Ranya Majeed

Meet Ranya Majeed

What is your role at Avison Young?

Senior Marketing Manager of Ontario region marketing.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I was in the process of a career change from the Education sector to Marketing, and a friend who was working at Jones Lang LaSalle told me there was an opening for an entry level Marketing Coordinator position. I applied, and three years later, here I am.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

My mother, for her strength and endless sacrifice.

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

Don't be afraid to challenge and push back in a male dominated industry where your voice may be silenced or drowned out by other voices louder than yours. Don't accept silence, don't be afraid of showing up first especially to learn, and don't be worried about what others may think of you or your progress. You alone know what you're capable of achieving, so go out there and get it done.

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?

I choose to challenge name pronunciation, especially for names of people from ethnic minority backgrounds. It's always better to ask how a name is pronounced if you're unsure about it.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I used to be a secondary school History and Social Science teacher.

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

WomenOne - Educate a Girl.