At The Agency, we take pride in our deeply connected, supportive global community. Our growing network of offices and agents spans coast to coast and across the world, uniting many powerful and inspiring women in real estate. Recently, in recognition of Women’s History Month, special gatherings in The Agency’s New York and L.A. offices brought together local women leaders to collaborate and connect on market shifts, industry trends and the particular challenges that face women in the profession.
Check out highlights from our International Women’s Day panel, and read on for quick-hitting Q&As with a few of our L.A. and New York agents—they’re sharing their proudest moments, best advice and more.
Los Angeles
Michelle Schwartz
Managing Partner | The Agency Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Studio City
Describe the women of The Agency L.A. in one word.
POWERHOUSE
Who is a woman that has inspired you in your career or life?
The Agency’s President, Rainy Haike Austin! From the moment she joined this company, she has led with a soft, inspiring strength. Hearing her personal story at Forum last year, I understood her perseverance, her “why,” her grit and her insistence in her professional growth.
Like Rainy, I have had many tough times and struggles in my personal life. Hearing how she used it as her propellor vs carrying a victim mentality in her career made me reflect. She so vividly put into words what I struggled to express, and I see so much of myself in her. We hold such a special space for each other in our journeys. I wouldn’t want any other warrior on my side.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women in real estate?
My advice is the same for any woman, or man for that matter: Persevere. Take the punches and pivot when something does not work. Nothing is easy, and if it is, then you aren’t trying as hard as you could. “No” is only a recommendation until you can get to “yes.”
Be your own advocate. Step onto your soapbox. You need to make things happen for yourself; do not expect handouts.
What’s one achievement you’re most proud of as a woman in your field?
Standing up and asking for the opportunity to prove myself as partner and as someone who believes in our brand, in our company… that took guts.
I was almost certain that when I walked into Mauricio and Billy Rose’s office years ago and said that I wanted to open and manage an office in the Valley, I would be told no.
To my surprise, they gave me the rope and I didn’t hang myself or the company! I immediately ran the offices as if the entire company was mine. Fast forward to today, we have three Valley offices that are all growing and thriving. I will forever be the first female managing partner and I couldn’t be prouder to wear that badge!
Gina Michelle
Director, Estates Division | Calabasas
Describe the women of The Agency L.A. in one word:
POWERFUL.
What’s one achievement you’re most proud of as a woman in your field?
Being named among Los Angeles Business Journal’s Leaders of Influence Thriving in Their 40s in 2023 was a big accolade for me. Then, this year, I was named the #1 producer for our Calabasas office. Also, I was the only woman in the #1 spot as far as the other Valley offices were concerned. I think being that highly ranked as a woman helps inspire other women to believe that they’re capable of the same.
How do you support and uplift other women in your workplace?
As a woman, I think it’s important to recognize that we are wearing many hats. Most of us are wives and moms and I think it is easy to say that women can accomplish the same that men can, but the truth is that women are carrying a different set of home responsibilities, which make those achievements even larger mountains to climb because we have limited time and are stretched very thin.
I want women to know that I am a wife, I am a mom, I am also a mom of a special needs child, and while none of it has come without an insane amount of work, it is all absolutely achievable with the right mindset, the right work ethic and the right structure.
Sarah Rogers
Executive Director, Estates Division | Pasadena
Finish this sentence: “Women in real estate are ______.”
Strong.
Describe the women of The Agency L.A. in one word.
Capable.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women in real estate?
Get involved and put yourself out there; surround yourself with good people; be your authentic self and don’t try to be like other people.
What’s one achievement you’re most proud of as a woman in your field?
I’m proud of having the freedom to make a difference in people’s lives. Our work seems to be most appreciated during times of need, for example, right now, with the LA wildfire crisis. I also love having the ability to mentor the next generation of agents.
How do you support and uplift other women in your workplace?
I employ them—most of my team consists of women, and I am happy to collaborate with colleagues and provide advice.
New York
Chelsea Picken Cain
Describe the women of The Agency New York in one word.
SMART.
Finish this sentence: “Women in real estate are ______.”
The present and future.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women in real estate?
There’s always room for you here.
What’s one achievement you’re most proud of as a woman in your field?
I’ve stayed true to myself in every interaction, relationship and transaction. I didn’t compromise my values and integrity to excel.
How do you support and uplift other women in your workplace?
I ask questions, take a genuine interest, follow up, and cheerlead.
Andie Pickerill
Finish this sentence: “Women in real estate are ______.”
The smartest, kindest, hardest-working people I’ve ever met.
Describe the women of The Agency New York in one word.
Queens!
What advice would you give to the next generation of women in real estate?
Have a plan to maintain the work/life balance that makes sense for you.
What’s one achievement you’re most proud of as a woman in your field?
Showing up to work fully as myself. Classy, smart, fun, well-prepared, and gorgeous!
How do you support and uplift other women in your workplace?
I celebrate all the wins, big or small. And provide encouragement and resources when challenges arise.
Marsha Essman
Finish this sentence: “Women in real estate are ______.”
Unstoppable in achieving their goals, turning their vision into reality, and accomplishing anything they set their minds to.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women in real estate?
Recognize your value, trust your instincts, and never stop learning. Build strong relationships, stay resilient, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
