Pictured Left to Right: Christopher Mills and Tanner Mills, Community Manager at Palafox Landing

As we conclude Pride Month, we’re honored to share Tanner’s story:

“Pride represents the freedom to be myself, love the people who matter to me, and live openly and authentically. It is a reminder that everyone deserves to feel accepted, valued, and supported for exactly who they are.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, there are times when the world can make us feel unseen or as though our experiences and relationships matter less. That is why Pride is so important. It serves as a celebration of progress, resilience, and the ability to live our lives openly and honestly.

I am grateful to work for Royal American, where acceptance and inclusion are more than words—they’re part of the culture. Having an employer that values diversity and inclusion creates a sense of belonging and reminds employees that they are respected and appreciated for who they are. Supportive workplaces make a meaningful difference, and I am thankful to be part of an organization that recognizes the importance of acceptance and equality.

Pride is also deeply personal to me. Two years ago, I married my husband, Christopher, and together we have built a life centered on love, commitment, and support. We also share our home with our three fur babies, who bring us joy every day.

To me, Pride is more than a celebration during one month of the year. It represents love, authenticity, and the freedom to live openly. It is a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued, and I am grateful for the people, relationships, and organizations that help make that possible.”

As Pride Month comes to a close, we thank Tanner, Vanessa, David and Juan for sharing their stories and reminding us that a culture of acceptance, respect, and belonging makes a meaningful difference—for Pride Month and throughout the year.

JUAN RODRIGUEZ

REGIONAL MANAGER, RAM

My name is Juan Rodriguez, and I am honored to share a glimpse into my journey.

Like many people, my path has included growth, self-discovery, and learning to embrace who I am. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I spent much of my younger years trying to understand where I fit in and what it meant to be true to myself.

As I grew older, I came to understand that I am gay. While that realization was not always easy, it helped shape my perspective and strengthened my commitment to living authentically. Along the way, I experienced challenges, moments of uncertainty, and situations that tested my confidence. Those experiences taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of self-acceptance. They also influenced how I view others. I learned the value of respect, inclusion, and speaking up when people are treated unfairly. Those lessons continue to guide both my personal life and professional relationships.

Today, I am proud of the person I have become. My journey has taught me that authenticity, perseverance, and self-confidence are powerful tools for growth. While everyone’s path is different, I believe there is strength in embracing who you are and extending that same acceptance to others. If there is one message I hope readers take away from my story, it is this: your journey may not always follow the path you expected, but your value is never determined by the opinions of others. There is freedom in being yourself and confidence in knowing that your unique experiences help shape the person you become.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Juan. Your contributions help make the Royal American family stronger every day.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we are closing out the month with a workshop focused on a challenging issue often encountered in property management: hoarding. This training provides a clear and compassionate introduction to hoarding disorder, helping staff better understand what hoarding is, why it occurs, and the complex factors that contribute to it. The session emphasizes recognizing individuals who may be at risk and responding with care, empathy, and respect.

Please make plans to join us this Thursday, May 28, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT) via Microsoft Teams for this training opportunity.

What You’ll Explore

• What hoarding disorder is and how it differs from clutter or collecting
• Why people hoard objects and what purpose those items may serve
• Psychological, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to the disorder
• How to identify individuals who may be at risk and respond with care and compassion

The session will begin with a presentation, followed by a moderated Q&A where attendees are encouraged to ask questions and share reflections.

Featured Speaker

AMANDA BELANGER

University of Miami — Program for Anxiety, Stress, and OCD (PASO)

Amanda Belanger is a fourth-year doctoral student working with Kiara Timpano at the University of Miami. She earned her B.S. in Psychology and French Language & Literature from Fordham University in 2019.  Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that maintain hoarding disorder, with the goal of improving treatment outcomes. Amanda is particularly interested in how individuals learn throughout treatment and how emotional responses to sorting influence this process.

We hope you will join us tomorrow!