Fueling the future 

When it comes to changing lives, opening doors, and fueling the future of real estate management, IREM members have shown that they’re all in. The 2024 Impact Icon Challenge, hosted by the IREM Foundation, was a chance for everyone in the IREM community to unite and support scholarships for those aspiring to earn their certification.

“The IREM Foundation scholarship program has been supporting industry professionals for 47 years but has seen a steady increase in demand over the past several years,” says Dee Headley, CPM^®, 2024 IREM Foundation President. “Ten competitors signed up to help raise critical funds from their personal networks with a goal of raising $150,000 over the course of the 12-week competition, each vying for the title 2024 Impact Icon by raising the most money.” 

Jim Helsel, CPM^®

And the results were inspiring. Through donations, events, and creative fundraising efforts, these competitors didn’t just raise money—they sent a powerful message: “We believe in you, and we’re here to help.” Out of the 10 incredible competitors, Jim Helsel, CPM^®, Lillie Norton, CPM^®, ACoM^®, and Rita Khan, CPM^®, ACoM^®, rounded out the top three spots, each bringing something special and showing just how meaningful every single contribution can be. In total, the Impact Icon Challenge raised $160,000 to support more than 150 additional scholarships to be awarded by the IREM Foundation. Congratulations to the top fundraiser and the 2024 Impact Icon: Jim Helsel, CPM^®! 

How the top three competitors made an impact

IREM Foundation: What inspired you to participate in the Impact Icon challenge?

Helsel: I’ve always been a strong advocate of education. This challenge allowed me to help others—through future scholarships and grants—obtain their dream of becoming a part of the property management profession through education.

Lillie Norton, CPM^®

Norton: Others gave back to me through mentorship, encouragement, and telling me about the Foundation scholarships. Without the scholarships I earned, I would not have received my certifications when I did. 

Khan: Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside mentors and colleagues who’ve contributed to my own journey, so I see this challenge as an opportunity to give back, extend that support to others, and help the next generation of leaders achieve their potential.

IREM Foundation: What was your fundraising strategy to earn you a spot in the top three competitors? 

Helsel: It’s always the same. You must “ask the question.” Most will donate to a good cause if you ask them to and explain how important the cause is to you, no matter what it might be.

Norton: I leaned on the close relationships I have with our local IREM Houston Chapter leaders, members, and industry partners, educating them on the importance and inspiring accomplishments of the Foundation.

Rita Khan, CPM^®, ACoM^®

Khan: It was centered on building personal connections and engaging with individuals who understand and value the importance of professional growth in our industry. I reached out to industry peers, former colleagues, and friends who are passionate about the goals of the IREM Foundation, explaining how their support would directly impact someone’s career. By sharing personal stories and making the impact relatable, I was able to inspire a strong response and rally support.

IREM Foundation: What does it mean to you to be part of something bigger than yourself, knowing your actions help others achieve their goals?

Helsel: It’s gratifying to help anything that is bigger than me. I’ve spent my life working in organized real estate and will always do what I believe is best for the bigger picture. Knowing the Impact Icon Challenge would bring more folks to the property management profession made this a special task. I couldn’t be prouder of our efforts, which only happened because a team of dedicated people worked hard to make it happen.

Norton: This means more to me than any other initiative I have been a part of. Mentoring and developing those in our industry are things that I truly enjoy. There is no sufficient description of the joy and pride it brings me personally, but even more, the impact the Foundation has on individuals and programs is life-changing. I get to be a small piece of that life-changing direction for someone, and that is just the best feeling in the world to watch that happen.

Khan: It’s incredibly fulfilling. It reinforces that we are not just individuals working in a profession, but a community committed to lifting each other up. Knowing that my actions can contribute to someone achieving their career dreams brings a deep sense of purpose and aligns with my belief that we rise by lifting others.

IREM Foundation: What advice would you give fellow IREM members who want to give back and support industry professionals?

Helsel: To sit back for a moment and realize how much you’ve benefited from others who have supported your profession and you. It may not always be in dollars. It may be through encouragement or an appointment to a committee or task force that has allowed you to network with others within the property management profession, which in turn helped you or your business. Remember all these things and then use them in a way that provides others with an opportunity to be a part of this “bigger thing” that we all love—IREM!

Norton: Just do it. Jump in however you can. Whether that is promotion and education of the IREM Foundation, mentoring, or monetary—it doesn’t matter. There are many ways to give back, and you won’t regret any way you choose to do so.

Khan: Start small and focus on the impact they can make with just a little time or effort. Whether it’s mentoring a junior colleague, volunteering on a committee, or donating to the IREM Foundation, every contribution counts. The industry is built on relationships, and giving back not only strengthens those relationships but also enhances our collective success.

Thank you for your generous support!