Celebrating Women's History month with InvestHER

[Alicia Marks]

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

This is a month to stop and reflect on all the contributions both small and large that have changed women’s lives for the better. This is the time to celebrate women’s accomplishments and contributions that have made life better for others. And this is also a time to reflect on the work that still needs to be done.

So what does Women’s History Month mean to us at the Real Estate InvestHER?

1) It means independence for all women. Banks could refuse women a credit card until the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 was signed into law. Prior to that, a bank could refuse to issue a credit card to an unmarried woman, and if a woman was married, her husband was required to cosign.

2) It means not going backwards. The pandemic has been tough on women in general, and the latest evidence is that its negative effects have impacted the highest levels of corporations as well. According to a Morningstar analysis and article, women with C-suite positions earned only $0.75 for every $1.00 earned by men at the top of the corporate ladder, down from $0.88 for every dollar in 2018.

Although women have come such a long way, we have so much more work to do.

How are you pushing past your own boundaries to create financial freedom on our own terms?

Tag another woman who has helped you along on your journey and/or are doing great things!

[Karen Margrave]

Since I joined Biggerpockets in 2009 (I think) it's been amazing to see all the women that have come on board. When I relocated to southern CA I needed information on the market, and found BP, and was hooked. After consistently answering questions on construction, and real estate; and obviously realizing they had an addict, Brandon and Josh asked me to be a moderator. I was the 1st female moderator. 

At the time I was part of a family business, and we built spec new construction. I myself am a licensed general contractor and Realtor. Due to the cost of materials now, I am not doing new construction, but focusing on real estate. I can tell you many times over the years in my position as a developer/contractor I had men ask to speak to my husband on something. I'd nicely, but firmly explain, that I knew everything about my projects, and could answer any questions they had; and if they were interested in the project, they would be talking to me. Once they realized that, and that I did know my stuff, it was easy. 

Now, the preconceived ideas I must overcome is age. I am 68. People think nothing of men working at this age, but women? I say YES!! Experience has a place. My minds still as sharp as ever. I've seen more market trends than most, understand the impacts, and love using all the new technology. 

One thing I know is that whatever obstacles we think there are, giving them value gives them power. Fear is what stops people from moving forward. Get those thoughts out of your head and do what you know in your heart you can do. ALL of you women on BP warm my heart, seeing you take the world by storm, and blazing new trails forward. You're AMAZING!!