Greetings RESA® Nation,
I’m back with more encouragement for RESA® leaders to embrace confidence in leadership and rise to the challenge of making a difference.
It takes courage to put yourself out there, meet new clients, navigate their opinions, and ultimately secure opportunities as a real estate stager or designer. Certification—especially through RESA’s Accredited Education Providers—can boost your confidence and skills. Visit the RESA® website and click Education for Stagers + Agents to explore these valuable resources. The support is there to help you become the best version of yourself and succeed in every project.
The Role of Leadership
Leadership often starts with volunteering for a role on the board of a local chapter. These chapters do remarkable work educating property owners, investors, agents, and more on the benefits of home staging. Behind every beautifully staged property lies sweat, hard work, and dedication. If you haven’t already, consider submitting your projects for a Home Staging Industry Award®, I encourage you to submit in December!
Our incredible leader, Shell Brodnax, CEO of RESA®, has built an unparalleled platform. With the help of our HQ team—Gina, Felicia, and Joanna—RESA® offers top-notch training, invaluable resources, and the annual RESACON conference in Vegas. If you haven’t attended, you’re missing out! Join us and be part of the energy—we want to see you shine.
Reflecting on My Leadership Journey
I could never have imagined the opportunities I’ve had through leadership. Since founding the RESA® Greater Capital Area Chapter in May 2016, I’ve seen chapter presidents excel and go on to become Virginia and Maryland State Presidents. By applying myself and answering the call to serve, I became RESA®’s First Ambassador and now have the honor of serving as Chairperson of the RESA® National Board of Directors.
You can do this too! Leadership isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s for anyone ready to contribute and grow. As a member of RESA®, you’re part of a nonprofit trade association driven by its members. Leaders like you are elected by members like you. So get involved, encourage others, and most importantly—vote. Your voice matters.
Stepping into Leadership with Confidence
I take leadership very seriously. To those of you stepping into local leadership roles, some of whom have risen to become State and Provincial Presidents—your hard work is paying off. But it’s not always easy.
Let me remind you: roll up your sleeves, stay committed, and face the challenges head-on. If you’re nervous about stepping into a leadership role, know that your board and members believe in you. Answer the call to lead! Use your RESA® Leadership Guide to navigate your role, and show us what your chapter is achieving. Together, we can continue to elevate our industry and support one another.
When I accepted the Kathy Nielsen Spirit Award at RESACON 2024, I was deeply honored to represent such a dedicated and beloved individual. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Kathy, but her impact inspires me, as I hope it does you. Thank you to all the RESA® members who voted for me—I am committed to shining as a leader and challenging you to do the same. Say it with me: “Yes, I can!”
Now it’s YOUR turn!
When the time comes to vote for industry awards, board elections, and other categories, remember: your vote counts. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Get on the field, play hard, and aim for a touchdown!
To the incoming 2025 leaders, I applaud you. I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with many of you over the summer, and I’m thrilled to say, “You’re ready!”
Let’s continue to lead with confidence, inspire one another, and make 2025 a banner year for RESA.
Sincerely,
Yolanda Tillman (aka Yo)
Yolanda was appointed to the RESA® National Board of Directors in January 2023, and will serve a term of 3 years in this role. She also is an approved CSP Mentor and brings a wealth of experience to new CSP stagers, and to the RESA® Membership. Yolanda is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. which has a membership of over 350,000 initiated members with strong focus on Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service. She is an active member with her Washington DC Alumnae Chapter located in Washington, D.C.
In her spare time, she is active with her church, and sings in the choir. She loves cooking, spending time with family and friends, and her frequent visits to her second home in Aruba.
- Get Involved, Stay Inspired: A RESA® Leadership Journey with Yolanda Tillman - November 19, 2024
- Striving For More in 2024: A Message from RESA® National Chairperson - January 17, 2024
