20 on the Rise
About 20 on the Rise
The National Apartment Association's 20 on the Rise celebrates the brightest rising stars with 10 years or less experience in the rental housing industry at the industry's largest event, Apartmentalize. As a dynamic career builder, you have already made major professional strides and demonstrate the potential to go far every day.
In addition to a free registration to Apartmentalize in New Orleans, June 17–19, 2026, you’ll also get virtual, pre- and post Apartmentalize mentoring, an in-person networking session with a leadership speaker and onstage recognition during an Apartmentalize General Session.
Winners will also get the jackpot of being recognized:
- Throughout the event in New Orleans, June 17 - 19
- In the pages of NAA’s units Magazine
- And on NAA’s event website and social media platforms.
Finally, you’ll be invited to a free, invitation-only session Tuesday, June 16, prior to Apartmentalize, a prime time for rising stars to network and discuss their talents with industry leadership and committee members.
The call for applications for the Class of 2026 will open on January 5, 2026. If you would like to be contacted to apply in the future, please sign up to be notified.
Still have questions? Watch our informational webinar, check out the information below and meet the inaugural 20 on the Rise, Class of 2025.
Program Information
- Call for Applications Opens: January 5, 2026
- Call for Applications Closes: February 13, 2026
- Application Notifications: March 20, 2026
- NAA membership is required
- 10 years or less experience in rental housing
- Must be employed full time in the rental housing industry
- Demonstration of making a meaningful impact at the workplace
Nominate yourself or others for this amazing opportunity by completing this brief form.
Nominating on behalf of a local apartment association? Please complete this affiliate nomination form.
All nominees will be notified of their nomination and encouraged to submit an application when the call for applications opens.
Interested in serving as a mentor for a 20 on the Rise participant? Submit your application today!
Meet the Class of 2025
Andrew Addy
Enterprise Account Executive
Zumper
Member of the Property Management Association of Mid-Michigan
Trey Ascencio
Community Manager
Greystar
Member of the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association
Jesse Best
Maintenance Technician
J&G Companies
Member of the Indiana Apartment Association
Serece Dalton
Property Manager
Phillips Management Group
Member of the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association
Jessica Forbus
Assistant Manager
H2 Real Estate
Member of the Greater Birmingham Apartment Association
Geoffrey Gonzales
Regional Vice President of Operations
Olympus Property Management
Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas
Chase Hunt
Vice President, Marketing Technology and Client Solutions
Avenue5 Residential
Member of the Arizona Multihousing Association
Michelle Kingson
District Manager
Pegasus Residential
Member of the Apartment Association of Western North Carolina
Vanessa Konieczki
Community Manager
Thrive Communities
Member of the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association
Audrey Kupovics
Multi-Site Leasing Manager
AMLI Management Company
Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas
Gabriel Lugo
Community Manager
Asset Living
Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando
Hector Mora-Petras
Community Manager
RangeWater Real Estate
Member of the Bay Area Apartment Association
Ula Moscoso
Senior Regional Manager
RangeWater Real Estate
Member of the South East Florida Apartment Association
Christine Munda
Regional Operations Specialist
Berger Communities
Member of the Delaware Apartment Association
Emily Popa
Membership & Marketing Director
Property Management Association of Mid-Michigan
Member of the Property Management Association of Mid-Michigan
Shane Raby
Regional Manager
Continental Realty Corporation
Member of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association
Jason Simpson
Maintenance Supervisor
Greystar
Member of the Permian Basin Apartment Association
Tareka Slaughter
Community Director
Gallery Residential
Member of the Greater Birmingham Apartment Association
Celia Smart
Senior Project Manager
Ready Fitness
Member of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association
Sarah Wieman
Regional Manager
Yardi
Member of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association
Thanks to our Emerging Leaders Champion:
