Sylvia Seabolt

Life is short...make sure you are living it!

When I reflect on my over 20 years of leadership with Women’s Council, I am reminded of all those people that have made a lasting impact on my life…on who I was…on who I am becoming.

When I started my journey with Women’s Council I was like a fish out of water…just trying to find the place I belonged. I was 17 years old. I didn’t look like the room around me. I didn’t act like the people around me. I didn’t even know who I was, let alone who I wanted to be.

For years, I felt as if I fought an uphill battle. In the early 2000’s, I was not the "normal" REALTOR®
and definitely not the "normal" Women’s Council leader. Not only was this my only career, I was also doing it while having a toddler on my hip and one in the womb. I was judged not only for my ability to have a career in real estate, but even more so about my ability to lead in Women’s Council. By the mid 2000’s I began traveling to the National Meetings and I was overjoyed to meet some amazing friends that were just like me…young mothers and leaders giving back to an industry they believed in. We bonded and to this day they are some of my best friends.

I was no longer fighting a battle alone as we were all dealing with it together. And that’s what we did. I remember the heartache when I interviewed for my State and was actually told I was not old enough and I had plenty of time left to serve. Ironically, each one of my friends had been told the exact same things. Some of us took our time and talents elsewhere, but a few of us are still here today.

I tell you this story because with the exception of myself, the few of those young members who are still members today are here because they had a mentor engage them individually. My own small network of young leaders across the country influenced me and motivated me to lead. However, it wasn’t until 2011, that I finally sought out a personal mentor. Not until 14 years AFTER I joined The Council did I have personalized, individual guidance and support from someone who was willing to share their wisdom, knowledge and experience. Friends, that’s too long!

My vision for Women’s Council is to set in motion ripples that will continue building momentum toward the Council of the future. New challenges and changing conditions require different strategies. What worked for the past 80 years is not going to work for the next.

I want to develop a mentorship program that fosters community and engagement within Women’s Council. Intentional mentoring will help build relationships and create a real sense of belonging. This in-house mentorship program would touch so many aspects of member development, contributing to an environment that enables both the members and Women’s Council to succeed! Capitalizing on our greatest resource, our members, and strategically developing their talent contributes to The Council’s growth, innovation, and longevity.

Interested in learning more? Let's talk! I'd love to hear your thoughts for the vision of our great organization as well -- together, we are better. And it is together, with your support and vote in this year's election, that we will put this plan into action and create even brighter futures for every member of Women's Council!