Meet Ashlyn Elwood | Co-Founder, Rho Epsilon Iota

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlyn Elwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlyn, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Rho Epsilon Iota is our unwavering commitment to creating a national network of individuals with a deep passion for real estate. As the first nationally recognized professional real estate fraternity, we saw the need for a collaborative community where students, faculty, alumni, and professionals could connect, grow, and excel in their careers. By fostering leadership, providing educational resources, and cultivating lasting industry relationships, we have built an organization dedicated to the long-term success of our members, allowing them to thrive in the ever-evolving real estate industry. Ultimately, our hope is that members who have benefited from our organization will return as mentors, helping to inspire and guide the next generation of real estate professionals as they embark on their journeys.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My professional journey has been far from conventional, but it’s also been full of growth and opportunity. After high school, I chose to take a gap year – despite being told repeatedly that it was a “mistake” and would only set me back. While most of my peers headed straight to college, I felt a strong pull towards real estate and was frustrated by how few Universities offered a direct path into the profession.

Rather than force myself into the traditional route, I decided to explore what I was passionate about and take a chance on something different. Just a month after graduating high school, I earned my real estate license and became one of the youngest Realtors in Georgia at 18. This early start gave me valuable insight into the industry and solidified my desire to build a career in real estate. From there, I moved from residential to commercial real estate, taking on roles like Assistant Regional Property Manager for Publix Supermarkets and eventually becoming a Commercial Real Estate Analyst Intern at The Honey Baked Ham Company. Each step was a learning experience, with new opportunities unfolding as I kept moving forward.

The path wasn’t always easy. Being young in a competitive industry came with its challenges, and there were many moments when I felt overlooked. But those experiences taught me the value of perseverance and embracing the unconventional route. As strange as it sounds, there were many times when I leaned on Dory’s mantra from Finding Nemo- “Just Keep Swimming” – to find comfort and push through difficult moments. These early challenges also made me realize how important it is to share opportunities and knowledge with others who are looking for a chance to create their own careers.

That’s why I’m passionate about helping students understand that they don’t have to wait to pursue real estate if they feel drawn to it. You can start building a career from the ground up, even as a student or someone with no prior experience. This belief inspired the founding of Rho Epsilon Iota, the Nation’s first professional real estate fraternity, which aims to provide young professionals with the support, resources, and connections they need to kickstart their journey. My hope is to encourage others to follow their passions, knowing that there are countless paths to a successful and fulfilling career – you just need to take that first step.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Ann Arbor for a week, I’d be thrilled to show them the city’s vibrant spots. We’d start by strolling through campus and stopping by the University of Michigan Union to spin the iconic cube before wandering downtown to explore the charming shops in Nickels Arcade. Afterward, we’d set up a hammock in the Diag to relax followed by a delicious Mediterranean lunch at Pita Way or some signature tacos at Condados. Next we’d explore the beautiful tails and stunning Peony garden of Nichols Arboretum. As the week wraps up, we’d enjoy a clear Friday night to visit the University of Michigan Observatory for some magical stargazing through their powerful telescopes. The mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences in Ann Arbor truly make it the perfect place to explore with friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to none other than my Co-Founder and best friend, Simran Guliani. From the moment we met in our freshman year math class at the University of Michigan, I knew she was someone special, but I couldn’t have imagined just how integral she would become in both my life and the success of Rho Epsilon Iota.

Simran has been absolutely pivotal in the creation and growth of REI. With her deep knowledge and experience in the residential sector of real estate, she has been able to effortlessly connect with students who share that passion. She has this incredible ability to break down complex concepts, creating expansive workshops that truly transform how students approach real estate. Watching her lead and empower others has been nothing short of inspiring.

Even so, what truly sets Simran apart is her relentless drive to see Rho Epsilon Iota expand beyond just a single chapter. She’s been a natural with our expansionary efforts, building meaningful relationships at Universities nationwide and helping to launch new chapters with grace and ease. Her energy is infectious and I am constantly in awe of how much she manages to accomplish in a single day.

Simran’s vision and unwavering passion for Rho Epsilon Iota pushes me to be better every single day. I am so proud to call her my Co-Founder, but more than that, I’m proud to call her my friend. Rho Epsilon Iota certainly wouldn’t be where it is today without her dedication and brilliance.

Website: https://www.rhoepsiloniota.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhoepsiloniota/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rho-epsilon-iota/

Twitter: https://x.com/rhoepsiloniota

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/eYszphtzgtwvZToY/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rho-epsilon-lota-ann-arbor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RhoEpsilonIota

Other: https://www.reddit.com/r/RhoEpsilonIota/

Image Credits
Eeshan Barhing