I was introduced to the Young Professionals Network at 22, about two years into my real estate career as an executive assistant. I wanted to connect with other professionals, but I had no idea what to expect. I showed up motivated and a little overwhelmed, quietly wondering where I might fit in.
My first event was a brunch at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle. I remember walking in the door and feeling completely out of place. Every bone in my body wanted to leave. Walking into a room full of strangers has never felt natural to me. But I stayed, and I am so glad I did.
What I found was more than networking or business strategy. I found community.
At its core, YPN exists to support young real estate professionals in meaningful ways. Our mission is to engage Realtor members under 40 by encouraging service, expanding opportunities for professional growth, creating pathways to association leadership and helping shape policies that reflect the needs of young real estate professionals.
At that very first event, YPN offered me a sense of belonging that felt rare in a competitive field. The camaraderie among different brokerages and business models was immediate and genuine. It created space for newer brokers like me to form real relationships. Over time, those connections have become friendships and a support system I still rely on today. It is rare in our industry to find a group where relationships are shaped not by competition, but by mutual support and shared ambition.
Real estate is a relationship-driven business, but early in the career it can also feel surprisingly isolating. Much of our work is independent, and even in rooms full of people, it is easy to feel like you are figuring things out on your own.
YPN breaks the isolation, creating entry points for connection, learning and confidence-building, all designed to meet people where they are and support them as they grow. We offer a wide range of opportunities, from networking events and masterminds to educational programming and our annual economic forecast, because growth does not look the same for everyone.
Like many professionals early in their careers, I questioned whether I was ready for leadership. I wrestled with imposter syndrome and the pressure to always have the answer, knowing something felt missing beyond daily transactions.
YPN created a space where leadership felt accessible and supportive. By showing up and saying yes to opportunities, I built confidence that now carries into negotiations, client conversations and deeper engagement in the issues shaping our communities.
One of the most meaningful moments in my YPN journey came after last year’s 10th Annual Get the Edge Economic Forecast. I had just stepped off stage after moderating a panel when a newer broker sought me out to say thank you. We had never met before, but they shared how much they appreciated the honesty and a friendly voice.
That conversation stayed with me and reminded me that the time we invest in ourselves and in others is one of the greatest gifts we can give to the future of our industry. Real estate is not just about transactions. It is about people, relationships, resilience and growth.
YPN exists for those who feel a little out of place, for new brokers of any age wondering if they belong, and for young professionals seeking connection in an otherwise independent industry.
If that sounds like you, consider this your invitation: attend an event, reach out and show up. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Sometimes the first step is simply walking through the door.
Mikaela Ji is the council chair of the Seattle King County REALTORS® Young Professionals Network.