Melania Tovar Leon - ALTIDO

Regional Manager, England

Luxury Stays

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

I believe it’s important to celebrate this day where women are recognized for their outstanding achievements throughout history. Regardless of the many roadblocks, we face on a day-to-day basis, we come together stronger every time we have the support of women around us. Equally important, it’s a day to remind us that there is still so much to get done, that we need to keep on learning and deconstructing ourselves to grow and be able to help other women in need. As women, our fights and achievements make us aware of other minorities and oppressed groups' realities, and how important equality and justice are.

Have you faced any challenges in your career as a woman and if so, how did you overcome them?

Absolutely. I have worked my entire career in two male-dominated industries: real estate, technology & telecommunications; This was a big challenge in my country, Colombia, in South America, where the gap between men and women is way higher than it is, in Europe, for example. I overcame this by surrounding myself with other strong women that I looked up to but also, I learned from them how to be professional, resilient, creative, and respected.

Is there another woman on whom you would like to shine a light, in the luxury property industry and why?

That would be all women on my team and the work field in general. Getting to work and learn from them, but also being able to pass on some knowledge or simply being part of their support system, is something that makes me proud and keeps me motivated every single day.

How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in the luxury property industry?

Opening jobs, promoting apprenticeships, and creating training programs aimed for women to help build a new generation of diverse young people who feel welcomed in the industry. Also, by propelling for intersectional thinking and developing a series of actions intended to support women from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and with different experiences.

What is the best advice you have been given?

Deconstruct yourself. Don’t be afraid to unlearn and change to evolve.

At The Luxury Property Forum we truly believe in “you cannot be what you cannot see”.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, throughout March we are shining a light on our wonderfully inspiring female members who are all leaders in luxury property. If you are an LPF Member and would like to celebrate a senior female member of the your team, please get in touch at marketing@theluxurypropertyforum.com

Melania Tovar Leon - ALTIDO - Women in Luxury Property