A neglected half-acre lot in Northwest Reno was quietly turned into something the neighborhood didn't realize it was missing.

Now, people can bring their dogs, let them run safely, and use a space that has been sitting unused for years.

This didn't happen because of a massive budget or a long-term master plan. It happened because the association saw a practical problem up close and chose to get involved in a way that was collaborative.

The work respected the surrounding community, partnered with both the city and the school district, and made use of resources most people don't even realize are available.

In this episode, Nevada REALTORS® 2026 President, Sarah Scattini, and real estate leader, Sam Olson, talk about how the project came together and how it will impact the community.

About Your Hosts

Sarah Scattini is the 2026 Nevada Realtors president. She is a seasoned real estate professional with 20 years of industry experience. Sarah's extensive knowledge of the market, honed negotiating skills, and deep understanding of legal intricacies ensure that her clients' interests are well-protected at every step of the process.

Sam Olson is a real estate team leader dedicated to developing productive, ethical, and professional agents across the industry. With more than a decade of board governance experience, he has served organizations such as Build Our Center, Inc., Silver State Fair Housing Council, and the diversity and inclusion committees for NVR and SNR.

Every December, Nevada REALTORS® enters one of its busiest and most important weeks of the year. Our annual meetings bring together board trainings, legislative updates, PAC sessions, committee work, and the start of a new cycle of member involvement.

It's a week that sets the tone for the year ahead and highlights just how much activity and leadership are happening across our association.

One of the key events that kick off everything is the YPN + Leadership Academy Alumni Mixer. It's a simple, welcoming way for members to connect…new faces, alumni, committee members, and anyone curious about getting more involved.

This mixer is consistently the starting point for members who want to better understand Nevada REALTORS®, meet the people behind our programs, and find the right place to plug in.

We're seeing that same enthusiasm reflected in the Leadership Academy. Applications opened earlier than usual this year, and the response was the largest we've ever had.

The program remains one of our most impactful opportunities for both personal and professional development, and members clearly want to be part of it.

In this episode, we walk through the upcoming mixer, the Leadership Academy's record application year, and the many ways members can stay connected and involved at Nevada REALTORS®

Things You'll Learn In This Episode

Leadership starts before you have a title Most people wait for permission to lead, but in our industry, leadership begins the moment you step into the room. How does getting involved early change your entire trajectory in the association?

More than a social event The YPN + Alumni mixer isn't just networking; it's where future committee members and Academy applicants take their first step. What opportunities open up when two influential committees join forces for a single event?

Why the Leadership Academy has record demand Applications surged this year because members want growth, clarity, and community, not another credential. What happens inside the Academy that makes it one of the most transformational programs we offer?

This fall, Nevada REALTORS® is stepping into a season of transformation that's as ambitious as it is intentional.

We're not just putting events on the calendar; we're rethinking what those events represent, how they connect our members, and how they demonstrate our impact to the wider community.

From the NVision Summit, which re-imagines our annual convention into something more dynamic and forward-looking. To Keys to Kindness, a fundraiser that trades the gala floor for a cause that touches real lives, our fall events are designed to inspire action and build connection.

And when our community gathers at the Houston Space Center this November, it's more than networking. It's a reminder that when REALTORS® come together, we can aim higher than we ever imagined.

In this episode, Development and Events Director Stefania Volk is joined by our podcast producer, Matt Johnson. She talks about these events and all the work the team is doing to bring these initiatives to life.

The Nevada REALTORS® team is working really hard to reinvent what people think of the association. We're working on that internally and externally. -Stefania Volk

Things You'll Learn In This Episode

• Re-envisioning the annual convention
  What does it mean to retire a long-standing tradition and replace it with a summit built for the future of real estate?
  
  
• Why kindness beats black-tie galas
  How does giving up the spotlight of a traditional gala in favor of a children's cancer fundraiser reshape what leadership looks like?
  
  
• The hidden value of REALTOR® receptions
  Why is hosting Nevada Night at Houston's Space Center, with shuttles, a reception, and even an astronaut, about more than networking?

Guest Bio

Stefania Volk is the Development and Events Director at Nevada REALTORS®, where she's leading the charge in reimagining how events connect members, showcase advocacy, and engage the broader community. In just under three years with the organization, she's gone from assistant to architecting events, including the new NVision Summit and the Keys to Kindness fundraiser. Visit https://nevadarealtors.org/ to learn more about our upcoming events.

About Your Hosts

Tiffany Banks is the CEO and former general counsel of Nevada REALTORS®. Her leadership is defined by a strategic approach to real estate advocacy and a commitment to community enrichment. With over a decade of legal experience, Tiffany guides the organization's direction with a keen focus on strategic consulting, complex legal analyses, and new business development. Nevada REALTORS® has successfully navigated legislative sessions, forging strong relationships with stakeholders and enhancing the community presence through impactful projects. Tiffany's role encompasses not just operational management but also driving growth and fostering a culture of excellence within the team and the broader real estate community.

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