Cheryl Hartel is someone who believes in taking bold leaps in life. After owning and operating a small business for 13 years, Cheryl experienced a major life shift when she got divorced and found herself starting over in Kansas City. Seeking a new path, she moved to the city’s West Side, where she discovered a rare commercial property for sale. Recognizing the unique opportunity—one that seldom comes on the market—she didn’t hesitate to seize it. Devoting the next three years to its transformation, Cheryl meticulously redeveloped the space, which now spans about 22,000 square feet and combines three to four separate buildings into one. Cheryl’s story is one of resilience, vision, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.

Cyndi Garza began her career as a mortgage loan officer, where she quickly noticed a need for strong, supportive leadership within the industry. Motivated to make a difference, she returned to school to complete her degree, focusing on management and leadership. Cyndi dedicated her career in mortgage banking to being the kind of leader others could rely on, helping colleagues grow and succeed.

Embodying an entrepreneurial spirit, she launched and acquired several businesses, including Mortgage Girlfriends—a vibrant community for women in the industry—and a coaching company designed to inspire and develop others. After years of making impactful contributions and following the loss of three close family members, Cyndi sought a lighter path and decided to retire from the mortgage field. Encouraged by her daughter and fueled by her longstanding dream, she opened an online boutique, marking the start of an exciting new chapter as a business owner in the retail space.

Jenny Vergara launched her food journey in 2007 with the blog Making of a Foodie, spotlighting Kansas City’s chefs and their craft just as food culture was beginning to embrace open kitchens and innovative techniques like sous vide. A chance conversation with Chef Colby Garrelts inspired her to create Test Kitchen—an underground dinner series where guests experience unique, chef-driven meals in secret locations.

Over nearly two decades, Jenny grew Test Kitchen into a beloved local institution, fostering community by bringing together strangers who share a passion for food. Even as she ventured into commercial real estate, she kept Test Kitchen active, adapting its focus to educate and support the industry—especially during the pandemic. Today, Jenny remains dedicated to connecting people and celebrating Kansas City’s culinary creativity.

Jodi Sundaram is a connector, community builder, and go-getter based in Kansas City. After moving from Minnesota and Madison, WI, she dove headfirst into Rotary—quickly rising from curious newcomer to district leader, now helping shape projects across central and northern Missouri. Jodi spent 24 years in the petroleum equipment industry before switching to promotional marketing, and today she works independently for Blue Dog Merch.

She’s a proud mom to four grown kids, loves traveling, golfing, working out, and enjoys giving back through organizations like the Liberty Hospital Foundation and United Way. Whether she’s mentoring young leaders or supporting local causes, Jodi is always finding ways to create impact and meaningful connections.

Katie Ramos is a partner at DLM Commercial Real Estate Advisors, where she helps clients find the right commercial spaces and maximize the performance of their properties. Born and raised in Kansas City, Katie began her professional journey with the Kansas City Royals during their World Series year, but quickly realized her passion for autonomy and entrepreneurship.

Guided by her entrepreneurial upbringing and strong mentorship at DLM, Katie transitioned into commercial real estate at 25 and steadily grew from mentee to co-owner. Today, she’s recognized for her collaborative, people-focused approach—whether she’s structuring group investments, mentoring women through WIRED (Women in Real Estate Development), or guiding newcomers through their first purchase.

Known for her grit and growth mindset, Katie is committed to making commercial real estate more welcoming and accessible—empowering others and building strong, connected communities along the way.

Kesi Milligan has been a licensed real estate professional since 2004. Driven by her passion for cities and community development, she returned to school and earned a degree in urban studies with a focus on housing. After graduating in December 2019, Kesi began her career in business development, working under Ruben Lonzo, CEO of All Cap. There, she noticed many minority entrepreneurs were securing small business loans but lacked real estate brokers to help them find and purchase commercial spaces. Inspired by stories at a Realtor symposium and recognizing the barriers facing small developers moving from residential to commercial real estate, Kesi decided to become a commercial real estate broker herself. Now, she is dedicated to bridging the gap and guiding underserved communities as they establish their businesses and investments in commercial real estate.

Melissa Martin is the President and Owner of Kansas City Realty, a KC based brokerage she co-founded in 2016 with her husband, Dan. After a decade working in social work and foster care, Melissa transitioned into real estate, drawn by the promise of more flexibility for her family and a desire to create a company rooted in authenticity and community connection.

Under Melissa’s leadership, Kansas City Realty has grown into a thriving, primarily residential firm with 22 agents, also handling select commercial properties. Melissa’s background in social services shapes her approach—she’s passionate about giving back, supporting women, and empowering her agents to think outside the box.

Known for her adaptability and candid perspective, Melissa fosters a culture where agents are encouraged to lead, collaborate, and be their authentic selves. Outside of work, she enjoys fostering animals, spending time with her family, and relaxing on her front porch with a glass of wine.