Women’s History Month 2023: Breaking the Mold

Since 1987, March has commemorated Women’s History Month in the United States. Each year, these thirty-one days are dedicated to the recognition of women’s pivotal role throughout history and their contributions in making the country, and world, a better and safer place. 

The eighth of March, specifically, marks International Women’s Day. Though March has been designated as Women’s History Month for the last thirty-five years, the history of International Women’s Day reaches back as far as 1910. 

Be it the day or the month, both call attention to the actions and sacrifices—big and small; daily and taking place over many months, years, and decades—that women make while building a more equitable future.

Engel & Völkers is proud to support and recognize women taking charge and who are creatively and compassionately molding a better tomorrow, today. And with more than half of our real estate shops being female-owned and operated, we are proud to be a community of real estate professionals that centers collaboration over competition. 

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we are handing the mic over to a few of our network members whose courage to break molds, stereotypes, and traditions has caught the attention of the real estate industry and beyond. 

Donna Harding | Engel & Völkers Nova Scotia Halifax

if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.

Q: “Showing up” has become a very popular phrase—what does it mean to you and what is the best way to do it? 

DH:  “Showing up” means being there, fully and with intent. Regardless of the situation, you do the work, make yourself present, pitch in, and act as a team player. Whether it is physical, emotional, or mental work, you put your best foot forward and give it your all. 

Q: Please finish the following sentence, “The key to carving your own path is _____________ because  _____________.” 

DH: The key to carving your own path is following what you believe in and stand for because if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.

Q: Who is someone that doesn’t get the recognition they deserve? And why?  

DH: Viola Desmond is a name that not everyone knows. Born in Halifax and spending most of her life in Nova Scotia, Desmond was a civil rights activist whose challenge of racial discrimination inspired many. Most famously, she refused to leave the segregated Whites-only section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia in 1946. It wasn’t until 2016, many years after her passing in 1965, that she was granted a pardon for her “crime.”

Desmond became the first Canadian woman to be featured by herself on the face of a banknote, specifically the $10 note released in November 2018. The same year, she was named a National Historic Person by the Canadian government as well. 

Her courage and passion paved the way for a brighter future and will certainly inspire many more for years to come. 

Nikki Beauchamp | Engel & Völkers New York City

Real estate for me is career 2.0; it was not my intended path, but once I decided upon it, there was deliberate thought put into my business plan and how it would inevitably evolve over time.

Q: What is one thing that you would like to know more about?

NB: I always love learning more about how and why people start in real estate and what elevates their businesses to the next level. Real estate for me is career 2.0; it was not my intended path, but once I decided upon it, there was deliberate thought put into my business plan and how it would inevitably evolve over time.

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to join Engel & Völkers New York City as one of its very first advisors. The brand’s core values and those of my personal practices aligned, and it seemed like a perfect fit for my existing clients and a great place where I could envision the later stages of my career. There was something really powerful about a brand that was new in my market and boasted a long-established history abroad. 

In joining, I not only gained expert colleagues around the world but also made friends who have become a part of my world for nearly a decade now. I saw the opportunity to serve my clients, many of whom are truly global citizens with residences across various continents in a more efficient and cohesive manner. In fact, many of my clients joke their new favorite part of their travels has become how many of our shops they can spot when they are traveling. 

Q: If someone asked you to describe your career in three words, what would they be? Why? 

NB: Contribution. I believe in giving back—in life and in business. I have given countless hours to new talent in the industry through volunteer leadership, chairing committees, and teaching non-credit and credit courses. Doing this also keeps my perspective open beyond my experiences after several decades as an advisor. 

Discretion. Keeping confidences. In this modern age, it can feel like every aspect of one’s life and career can be fodder. 

Expertise. I have always prided myself in continually being able to communicate and demonstrate my expertise to my colleagues and my clients. 

I think these three words weave into how I live my life. 

Q: What advice would you give to another woman entering real estate?

NB: Think about the path that you want to take in the industry, and find mentors who have followed similar journeys. I really recommend having a board of advisors that you can trust and call upon for advice and guidance. Comparison, especially in today’s digital age, can be the thief of not only joy but progress. It is important to have a long-range plan.

Melissa Temple | Engel & Völkers Aspen

Nothing beats the wisdom and expertise that come from delivering exactly as promised, time and time again. 

Q: What does iconic mean to you? Who is someone that embodies that?

MT: A venerable symbol. Nothing beats the wisdom and expertise that come from delivering exactly as promised, time and time again.  The Queen and The Beatles come to mind. Experts in their respective fields, with the elegance and grace that sets the one-hit wonders and legends apart. 

Q: What is something that anyone can do every day to increase their potential? 

MT: Exercise, listen, and get a good night’s sleep. You would be amazed at how this seemingly simple routine—ensuring you’re refreshed, recharged, and ready to ask the right questions—can make the world of a difference. You won’t recognize your day. And days add up. 

Q: Please finish the following sentence, “The future is bright because _____________.”

MT: The future is bright because women are making their voices heard more and more. 

From everyone at Engel & Völkers, we hope that this interview, by no means a comprehensive view of the thousands of women working under our brand, adds to your celebration and reflection during Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. 

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