As the leading voice in Massachusetts real estate, the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® is constantly looking for new ways to encourage and empower members to be that voice in their own communities. A strong association doesn’t happen overnight. It requires intention, opportunity and a commitment to developing a diverse generation of leaders.
Enter the MAR Young Professionals Network. The YPN is a member-driven organization that serves as a dynamic entry point for real estate professionals at any stage of their career who are looking to gain leadership experience and become more successful. We ensure that young professionals’ voices and ideas are heard throughout our industry while simultaneously strengthening the affinity for the Realtor brand.
It can be easy for Realtors to find the real estate industry isolating and lonely at times. This is especially true for new agents starting their careers. The support and resources provided by MAR’s YPN group is invaluable in helping agents connect with their colleagues, grow their businesses and improve their skills as professionals.
As home buyers get younger, and the real estate industry evolves, it’s important to uplift and encourage those voices to pursue leadership roles with their local, state and national associations, driving real and actionable change as the association evolves with the industry. YPN exists to ensure that new and emerging Realtors have a seat at the table and feel empowered to the bring fresh, innovative ideas and insight that our industry needs.
Open to every experience level, the MAR YPN is where fresh perspective meets seasoned experience. Newer Realtors are encouraged to share insight, knowledge and pain points as they’re getting started in the industry, and veteran Realtors are encouraged to share their expertise and experiences, as well as mentor and nurture those members who are looking to grow as leaders. The success of the YPN stems from a collaborative effort from all experience levels. It’s important to exchange valuable perspectives on generational shifts and challenge each other to be able to fully understand the real estate market as it is today.
To build a community of energetic, career-minded real estate professionals, members of the MAR YPN meet to discuss advocacy issues, the latest industry news and trends, as well as plan events to engage the Realtor community and beyond. The MAR YPN participates in community service, hosts educational webinars and organizes various networking events with the intention of engaging, empowering and motivating our Realtor members to help them achieve success.
Building this network extends to how we show up in our communities. In 2025, the MAR YPN hosted a clothing drive in support of Tailored for Success, a nonprofit that helps job seekers gain confidence and independence through professional attire and career training. They collected business-appropriate clothing for men and women, as well as personal care items. The donations helped empower job seekers to walk into interviews with dignity, confidence and hope. Realtors know that presentation matters, and the MAR YPN wants to continue to help others with theirs. The YPN is actively in the process of planning its 2026 events now and looks forward to another successful year of engagement and growth.
Ashley Harwood is the 2026 chair of the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network and the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS® YPN.