In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, I'm sitting down with Krista Gionet, the Chief Executive Officer at the helm of the Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors. Having been with this organization for more than 35 years, Krista will share an amazing career path—from age 18 in the MLS Department to over 21 years as CEO. Her story is one of hard work, adaptability, and giving back to the community.

She talks about some of the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry and the big decision to leave her union job to advance her career. She credits her success to her work ethic and the people who supported her along the way.

One of the major highlights of her career was leading the 100-Mile Peninsula Initiative, which positioned Windsor-Essex as a top choice for retirees and boosted the local economy. This 11-year initiative shows Krista's long-term focus on making a real difference in the community.

Throughout the episode, Krista shares how she empowers her team and fosters respect in the workplace. She notes that her entire staff has been with her long-term, and she attributes her leadership success to treating everyone equally and creating a space where people enjoy coming to work. Her leadership style is inspiring and offers valuable lessons for anyone stepping into the nonprofit world. Whether you're curious about building a successful nonprofit or leading and motivating a team for the long haul, this episode is packed with insights from Krista's years of experience. Tune in for practical advice to inspire your own nonprofit journey.