Jena Warner

Meet Jena Warner

What is your role at Avison Young?

Marketing Manager.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

My entry into CRE was a bit unexpected. I was actually hired on as a receptionist at the age of 19. One day I was asked if I knew how to use Photoshop to help with putting together a proposal. I told them that I didn't know how to use the program, but I would learn! From there, I kept using that experience to grow in a marketing role. About 8 years ago, an opportunity presented itself at a CRE company. I realized then, the CRE niche was the right place for me - and I never looked back.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

It's so hard to choose one woman that has been most influential to me. My mom taught me how to love with all my heart. My grandma taught me to believe strongly in the Lord and to use him as my strength. My sister is everything to me, and I know that I will never go through anything alone with her by my side. My stepmom taught me how to love unconditionally and that a mom is the strongest woman in the world. My friend Kristina was a mentor in my early career, and without her support and guidance, I wouldn't be where I am in my career today. And so many more women that have brought beautiful memories to my life, who have supported me and provided words of wisdom, and have stood by my side every step of the way.

What advice would you give women starting out in real estate?

For women starting out in CRE, I would first say to find a mentor. CRE is a huge world, and there is so much to learn. It can feel overwhelming at first, but when you seek guidance from someone with more experience it can feel a lot more easily accomplished together.

This year's IWD theme is Choose to Challenge. What do you choose to challenge or celebrate to help create more inclusion in your community?

My challenge is to support homeless women and children in my community. My goal is to provide essential toiletries on a monthly basis to the UMOM New Day Centers. UMOM restores hope and rebuilds lives by providing shelter, services, and affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness. Every night, UMOM centers provide safe shelter and supportive services for over 170 homeless families. Many are just women and children. Every year I go through my closet and donate clothing that I no longer wear.

This year, I decided I wanted to donate my items to a women's shelter. When I went to drop off my clothes, I talked with one of the volunteers and asked her what items they REALLY need for donation. She told me that toiletries are the most needed item for these families. She even mentioned that they often go without one item, in particular: lotion. While I knew my contribution of clothing would help, I just couldn't bear the idea that these struggling families are going without something so simple.

Each month, I will raise funds to provide homeless women and children with essential toiletries on a monthly basis. I plan to buy all the items at the Dollar Tree or other discount stores; however, I make sure to buy only quality products that I would be happy to use myself. This will allow me to make the most of the funds raised and supply as many families as possible with essentials to get them through the month. Learn more about the UMOM New Day Centers here: https://umom.org/.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

While I love my career in CRE marketing, my major was in fashion marketing and management. I grew up learning how to sew from my grandma. I loved to design avant-garde clothing and have enjoyed some amazing experiences of doing photo shoots, working as a stylist, an art director, assisting in fashion shows, and even won the best fashion marketing portfolio in my graduating class. Sometimes, when I'm not busy being a mommy to my nearly 2-year-old, I still love to do some fashion projects in my personal time.

What women’s organizations would you recommend other women get involved with?

I think having a great support system is so crucial to a woman's success. Some organizations that I would recommend to other women would be: To support/volunteer: https://umom.org/get-involved/ To network with you colleagues: Avison Young Women's Network Self-care for moms: https://www.mindfulmamasclub.com/ For expecting and new moms: https://community.whattoexpect.com/forums/pregnancy