Michelle McKenna was working in retail sales — designing and building custom picture frames — when she made an appointment to tour a potential new apartment home about 10 years ago. As the tour got underway, Michelle realized she was just as interested in the world of residential property management as in the apartment itself. Maria Lewis, the leasing consultant giving the tour, was energetic and passionate about her profession, painting a fascinating picture of her job’s day-to-day responsibilities. In the end, Michelle found a home and fulfilling new career all at once.

For Michelle, working in retail was all about the customers.

“My experiences, although in an entirely different industry, helped me find my passion for working with people and designing solutions to fit their needs,” said Michelle.

These experiences, along with Maria’s guidance, led Michelle to apply for a position with Equity Residential, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Now a community manager for Equity Residential in Laguna Hills, Calif., Michelle worked her way up from leasing consultant to assistant manager and then senior leasing consultant. Seeing her obvious enthusiasm for RPM, Michelle’s supervisor nominated her to be an RPM Careers ambassador.

Being an RPM Careers Ambassador gave Michelle a platform for sharing why she loves her job, company and the tight-knit group she works with to industry newcomers. As an Ambassador, Michelle plays a critical role in the RPM Careers campaign to raise awareness about the industry and recruit quality candidates.

“I hope to inspire people who may be at a fork in their lives, just out of college or unsure where they fit in professionally,” said Michelle. “I have learned lifelong skills and want to share my experiences to help others find a career in an industry they may not have considered — where they can learn, grow, hone their strengths and, most of all, be themselves!”

To nominate an outstanding young professional like Michelle to be an RPM Careers Ambassador, email Sarah Levine, Director of Workforce Development at NAA.