This Women’s History Month, we’re excited to highlight the voices and experiences of women in leadership across Royal American.

Throughout the month, we’ll share personal stories from several of our female leaders as they reflect on their paths, challenges, and inspirations.

Tune in throughout the month as we celebrate the women who help lead this company—and discover the inspiration their journeys offer.

MARILYN URROZ,

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, RAM MIAMI

Start Date / Position: October 2009, Community Manager, Village Allapattah

Pictured L-R:  Xsavier (son), Joe (husband); Joey (son), Angielisse (daughter) & Marilyn

IN HER OWN WORDS

1.What originally drew you to the field of Property Management, and what key experiences shaped your journey to where you are today? I was drawn to property management because of my own personal experience. I grew up in affordable housing communities. Even as an adult my first apartment was in an affordable housing community as well. I still remember walking into the leasing office and being impressed by how professional everything felt. The manager and her team were always well dressed, the office smelled clean and welcoming, and the property looked beautiful with fresh mulch, flowers, and well-kept grounds. It left a lasting impression on me. Over time I met people who worked in the industry and an opportunity eventually came my way. I decided to take it, and once I got into the field, I realized how meaningful the work really is and the impact good management can have on a community. That experience ultimately set me on the path to where I am today.

2. What strengths or perspectives do you feel women bring to this type of role that help drive meaningful impact? Women often bring strong communication skills, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset. They also tend to approach challenges with a practical, solution-focused mindset, which helps keep things moving forward and creates a positive impact on the team and the communities they serve.

3. Every career comes with hurdles. Can you share a challenge you’ve faced and how it contributed to your growth as a professional?  In this field, it’s learning how to balance the many different responsibilities early on. In property management you’re learning how to navigate difficult situations while balancing the needs of residents, teams, and ownership. Constantly balancing requirements, operational demands, and the real-life situations residents are facing taught me to be solution-focused and supporting my teams so we can handle challenges together. Those experiences really pushed me to grow as a leader.

4. What hobbies, interests, or activities help you recharge and stay balanced? I recharge by doing things that let me be creative. I love crafting, especially anything with glitter, rhinestones, and sparkles. If it shines, I’m probably working with it.

5. What message would you share with young women in our organization who aspire to leadership roles or want to break into fields where they may not always see themselves represented? Believe in yourself and trust in what you’re capable of achieving. Set goals for yourself, even small ones at first, and stay focused on working toward them. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, so pace yourself and give yourself the space to learn along the way. If you stay committed, keep learning, and believe in your abilities, you’ll create opportunities not just for yourself but for the women coming up behind you.