Congratulations to the 2023 HAR YPN Rising Stars in Real Estate! These 20 individuals were selected for the prestigious “20 Under 40 Award” given each year to deserving young REALTORS. You may read each of their bios below.
ADEKUNLE AMOO
Fairdale Realty
Kunle’ has the distinction of being our first winner who serves as a U.S. Navy intelligence officer. Having just received his broker’s license, he thinks of real estate as a relay race, emphasizing strategic thinking, agility, positioning, systems, and leveraging human resources over ceaseless work. He developed an enterprising way of servicing his clients while actively deployed and was named a Top 20 Under 40 HBREA REALTOR® of the Year. Beyond real estate, he volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, helping young children from peer pressure and providing career guidance. Thank you for your service, Kunle!
ANDREA KITZMAN
Keller Williams Woodlands
Andrea is proud of the many challenges she has overcome to become a top producing team leader today. She has had numerous jobs, including teaching Taekwondo, and credits her mom for her strong work ethic. Once she found her passion in real estate, she was determined to educate herself and went on to earn seven designations! She convinced her husband to get his real estate license and now they have more time to spend on their personal passions. Andrea and her husband adore their three rescue dogs and have a goal to travel to all 50 states and to all 30 MLB stadiums.
ANGELINE CLARK
Monarch Real Estate & Ranch
Angeline runs a top producing firm as the broker and CEO of Monarch Real Estate & Ranch. As a former psychologist with a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, she has successfully applied many principles from her degree to selling real estate and serving her clients. She formerly served on one of the nation’s top teams as their No. 1 producing agent, procuring more than 1,000 transactions, and elevating the team from No. 7 (HBJ) to No. 2 during her time on the team. She volunteers for Houston Welcome Refugees, is a donor to an anti-trafficking organization called Love 146 and has worked with at-risk youth.
ARIANA WHITE
eXp Realty
As a special education teacher pursuing a marriage and family therapy program, Ariana decided to switch gears and closed her first deal at 39 weeks pregnant. A two-time ICON Agent and eXp mentor, she leads mastermind groups and teaches classes. Ariana pursues her guiding principles as a member of NAHREP and the LGBTQ Real Estate Alliance. She is also a member of the Creech Elementary PTA and a board member for the Cinco Ranch Swim Team. When asked about her unique features, she will tell you about being a Zappos foot model and grueling days of modeling up to 100 pairs of shoes per day!
BRIAN SHEMIRANIPOUR
CitiQuest Properties
With a background in investment banking and a passion for investment analysis, Brian has seamlessly transitioned these skills into a successful real estate career, particularly when collaborating with developers. An early foray into marketing luxury exotic cars fine-tuned his marketing skills. Brian serves as the New Development manager at CitiQuest Properties and leads the Shemi Group, while serving on HAR’s YPN and the Political Affairs Advisory Groups. Brian’s community services include the Houston Food Bank, Kid’s Meals, Candlelighter’s, Habitat for Humanity and playing Santa at Hartsfield Elementary School. As a recent convert to TREPAC, he says, “Save me a seat at Tony’s!”
CATIE FULLER
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene
With a background in corporate marketing and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Austin, Catie is a ‘cheerleader’ for her clients. In fact, the Houston Texans loved her spirit and hired her as a cheerleader from 2006-2010. She’s a proud Capitol Club TREPAC Investor. Beyond real estate, she makes time for a long list of community initiatives, including Junior League The Woodlands, Giving Gowns’ prom boutique for underserved teens to serving as PTO Vice President of Fundraising for Cox Intermediate School and participating in GIVE THANKS, a community-wide food drive.
ERIC NELSON
The Bayou City Team – Compass
Eric brings a strong background in corporate America to benefit his clients. With a near-perfect Client Service Rating, Eric is described as intelligent, compassionate, with a go-go attitude, and a sharp sense of humor. Working long hours as the Team Lead along with his wife, he still makes time to help others. He’s the leader of an entrepreneurship group at Grace Church and serves as a member of Dads’ and Booster Clubs at Second Baptist School. Eric is the first person in his family with a college degree and hopes one day his son says he wants to go to the University of Houston too…just like his daddy.
GRECIA BERRIOS
Mark Dimas Properties – Grecia Berrios Team
Grecia thrives through her association with CORE, a real estate coaching center. Her NAHREP activity led to her recognition as a Top 250 Latino Agent nationwide and an annual conference participant. Her advocacy for the Latino community shines, notably through her role in the State of Hispanic Homeownership Report 2022 release. She champions charitable efforts, aids children in El Salvador, and supports education for Guatemalan girls. As a team leader, she promotes collaboration and homeownership dreams. Grecia’s participation in programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses led to a 60% revenue growth for her business.
IMRAN BHAIDANI
The B&P Team-Keller Williams Southwest
With more than 30 years of a family legacy in real estate in India, Imran was destined to join the family business after moving to Houston. Leveraging a strong tech background, he founded the B&P Team, which achieved a record-breaking 273 closed transactions and $2.4 million in GCI in 2021. He was awarded the Texas REALTORS® William C. Jennings Award for Commercial transaction of the year in 2022 and was featured on the cover of NAR’s CREATE magazine. He supports schools and fosters local business partnerships for charitable initiatives. His love of nature fuels his goal to explore every U.S. National Park!
KATHERINE NEBEL
AK Real Estate Group powered by Styled Real Estate
Armed with a BBA in Finance from Texas State University, Katherine embarked on a decade-long career on the natural gas trading floor. Recalling the days when her dad would take the family to open houses, she realized her passion was real estate and got licensed in 2017. She serves on the HAR Montgomery County PAAL and joined her neighborhood HOA, where she coordinates community events. As a natural teacher, coach, and leader, she prioritizes education, encouragement, and accountability. She is a TRLP graduate, broker associate, team leader and a top producer. And she is proud that she has had the same best friend for 32 years!
