Starr Argyrakis

Meet Starr Argyrakis

What is your role at Avison Young?

Knowledge Manager with a focus on Occupier Solutions marketing.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

My first role in the industry was as an Administrative Assistant for the Strategic Advisory Practice of The John Buck Company, a Chicago-based development firm.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

I have been blessed to know and be supported by strong, independent women my entire life; but for this question, I will focus on my mom, Andrea. During my early childhood, my parents divorced, and my dad severed contact with us. Through this, I saw my mom do whatever it took to be sure we were provided for, even if that meant working multiple jobs or skipping dinner so that her kids would be nourished. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I truly understood (and appreciated) the sacrifices she made for us. Her faith was (and still is) core to her being and she relied heavily on that and the people in our church to ensure that we knew we were loved and cared for; and that our family wasn't just the people who lived in our house, but also in our community. She served regularly at our church and at local nonprofit organizations, instilling in us a deep desire to help those who were vulnerable and underserved (although, technically, we were probably in that category too).

To this day, her strength and resilience astonish me. She met the love of her life as I was leaving for college and showed us what it meant to be in a healthy marital relationship. After a traumatic family hardship (my stepbrother was killed in Iraq), we started to notice my stepdad's health declining. My mom willingly gave up many of her freedoms and personal time to become his primary caregiver as he battled a terminal illness, resulting in his death in 2019. Today, she continues to serve those around her by taking them to doctor's appointments, running errands and helping them with domestic duties. I can only hope that an ounce of her strong work ethic and servant's heart have rubbed off on me.

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

Connect with a champion or mentor. These relationships are priceless and can help with leadership skills, fulfilment at work and career advancement.

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 challenge women to find and use their voice – both in the workplace and in the world – to change gender stereotypes. We can also learn to recognize inequality and speak up so that all women thrive.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a classically trained chef and I used to do voiceover work for a video game company.

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

Professionally, the Avison Young Women’s Network and CREW Network are excellent platforms. Personally, I would get involved with any organization that sets your heart on fire. For me, I am passionate about orphan care, and organizations that provide shelter and recovery services for survivors of domestic and sexual assault violence.