By: Nicole Slaughter Graham
[Editor’s note: Applications for the 2027 Leadership Academy have closed]
Each year, 20 real estate professionals are selected for the National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy — a program designed to prepare members for service at the highest levels of the association.
The application process is competitive and requires time, but from what four YPN members said, it’s worth it because it changes the way you lead.
Applications are now open for the 2027 class of NAR’s Leadership Academy. Rather than walk through a checklist of benefits, however, I asked four YPN members to share more about their experience in NARLA.
Called to Serve at a Higher Level
For Jairo Rodriguez, Associate Broker with Sotheby’s International Realty in Montclair, N. J., the decision to apply started with someone else seeing potential in him.
At the time, Rodriguez was already preparing to become president of his local association but his local association executive, Michelle Perrone-Epstien, encouraged him to think bigger. He said her encouragement provided him the clarity he needed to take the leap.
“I felt called to serve at a higher level,” Rodriguez said. “Oftentimes, others see things in us that we don’t see in ourselves. That was certainly the case for me.”
Kate Wright, associate broker with Living Wright Realty Group in Atlanta, said that encouragement also played a role in her decision to apply.
“After getting involved at the national level I realized I had many peers who had been through the program and spoke highly of the experience,” Wright said. “Quite a few of them had encouraged me to apply.”
While on the YPN Advisory Board, James Griffith Dewling, associate broker with Griffith Realty in Brighton, Mich., learned about NARLA. He wanted to advance his career and become a more prominent leader in the association at the national level, and also at his local and state levels.
Yared Rivera, a real estate agent with Signature Real Estate Group in Henderson, N.V., who is currently going through the program, also learned about Leadership Academy through her involvement with YPN.
“Some of my peers had either completed the program or were currently attending,” Rivera said. “They all spoke about what a wonderful experience it was and encouraged me to apply.”
The Return on Investment
Leadership Academy is a yearlong commitment that requires members to travel, participate in discussions and education and stretch themselves professionally and personally in ways they might not have otherwise. That said, every YPN member interviewed said the investment was well worth it.
“The time commitment was real, the preparation was real, the expectations were high, but that’s exactly what makes it valuable,” said Rodriguez.
The intentional grouping of members from different-sized boards broadened his perspective and accelerated his growth. Wright echoed that sentiment.
“It was a very informative program,” Wright said. “I learned a lot about every facet of our REALTOR® organization and why each component matters.”
Dewling put it plainly: “This is no question it was worth the time and effort.”
Rivera has only just begun her journey in the 2026 class, but her early assessment is strong.
“So far the first meeting was explosive (in a good way),” she said. “I do think the year will be completely worth it.”
Leadership Beyond the Title
If there is a common thread among these leaders it is that NARLA reframes what leadership actually means.
“For one, leadership is not about titles,” Rodriguez said. “It’s more about stewardship.”
He added that titles are temporary, but influence creates legacy.
Wright said one of her biggest takeaways was learning to “listen to understand better” and to support and elevate others while taking the entire group into consideration.
Rivera described a heightened sense of self-awareness in group projects.
“I am discovering things about myself and how I work with others,” she said. She also noted that the group is reaching her to speak less, listen more and practice patience — all skills she’ll use in her business as well as in her leadership.
Dewling said NARLA provided him a deeper understanding of the association and it’s value. His pride in the association and being a part of it has evolved, and he values the volunteers who serve in it with more clarity of how they work to advance the well-being of the industry.
Relationships that Raise the Bar
Nearly every graduate mentioned the importance and inspiration of the relationships they’ve cultivated while going through NARLA.
“You are ultimately surrounded by high-capacity leaders who are serious about impact,” Rodriguez said. “This peer group helps raise your own standards.”
Wright described deep relationships with classmates from across the country —professionals who were generous with their time and expertise. She said each person brought with them invaluable knowledge and experience from their markets and their careers, something she continues to carry with her and learn from.
For brokers and agents who often operate independently, that kind of national peer network can shift both business and perspective. Several noted that the strategic thinking and public speaking skills they developed enhanced their businesses and positioned them as trusted advisors.
Advice for Applicants
NAR’s Leadership Academy is a serious commitment, but graduates who participated fully found that the benefits were worth the time and effort. If you’re thinking about applying, make sure you’re doing so for the right reasons and can fully commit to the program.
“If you’re applying for recognition, then don’t even proceed,” Rodriguez said. “If you’re applying because you feel called to serve at a higher level and you’re willing to do the work, then apply.”
He added one more point: persistence matters. He did not get in the first time.
Dewling agreed. “If you do not get in the first time, apply again. Keep applying.”
What You Might Gain
Leadership Academy will not hand you a title and it will not shrink your schedule. It will likely challenge you, however, to become a better real estate professional and to rise to the challenge of leadership.
But if these leaders’ experiences are any indication, you may gain sharper strategic thinking, stronger relationships, greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding of how the REALTOR® organization functions — from local boards to national advocacy.
More importantly, you may leave with a clearer sense of what it means to serve.
Applications for the 2027 class of NAR’s Leadership Academy are open now through March 10. If you feel called to grow and to give back, this may be the year to apply.