20 on the Rise

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20 on the rise hero image with participant headshots

As a dynamic career builder, you’ve already made impressive strides and shown the potential to go far. Now it’s time to get the recognition you deserve. The National Apartment Association’s 20 on the Rise celebrates the brightest rising stars with 10 years or less experience in rental housing at the industry's largest event, Apartmentalize.  

What Winners Receive 

In addition to a free registration to Apartmentalize in New Orleans, June 17-19,  winners will enjoy:  

  • Exclusive Mentorship: Virtual pre and post event mentoring sessions 
  • Spotlight Recognition: Onstage acknowledgment during a General Session 

And that’s just the beginning! Winners will also be celebrated: 

  • Throughout Apartmentalize in New Orleans, June 17-19  
  • In the pages of NAA’s units Magazine 
  • On NAA’s event website and social media platforms 

Plus, you’ll be invited to a free invitation-only session Tuesday, June 16 – just before Apartmentalize kicks off; a prime time for rising stars to network and discuss their talents with industry leadership and committee members. 

The call for applications for 20 on the Rise, Class of 2026 has closed. If you'd 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

  • NAA membership is required
  • Must have 10 or less years of rental housing experience  
  • Must be employed full-time in the rental housing industry 
  • Demonstration of making a meaningful impact at the workplace 

Preview the 20 on the Rise application questions.

Q: How does the selection process work? 

Answer: Applications will be reviewed, and candidates will be selected by an NAA Task Force. 

A maximum of 20 applicants will be selected based on the following: 

  • Quality of Overall Written Application (25%) 
  • Demonstration of Leadership (25%) 
  • Self-Reflection (20%) 
  • Industry Reflection (10%) 
  • Career Achievement & Involvement Rating (10%)  
  • Reference (10%) 

Applicants selected for the Class of 2026 will be notified via email no later than March 20. 

Q: Need more information? 

Answer: Reach out to Stefani Hurst

Interested in serving as a mentor for a NAA 20 on the Rise participant? Submit your application today

Meet the Class of 2026

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jacob bennett headshot

Jacob Bennett
General Manager
Bozzuto
Member of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association

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cartel buxton headshot

Cartel Buxton
Brand Ambassador
Fort Family Investments/Perimeter Realty Inc.
Member of the First Coast Apartment Association

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tori cammon headshot

Tori Cammon
Director of Customer Success
Nuveldy’s
Member of the Greater Nashville Apartment Association

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sarah clifford headshot

Sarah Clifford
Director of Operations and Regional Success
Gallery Residential
Member of the First Coast Apartment Association

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chance gray headshot

Chance Gray
Corporate Account Manager
LSR Multifamily
Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas

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brittany hardmon headshot

Brittany Hardmon
Manager of Client Onboarding
Loebsack & Brownlee PLLC
Member of the Upper State Apartment Association

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rita khan headshot

Rita Khan
Community Association Manager
Corvias
Member of the Greater Fayetteville Apartment Association

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kaitlyn klaiber headshot

Kaitlyn Klaiber
Centralized Community Manager
Madison Communities
Member of the Charleston Apartment Association

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beth levine headshot

Beth Levine
Management Executive
Judwin Properties
Member of the Houston Apartment Association

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Stephanie Linton headshot

Stephanie Linton
Director Of Marketing
Princeton Management
Member of the Property Management Association of Mid-Michigan

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valeria miller headshot

Valeria Miller
Senior Community Manager
Greystar
Member of the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association

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jenna procaccino headshot

Jenna Procaccino
Property Manager
Hillwood Properties
Member of the Fort Worth Apartment Association

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romane shelene headshot

Shelene Romane
Director of Brand & People Excellence
Mark-Taylor Residential
Member of the Arizona Multihousing Association

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Jonathan Sanchez headshot

Jonathan Sanchez
Regional Manager
ResProp Management
Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas

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daniel silva headshot

Daniel Silva
Community Manager
The Breeden Company
Member of the Virginia Apartment Management Association

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rocio rimon reilly headshot

Rocio Simon-Reilly
Management Coordinator
Greystar
Member of the Massachusetts Apartment Association

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madison stehman headshot

Madison Stehman
Leasing Professional Trainer
Boyd Wilson LLC
Member of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association

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heather tabor headshot

Heather Tabor
Managing Attorney
Brownlee, Whitlow, and Praet, PLLC
Member of the Triangle Apartment Association

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allen vaughn headshot

Allen Vaughn
Owner
Colony Creek Apartments LLC
Member of the Austin Apartment Association

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timothy weber headshot

Timothy Weber
Strategic Partnerships Manager
Hy.ly AI
Member of the Bay Area Apartment Association

Thanks to our Emerging Leaders Champion:

Yardi