Congratulations to the 2024 HAR YPN 20 Under 40 Rising Stars in Real Estate award recipients.
ADRIANA BANKS
Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Adriana is a top-producing agent with nearly a decade of experience in the industry who has consistently been recognized as a top performer, earning accolades such as the #2 Agent in Texas at Douglas Elliman in 2020. Adriana’s background in consumer behavior from Tulane University and her experience in the oil and gas industry have shaped her analytical approach to real estate. She leads The Banks Group, known for providing luxury boutique service backed by data-driven insights. Adriana is passionate about giving back to her community and mentoring young agents. Her success is built on her ability to forge genuine connections with clients and her deep understanding of Houston’s real estate market.
ANN MARIE MARTINI
eXp Realty
Ann Marie’s tough life experiences have taught her how to care for emotional clients and solve their problems quickly. She credits TRLP for impactful experiences and for her amazing growth, both as a person and as an agent. She is a member of HAR’s YPN and Professional Development Advisory Groups, and she is also a NAHREP Certified Trainer, focusing on educating students and community members about wealth building and creating lasting legacies. She volunteers at her church, where she serves on the Eyes and Ears team, and at a crisis pregnancy center. Her resilience and success were recognized in the 2023 book “Women Who Boss Up in Real Estate,” highlighting her journey from a challenging past to a thriving career.
ANTHONY ENIH
Golden Spiral Realty
Anthony has been described as a role model and encourager who wholeheartedly devotes himself to his family, community and fellow agents. As a graduate of Texas A&M University and the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business, he brings a strong education to his role as a Realtor and mentor. He specializes in building clients’ net worth through investments in commercial and residential properties. Anthony’s expertise extends beyond transactions; he is actively involved in industry organizations like TREPAC and community mentorship programs. He strives to be a role model and drives various youth mentoring initiatives. Anthony’s approach is driven by a genuine desire to make a lasting impact on his clients and community.
ASHANTI MORSE LAFYETTE
The Closers Real Estate Group
Despite the challenges of launching a new business during Covid and with a new baby, Ashanti has managed to thrive today. She serves on the HAR YPN and Professional Development Advisory Groups and studied international business in China. She is currently enhancing her expertise through the Developer’s Academy sponsored by Wells Fargo via the NAREB Brokers. This program has transformed her approach to real estate, inspiring her to pursue development projects in Houston aimed at providing affordable housing for seniors. While known for her fierce advocacy and leadership within the Black community, Ashanti is described as loyal and lighthearted. Her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to community development position her as a rising star in the real estate industry.
ASHLEY M. ESPARZA
HTX Home Team powered by NextGen Real Estate Properties
Ashley is a resilient leader having rebuilt her life after losing everything during Hurricane Harvey. She advocates for the Black real estate community through her work with HBREA and serves on the YPN and Professional Development Advisory Groups. She leads the Selling Luxury Group, mentors new agents, and actively engages in community service, including organizing food drives for underserved populations.
CHLOE RYAN
CB&A Realtors
Chloe transitioned to real estate from a 15-year career in hospitality. Inspired by her homebuilder parents, she found her true calling in real estate. Chloe serves on HAR’s TREPAC and YPN advisory groups and serves as co-chair for YPN’s community service committee. Her commitment to giving back is evident through her extensive volunteer work with animal shelters, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and local community initiatives. Chloe’s childhood in Hawaii instilled in her the concept of “aloha,” which guides her personal and professional life. Together with her husband, she sets annual charitable donation goals, reflecting her deep-rooted dedication to making a positive impact both locally and globally.
CHRISTI PRIDDY
RE/MAX Integrity, The All Star Team
Armed with a master’s degree in psychology, Christi launched her real estate career by closing 43 transactions in only 17 months. Inspired by her parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, she built a successful photography business through word-of-mouth and social media. She now leads The All Star Team and works hard to focus on mentoring new agents. She actively serves her community, holding leadership roles in local sports organizations, school PTOs, and her church. A survivor of a traumatic bus accident at 14, she values life and gives back generously, including supporting teachers in Tomball ISD. Known for her bubbly personality, she embodies resilience and commitment to serve her clients.
CHRISTINA HARRIS
AK Real Estate Group powered by Styled Real Estate
Christina is described as passionate about real estate and her clients. She serves on HAR’s TREPAC and YPN advisory groups and is also a member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Recognized as a Conroe ISD Realtor®, Christina is a 2023 TREPAC Major Investor and has successfully recruited significant investors. Currently participating in TRLP, she is dedicated to personal growth and team building. As a senior agent, she provides ongoing guidance and support to newer team members, fostering a collaborative environment. Christina always makes time for community service by volunteering for Easterseals, KidsMeals, Project C.U.R.E. and supporting schools.
CODY MIER
Cody Mier Realty Team, CB&A, Realtors
Cody cites Jeff Bezos, Walter Bering, and Randall Martin as influencers. As Team Leader and the Director of Agent Development for the Loop Central office, he mentors new agents and fosters growth within the brokerage. He specializes in listing properties and providing exceptional client experiences. Known for his commitment to giving back, Cody is the largest donor to the CB&A Foundation, and a big supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters and is a strong believer in supporting TREPAC. Despite his fear of heights, Cody embraces challenges challenges and strives to conquer his fears through determination and a sharp sense of humor.
ELIO ALANIS
Keller Williams Metropolitan
Elio has a long list of accolades including #1 individual agent in Houston on the Tom Ferry and RealTrend’s list, The Thousand, #10 Latino Agent in the US by NAHREP and #3 individual agent for KW South Texas. Actively engaged in the community, he focuses on building strong local relationships. In May, during a severe storm that affected millions in Houston, his team provided meals for CenterPoint Energy workers as a thank-you for restoring power. He invests in properties to rehabilitate and rent to low-income families. As part of an exotic car community, he brings joy to children at Texas Children’s Hospital by allowing them to view the cars.
HOLLE HARTIS
Carruthers Real Estate Group, COMPASS
Holle leveraged her master’s degree and CPA license into a successful six-year career in forensic litigation consulting at a Fortune 1000 company. Known for her keen insight into all facets of the industry, she excels in working with buyers and sellers and developing investment strategies. She attributes much of her success to the support of her mentor and team lead, Ruth Carruthers. Beyond her professional achievements, Holle is deeply committed to community service. She serves as the Community Liaison for Small Steps Nurturing Center, facilitates events at Grace Bible Church, and chairs the Gala Decorating Committee for Prayers of the People. Holle and her husband sponsor a child through Arise Africa, and she actively participates in Texas Exes and McCombs Alumni events, raising funds for scholarships and volunteering at the Houston Food Bank.
JENNA FAETANINI
eXp Realty
As Senior Managing Broker of eXp, Jenna leads a team of 12 in Texas, while balancing a family life with 5-year-old twins. She is the youngest managing broker in a company with over 86,000 agents, and one of only four senior managing brokers…a remarkable achievement considering her age. As the eXp Young Professionals Network State Leader, she mentors young agents globally, and as a Certified Mentor, she guides new agents through initial transactions. Jenna is a member of HAR’s Technology Advisory Group and in this year’s TRLP class. Her charitable activities include volunteering her time and giving financial support to her children’s school and spearheading an initiative within her brokerage to encourage agents to volunteer in their communities.
JENNY GUERRA
Surge Realty
A first-generation Salvadoran American, Jenny breaks cultural norms by pursuing excellence and pushing boundaries. Inspired by her mother’s sacrifices, she prioritizes building trusting relationships and creating lasting legacies for herself and her clients. Jenny’s passion for education and development led her to expand her role at Surge Realty, where she’s building a comprehensive training program to support others in their growth.
JOSE NIETO
J. Nieto Team, Nan and Company Properties
Jose has been described as a fierce negotiator and a fighter for his clients. And he is a DREAMer and DACA recipient who is proud to be the first member of his immigrant family to own a business and be “successful” in America. Jose specializes in assisting first-time homebuyers, particularly those facing credit challenges, and emphasizes the importance of trusting the process throughout the home-buying journey. His business thrives on referrals, reflecting his strong client relationships and responsiveness. In addition to his real estate endeavors, Jose actively volunteers with organizations like Make-A-Wish and Love and Rescue, embodying his commitment to giving back.
KAYLA SORRELL
Pop Realty
Kayla is the dynamic Broker and Owner of Pop Realty, a boutique residential real estate brokerage. With a master’s degree in hospitality management and extensive experience in event management, Kayla brings a unique blend of skills to the real estate industry. Her background includes creating VIP event programs for concert tours throughout North America and establishing the Conference Center Program for the Houston Food Bank. Kayla’s leadership style focuses on mentorship and fostering a collaborative team environment. She serves on the YPN and Management Central advisory groups and is a TRLP graduate. Kayla’s passion for property investment and renovation aligns uniquely with her goal of leading a successful real estate firm.
MARIKO FUJITA
Annoura Realty Group LLC
Mariko is a Japanese native with a strong background in real estate and a unique cultural perspective. She credits experience as a bartender for honing her communication skills, enabling her to connect quickly and effectively with her clients. She actively participates in the real estate community through the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, and she is a member of the YPN and Global advisory groups. A graduate of the 2023 Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program, Mariko previously served as First Vice President of the WCR Houston Chapter. At Annoura Realty Group, she oversees property management for Japanese investors and leads new agent orientations, enhancing her service to this niche market.
MIRIAM VALENCIA
Alumbra Properties
Miriam is dedicated to empowering the Hispanic community and has assisted more than 140 Spanish-speaking families with their real estate needs, including those with ITIN, DACA, and TPS statuses. She has served on HAR’s YPN and became a committee member of NAHREP, earning recognition as NAHREP Influencer of the Year 2023. As CEO of Alumbra Properties, she strives to empower her agents with training with an emphasis on providing a high level of service to their clients. She leads community initiatives including Alumbra Heart and Hope and sponsors events promoting the arts and women’s empowerment including FridaFest and the Spoiled Latina Summit.
RACHEL BAIN
BHGRE Gary Greene, The Bain Group
In her first full year, Rachel was honored as the 2019 National Rookie of the Year, an impressive achievement that showcased her natural talent and dedication. Her success continued to soar, with more than $60 million in production and 150 transactions closed, demonstrating her exceptional ability to connect with clients and close deals. Prior to real estate, Rachel worked in corporate America but felt a calling for more meaningful work. Bravely, she quit her job and took off for a solo backpacking journey through Central and South America and Southeast Asia. Her unique background, blending corporate experience with worldly adventures, has undoubtedly contributed to her rapid success and ability to excel in competitive real estate.
RANDI HOUSTON
RE/MAX Signature
Randi is originally from Schulenburg, and she brings small-town values to her big-city practice. With a health care background, she obtained her Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges seniors face when transitioning from their homes to senior communities or skilled nursing facilities. Her commitment to community service is evident through her volunteer work with organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Kid’s Meals. Known for her strong communication and personalized approach, Randi fosters lasting relationships with clients, many of whom become lifelong friends.
CONGRATULATIONS to all of the 2024 Award Recipients!
This year there are only 19 honorees because one person was determined to be ineligible.
