WomanUP!® Live: Nurturing Your Farm and Giving Back

We hosted our monthly WomanUP!® Live Show on July 23. This episode featured two remarkable women who are making a significant impact in their communities and the real estate industry.

Meet Our Amazing Guests

Julie Bencosme is the Broker-Owner and Vice-President of Century 21 Village Realty. Julie serves as the Vice-Chair of the C.A.R. Broker Idea Exchange Forum. She is actively engaged in her community of Sierra Madre. Julie has a strong history of involvement in local schools and has served on the Sierra Madre Friends of the Library Board. Additionally, she has volunteered with the Women’s Club and held the position of President of the Arcadia Association of REALTORS®. In recognition of her efforts, she earned both the Volunteer of the Year and REALTOR® of the Year awards.

Sarah Oswald is a Broker Associate for Elevate Real Estate. Sarah is currently the Chair of the C.A.R. Global Real Estate Forum. She also serves as the President-Elect and incoming President of the Asian Business Association of Inland Empire, a position she will hold for the 2026-2027 term. Sarah is in her second term as District Vice President for the California Women’s Council of REALTORS® and is a Board Member of the Inland Gateway Association of REALTORS®. Additionally, she was the past president of the Inland Gateway Association of Realtors in 2024.

The Power of Community-Centered Real Estate

Getting involved in your community can help you merge your passion with your profession. Whether you're hosting a neighborhood event, attending chamber meetings, or supporting a local fundraiser, you're not just networking. You're also building trust within your community. The most sustainable real estate strategies begin with passion. When you're engaged in something you truly believe in, consistency comes naturally and leads to longevity.

For Sarah, who aspires to help more families in her community become homeowners, it all started with her passion. That drive translated into action and business success. She reminds us that "the next leader is a woman," encouraging more women to engage and take on leadership roles within their communities.

For Julie, it’s about leading with purpose. “If you do what you love, everything falls into place,” she says. This mindset has not only shaped her real estate career, but as a broker and trainer, she instills that same belief in her agents.

Discovering Your Marketing Style

Listen to this episode to discover marketing styles that best fit your personality and community. Learn how to position yourself as a recognized expert in your neighborhood. Community involvement can drive business growth. Additionally, find out how to recharge to prevent burnout, ensuring you can give your best back to your community. Getting involved gives you a sense of purpose, fosters genuine relationships, and positions you as a future leader.

Get involved. Ask questions. Reach out to someone. Show up consistently. And remember, when you do what you love, everything else will fall into place.

Looking to Get More Involved in Your Community?

If you’re ready to make an impact, there are several meaningful ways to get involved—both within the REALTOR® community and beyond.

Serve on a C.A.R. Committee

Help shape the future of real estate in California by applying to serve on a C.A.R. committee. Your voice matters! The deadline to apply is July 31. Learn more and apply here: car.org/committeeselection/timeline.

Support REALTORS® Affected by Disasters

C.A.R. offers grants and resources for REALTORS® impacted by natural disasters. Learn how you can access help or contribute to recovery efforts.

Help Solve the Housing Crisis

The Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) supports innovative solutions to help Californians achieve homeownership. Your support can make a lasting difference. Visit car.org/difference for more info.

Give Back Locally

Want to get involved right in your neighborhood? Check out VolunteerMatch.org for local opportunities to make a difference.

Connect and Share Your Story

We encourage you to share your journey. Every path matters, and your experiences could inspire others. Share your story with us here: Share Your Story.

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on social media by following us on Instagram @womanupofficial and joining our Facebook Group. Comment below and share how you’re involved in your community.