The future of property management is looking bright.
This year, IREM® launched Ascend35, an early-career leadership and
Ascend35 supports professionals under the age of 35 who are expanding their career options through IREM certification and active engagement in property management. The program combines financial support, mentorship, leadership development, and industry recognition into a focused experience designed to help participants accelerate their professional growth.
With only 10 spots available, Ascend35 provides highly personalized support to a select group of evolving leaders. Applicants are evaluated on their commitment to certification goals, industry involvement, and vision for how they hope to contribute to the future of real estate management.
This inaugural group of participants spotlights ambitious emerging professionals actively investing in their careers. Over the coming year, they'll receive guidance and opportunities designed to help them achieve their IREM certification goals while also building professional visibility and confidence.
“What excites me most about Ascend35 is that it isn’t just about recognizing the next generation of leaders; it’s about giving us a platform to help shape what comes next,” says Tyler Kirshner, CPM® Candidate, ACoM®, CMCP. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have people throughout my career who challenged me, invested in me, and gave me opportunities to lead before I necessarily knew I was ready for them. IREM has been a huge part of that journey. Now, I want to pay that forward. I want to be surrounded by people who aren’t simply interested in advancing their own careers, but who want to challenge how our industry thinks, raise the standard for leadership, and create opportunities for the people coming behind us. My goal has never been to simply have a successful career. I want to leave a meaningful mark on this industry, and I’m excited for Ascend35 to bring together a group of leaders ambitious enough to believe we can.”
A key component of Ascend35 is one-on-one mentorship from experienced real estate management professionals. Participants have been matched with experienced mentors to provide practical career guidance, share industry insights, and help participants navigate the challenges and opportunities of the real estate management profession as they work on their professional goals.
“The future of our profession depends on developing talented young leaders, and Ascend35 creates that opportunity," says Ascend35 mentor Tom Bowers, CPM®, ACoM®. "I'm thrilled to share my own experiences, help participants navigate challenges, and support them as they build the skills, confidence, and connections that will shape their careers.”
Mentorship remains one of the most powerful tools for career development. By connecting emerging professionals with established industry leaders, Ascend35 creates opportunities for candid conversations, knowledge sharing, and relationship building that can have a lasting impact well beyond the program itself. This mentor network also helps participants strengthen their connections throughout the IREM community and IREM leadership.
We’re grateful to the Ascend35 mentors whose guidance and shared experiences are helping participants navigate and accelerate their career journeys:
Tom Bowers, CPM®, ACoM®, Western Michigan Chapter
Shari Jackson, CPM®, Phoenix Chapter
Jaymi Lacap, CPM®, Los Angeles Chapter
Theresa Leatherbury, CPM®, Maryland Chapter
Lillie Norton, CPM®, ACoM®, Houston Chapter
While helping participants advance toward an IREM certification is a key goal, Ascend35 offers more than just financial assistance.
Program participants receive:
Financial support toward IREM certification coursework.
Structured guidance and accountability to help them stay on track.
One-on-one mentoring from experienced industry professionals.
Volunteer leadership opportunities within IREM.
Recognition through IREM communications and social media.
A digital Ascend35 badge to showcase their achievement and professional commitment
Together, these benefits help participants build technical expertise, strengthen leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and increase their visibility within the real estate management community, where relationships mean everything.
Ascend35 reflects IREM's ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of property managers. By providing a structured path to certification, mentorship, and a chance to experience volunteer leadership, the program creates direction for early-career professionals.
As the inaugural cohort begins its journey, IREM looks forward to celebrating their success by sharing their achievements and highlighting the impact they make within their organizations and communities.
Congratulations to the first Ascend35 cohort and the dedicated mentors helping guide them forward. We thank them for keeping the future of property management bright.