RACHEL ALLEN
Rachel Allen Real Estate Group Brokered by eXp Realty
Rachel’s real estate journey began at 23 when she purchased her first home, sparking an interest in real estate investment. She ranks among the top 3% of 80,000 agents within her brokerage. She’s in the TRLP class of 2023, serves on the YPN Advisory Group and is certified as a mentor at eXp Realty. Rachel serves as a PTO Secretary, an active member of Impact 100, and contributes to various charities. Hurricane Katrina’s impact on her life was profound, igniting her passion for a career in real estate after her own harrowing experience during the disaster. But as they say, she managed to make lemonade from lemons.
RAUL GARCIA
Coldwell Banker Realty
Starting in automotive sales, Raul is now making a significant impact in both real estate, leadership, and community service. He serves on the NAHREP Board of Directors and volunteers his time to advance sustainable Hispanic home ownership through networking, education and advocacy empowering Hispanic families. His extensive history of volunteer service and leadership includes, YPN Community Service Chair, TRLP, school backpack drives, feeding the homeless, Kids Meals, blood drives, and Rebuild Houston. With all his volunteer work, Raul still manages to be a co-agent/team lead driving impressive growth in his business.
SHANNON SUDDERETH
ERA Legacy Living
Shannon is driven by a desire to create a lasting legacy and impact lives. Within her brokerage, she is a lead associate where she mentors and provides guidance to more than 70 agents. Her volunteer work extends to organizations like Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Houston Rodeo, and Silvercrest Elementary School. With a growing business and multiple designations, Shannon is keen on continuing education. She is a member of the TREPAC Advisory Group, and a proud Major Investor. Her to-do list includes serving on other HAR advisory groups within HAR.
SONIA MAREDIA
Compass
Sonia’s rapid success in real estate, achieving $15 million in sales volume within her first year, is attributed to her dedication to time blocking, maintaining boundaries, and effectively utilizing Instagram as core strategies. She is on one of Compass’s top-producing teams, actively engaged in the company’s culture and recognized by her manager as possessing the qualities necessary for success. She is also actively involved with the Compass Young Professionals group. Sonia is equally committed to her community, serving as a Class Captain for her children’s school’s annual fund committee and actively supporting local neighborhoods and businesses, demonstrating her commitment to both her profession and community.
SPENCER HUCK
CitiQuest Properties
Spencer’s journey includes being a member of the Association of Commercial Real Estate Professions during his time at the University of Houston. His internship with a developer provided valuable industry experience. Now, he holds a leadership role within his firm, overseeing 10 employees and providing guidance, motivation, and support to 42 agents. His commitment to community activism is evident through his collaboration with the Harris County Housing Authority to promote affordable housing. He also advocated to help facilitate smart growth development in Houston. As for “the number 34,” it’s a fascinating story worth hearing from him.
TAMESHA WELLS
Living Well Realty Group
Recognizing the potential for wealth building, Tamesha began her career as an investor and landlord at 19. With extensive industry involvement, she serves as a RPAC President’s Circle Major Investor and has held executive positions within the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Currently, she is the President of the National Young Realtist Division of NAREB. Committed to community education and financial literacy, she has chaired events and taught in various settings. Her dedication to advancing real estate’s role in wealth building and homeownership. have earned her some prestigious accolades including the U.S. government’s 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
TARA MCMEANS
Compass
As a Baylor alumna, Tara quickly became the top producer at her brokerage in Austin. Moving on to earn her law degree at South Texas College of Law, and a quick dive into the oil and gas industry convinced her to return to real estate. She just knew she wanted to be her own boss. As a top-selling multimillion-dollar producer, she credits her dad, her first broker, and her law degree to her success. She gives generously as a volunteer at the Houston Humane Society, Baylor University Women’s Houston Council, and Mindful Business Women. And, she is a proud wife and mother!
THALINA GARCIA
Nan and Company Properties / Christie’s International Real Estate
At Baylor University, Thalina earned her real estate license for a summer internship helping homeowners with their property taxes. She remains involved in the industry serving on HAR’s YPN and Professional Development advisory groups, donates time to Mindful Business Women supporting mental health and entrepreneurship and is Marketing Chair for the Young Adult Professionals of the Houston Humane Society and fosters connections among Baylor alumni as Member Engagement Chair for the Baylor Houston Women’s Council. As a child she spent summers in Mexico and became fluent in Spanish allowing her to expand her client base and become a go-to source to Mexican nationals investing in Houston.
TUAN LE
Compass RE
Tuan’s motto is “we have solutions, not problems,” underlining his knack for creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative work. He holds the position of Associate Broker at Compass, focusing on agent development and operations. His industry commitment extends to various real estate organizations, including the WCR Greater West Houston, where he serves as Treasurer, and he is a major investor in TREPAC. Tuan’s leadership includes serving on HAR’s YPN and Technology Advisory Groups. Beyond real estate, Tuan’s passion for travel has taken him to numerous countries, while his penchant for collecting ranges from pop culture toys, vinyls, figurines to houses.
WILLIAM FINNORN
Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
This fifth generation Houstonian has a keen eye for marketing and pricing in the luxury market and has been described as ‘seasoned’ beyond his years. He actively contributes to various charities, including the Board of the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society, the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation’s YP Group, Alley Theater, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet and so many more. He has been asked to be a founding member of the Montrose Center Raising Leaders. He has also been called upon by his broker to speak on agent panels during sales meetings and has the distinction of being named a ‘top pender” (most pending sales!) for the quarter.
