-month-old, those hobbies sometimes take a back seat to snacks, story time, and the occasional toy car underfoot.

Fun fact: Simoné once lived in South Korea teaching English, where she learned to adapt quickly, connect across cultures, and lead a classroom—even when communication relied heavily on hand gestures and drawings.

Her personal heroes are her mother and Nelson Mandela. She admires Mandela’s leadership in guiding South Africa through transition with strength, forgiveness, and purpose—qualities she also sees in her mother, who balanced family life while building her career into a quality engineer and businesswoman.

If she could live in any fictional universe? Wakanda! Innovation, strong community, respect for culture and diversity—and the fashion is definitely her style. Plus, some of those aerial scenes showcasing South Africa make it even better.

Simoné also supports Black Mamas Village (BMV), a nonprofit empowering mothers through community and shared resources. When she first moved to Austin, BMV helped her connect with other mothers, learn about her new city, and build meaningful relationships that continue to add value to her life.

We’re proud to have leaders like Simoné shaping the future of our industry!

TRENDing

Mission: Critical Growth - How Aerospace & Defense Tech are Redefining Real Estate

Real Impact, Real Stories

DEI Scholars Share Their Experience

The IREM Austin DEI Scholarship Program continues to create meaningful pathways into the commercial real estate industry by supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds with access to education, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.

Through this program, scholarship recipients gain more than just financial support—they gain connections, confidence, and a stronger foundation for long-term success in property management.

Gina Lopez - Granite Properties of Texas

Receiving the DEI Scholarship was such a helpful step in my CPM journey. It allowed me to complete my final two education courses before taking the final certification exams, which was a huge milestone. I’m so thankful for opportunities like this that help make professional education more accessible, and I’m excited to now be in the CPM graduation stage! Support from initiatives like the DEI Scholarship also motivates me to stay involved in the IREM Austin community and encourage others on similar paths to make the most of the opportunities and support available.

Wade Nauman - Greystar

Receiving the DEI Scholarship was truly the launch point for my journey with IREM. Being selected allowed me to become a member, which opened the door to opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had. From there, I was encouraged to step into leadership roles, connect with incredible professionals, and continue growing within the organization. Today, I’m actively involved and grateful for how that initial opportunity helped shape my path and professional development.

Melissa Rangel - Colliers

The DEI scholarship was my introduction to the IREM community. It enabled me to become an active member of the Austin chapter by covering my dues and luncheons, which allowed me to participate fully in the Future Leaders program. Through this opportunity, I connected with peers across the industry and built a network of mentors and friends who continue to enrich both my professional and personal life. With the support of these relationships, I am now part of the DISI Leaders program, which has expanded my connections to members from other IREM chapters.

The IREM Austin DEI Scholarship Program application window runs from March 1 through May 30, and we encourage anyone interested in advancing their career in property management to apply.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take the next step in your professional journey, this program provides access to valuable education, industry connections, and ongoing support through IREM Austin.

CesiumAstro's $470M Expansion - A Real Estate Story in Bee Cave

(Community Impact — Jan/Feb 2026)

CesiumAstro, an aerospace and defense technology company, is moving into the former West Austin Business Park in Bee Cave — a 270,000-square-foot facility that will be used to produce satellite communication technologies and serve as its new global headquarters. The company plans a $500 million expansion and 500 new jobs at the site — a great case study in adaptive reuse and industrial real estate demand.

Luncheons

May 12 @ Westwood CC

Aug 11 @ Headliners Club

Oct 13 @ Headliners Club

Nov 10 @ Headliners Club

Education

Apr 23 - Cert Guidance Wrksp

Sept 22-23 - FIN402

Oct 20 - Ethics

Networking & Events

Apr 1 - New Member Coffee

Apr 7-9 - PropertyCon

Apr 28 - TRENDS

Sept 17 - Pinstack

Dec 11 - Holiday/Awards Gala

Please share your feedback and content suggestions by emailing atxirem@gmail.com.

IREM Austin is a leading chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management dedicated to advancing the career of every property management professional in Austin. Our members are comprised of entry-level professionals, managers, senior leaders and executives across every major property type, as well as students and others exploring careers in property management.