Leadership Academy


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2026 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SESSION SCHEDULE

 


Mission:

The Leadership Academy exists to inspire, educate and empower future leaders in real estate. Our mission is to uncover the potential within our members and provide the skills, resources and mindset needed to lead with purpose, elevate our profession, and positively influence the communities we serve.


Leadership Academy Co-Chairs

Nicola Esposito

[email protected]

Elisa Cho

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Yvonne Chung

Yvonne Chung began her real estate career 17 years ago in Washington State in 2007 and is now a seasoned real estate professional licensed in New York and New Jersey, currently affiliated with Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, where she is recognized for her integrity, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence.  

A multi-year recipient of the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award and a two-time Rising Star nominee, Yvonne is known for her consistent performance and leadership potential within the real estate industry, she plays a vital role in bridging cultures and communities through clear, culturally fluent communication and trust-based relationships.  


Yvonne serves as Vice President of the Korean American Association of New Jersey, where she actively supports advocacy, community outreach, and organizational growth in collaboration with public officials, business leaders, and nonprofit organizations. She holds multiple professional designations, including NAR®, ABR®, SFR®, and ASP®, reflecting a leadership philosophy grounded in service, collaboration, accountability, and continued professional excellence.  

Whitney daSilva

Whitney DaSilva is a trusted real estate professional known for guiding clients through the buying and selling process with care, clarity, and results. With a deep understanding of the emotional and financial weight that real estate decisions carry, Whitney is committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Her ability to quickly identify her clients’ needs, paired with exceptional service and responsiveness, has earned her the trust of over 300 buyers, sellers, and investors across New Jersey.

Whitney is driven by honesty, professionalism, and follow-through. She ensures every client is fully informed and supported at every stage — from first showing to closing table. Whether helping a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or a family navigating a life change, Whitney approaches each transaction with empathy and unwavering integrity.

As a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Greater Bergen Board of Realtors, Whitney brings valuable resources and insight to every deal. Her expertise spans Hudson, Bergen, Union, Essex, and Passaic Counties, and she’s especially skilled at working with first-time buyers and investors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Johnson & Wales University and continues to be a resource for her clients well beyond the transaction.

Tara Harrington

Laurie Jordan

Since 2014, I have been a real estate agent with Keller Williams; assisting clients with buying, selling and investing. Consistently have achieved top 1% in Bergen County, Circle of Excellence Awards, Gary Keller’s Top 100 solo agent, and Growth Partner at KW.

This success has set an example to my family, husband of 32 years, Doug and my three children; Gabby, Ben and Carly to always work hard and show up as your best version
of yourself.

I currently live in Ridgewood NJ and love our community. I advise all new residents to get involved and meet new friends as some of my best friends have come from school boards and most recently Jamboree Board; a high school fundraising organization now in
its 80th year!

Dawn McCullough

Serving over 2 decades in the real estate industry, Dawn McCullough brings experience, insight, and confidence to every transaction she represents. Serving clients throughout New Jersey, she is known for her hands-on approach, strong negotiation skills, and ability to simplify even the most complex transactions, ensuring her clients feel informed, supported, and confident from start to finish.

Dawn’s business is built on relationships, trust, and results. She takes pride in understanding each client’s unique goals and tailoring thoughtful strategies that align with both current market conditions and long-term objectives. Her continued success is driven by a combination of local market expertise, strategic marketing, and a genuine commitment to client advocacy.


Throughout her career, Dawn has remained deeply invested in continuous learning and personal development. She actively engages in professional growth opportunities that enhance both personal insight and business acumen, while also supporting and uplifting her peers through collaboration, mentorship, and shared knowledge. Integrity, accountability, and service are the values that continue to guide her work and shape her impact within the real estate community.

Anastasia Pinnick

Anastasia “Stasia” Pinnick is a full-time New Jersey and New York Licensed Realtor bringing a strategic, hands-on approach to residential real estate across Northern New Jersey and New York.

With a professional background rooted in construction, design, and renovation, Stasia offers clients a distinct advantage when buying or selling property. Her ability to assess homes beyond surface aesthetics—considering layout, structure, renovation potential, and long-term value—allows her clients to make informed, confident decisions.

Stasia is currently enrolled in coursework toward her New Jersey Broker’s License and was selected for the 2026 Leadership Academy with the Greater Bergen Realtors® Association, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and industry leadership.

After more than 20 years in the building materials and design industry, Stasia now pursues design work selectively through Anastasia Nicole Designs, LLC, allowing her to focus full-time on real estate while offering clients design insight when appropriate.

Known for her elevated service standards, clear communication, and practical market knowledge, Stasia works closely with buyers and sellers to navigate each transaction with precision, transparency, and care.

Outside of real estate, she enjoys farming and homesteading, outdoor pursuits, and hands-on DIY home projects—interests that naturally align with her passion for property, land, and homeownership.

Carla Rodriguez

Patrick Rumore

Patrick Rumore is a full-time Northern New Jersey based real estate professional serving buyers, sellers, renters, and investors across the region. Known for his thoughtful, client-first approach, Patrick works closely with individuals and families at all stages of the real estate journey, from first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners and investors. He is recognized for his ability to explain complex decisions clearly, guide clients through challenging markets, and deliver a calm, steady presence throughout the
transaction process.

Past clients consistently praise Patrick for his professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to doing what is right for the people he serves. Reviews frequently highlight his patience, strong communication skills, and willingness to go above and beyond, whether educating buyers, navigating negotiations, or ensuring smooth and well-coordinated closings. Patrick approaches real estate as both an advisor and advocate, focusing on long-term relationships rather than one-time transactions.

Committed to continuous growth and service, Patrick actively pursues professional development to strengthen his skills and better serve his clients and community. His participation on the Professional Development Committee and now his acceptance into the Leadership Academy, reflects both his dedication to the industry and his interest in contributing beyond individual transactions. Patrick values collaboration, ethical leadership, and community involvement, and he looks forward to applying the lessons of the Leadership Academy to support the advancement of the real estate profession as a whole.

 


2025 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY


2024 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY


2023 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

 

The Leadership Academy is the culmination of an important initiative from Greater Bergen Realtors and the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service; to identify leaders among our members and provide them with the tools and knowledge to sharpen their skills to succeed. Some materials and sessions will include public speaking exercises, the importance of a positive mindset with gratitude, personal profile analysis, goal setting, and team-building exercises. Respected National and Regional speakers will guide participants through the fundamentals of leadership, and participants will learn how the Local, State, and National Association of Realtors organizations operate. There will be a total of seven Leadership Modules or Workshops, commencing January 2026 and concluding in June 2026, with graduation taking place at the 2026 GBR Mid-Year Meeting. Sessions will take place once a month.

 

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