Share Your Story. Inspire the Next Generation.
The Room to Grow Ambassador Program gives every Texas Apartment Association local association the opportunity to showcase an emerging leader and help more Texans discover careers in the apartment industry.
Ambassadors are passionate apartment professionals who represent their local association while sharing authentic stories about what it's like to build a career in rental housing. Through social media, career awareness initiatives, and community outreach, they help inspire the next generation of talent to see what's possible. Because when people can see themselves in a career, they're more likely to pursue it.
Applications Open This Fall: Local associations will select their 2027 Room to Grow Ambassador this fall, with the statewide program beginning in January 2027.
Meet the Class of 2026
Room to Grow Ambassadors
Hover over the card to flip it and reveal additional details.
Craig Sinkwich – Central Texas
Craig leads by consistently showing up with knowledge, curiosity, and positivity. An AACT Supplier of the Year and Step Up Award recipient, he serves as Board Director and PSC Chair-Elect while driving engagement and strengthening partnerships. His approachable nature and genuine care for members make him a true community builder.
Craig Sinkwich
Apartment Association of Central Texas
Rasa Floors
Lauren Martinez – Corpus Christi
Lauren leads with strength, professionalism, and heart. She mentors new hires, coordinates resident events, and handles challenges with calm, solution-focused leadership. Her authenticity makes residents and peers feel comfortable, respected, and valued.
Lauren Martinez
Corpus Christi Apartment Association
ATA Living
Jon Sanchez – Dallas
Jonathan exemplifies service, education, and advocacy. A Leadership Lyceum graduate, credentialed professional, and Education Committee Co-Chair, he helps shape impactful learning opportunities while promoting industry excellence. His commitment to mentorship strengthens the multifamily community.
Jon Sanchez
Apartment Association of Greater Dallas
Darryl White – Fort Worth
Darryl represents the heart of multifamily. Guided by “see it, own it, solve it,” he leads through integrity and accountability. A recent Maintenance Support Professional of the Year award winner, he creates positive experiences for residents and teammates every day.
Daryl White
Forth Worth Apartment Association
Cortland
Victoria Sepulveda – Houston
Victoria is an energetic young professional and rising association leader. Active on multiple committees and stepping into an Ambassador Captain role, she brings enthusiasm and connection to every event. Recognized as Rising Star Supplier of the Year, she represents the future of the industry.
Victoria Sepulveda
Houston Apartment Association
The Liberty Group
Ashleigh Pugh – Lubbock
Ashleigh’s growth through engagement is inspiring. Rising quickly in her career, she actively promotes Association involvement and has already recruited new members. Her energy and initiative continue to elevate community service efforts in her market.
Ashleigh Pugh
Lubbock Apartment Association
Stellar Companies
Kristin McClure – Panhandle
Kristin pairs strong organizational leadership with a passion for professional development. After serving on multiple committees, she now leads as Education Committee Chair, shaping meaningful learning opportunities. She exemplifies confident, driven leadership.
Kristin McClure
Apartment Association of the Panhandle
Seldin Company
Samba Sanchez – Permian Basin
Samba leads with heart, creativity, and follow-through. From organizing blood drives to raising funds for scholarships and charitable causes, he consistently turns commitment into action. His authenticity and humility inspire others to get involved.
Samba Sanchez
Permian Basin Apartment Association
FGH Management
Rafael Delgado – Rio Grande Valley
Rafael represents professionalism and dedication. A former Events Chair and Product & Service Council President, he has led key initiatives that strengthen engagement and member connection. His reliability and integrity make him a trusted leader.
Rafael Delgado
Rio Grande Valley Apartment Association
Rasa Floors
Emily Wiatrek – San Antonio
Emily blends legacy and leadership. A Leadership Lyceum graduate and Grassroots Co-Chair, she is deeply invested in advocacy and consistently supports the industry — including as a recurring PAC donor. Her well-rounded experience makes her relatable and respected.
Emily Wiatrek
San Antonio Apartment Association
Ferguson
One Ambassador. Every Local Association.
Each local association selects one Room to Grow Ambassador to represent their community for the year.
Ambassadors become the local face of the Room to Grow initiative while joining a statewide network of professionals committed to growing the future workforce of the Texas apartment industry.
Why Stories Matter
TAAEF's workforce research found that the biggest barrier to recruiting talent isn't a lack of interest—it's a lack of awareness. Most Texans simply don't know what careers in the apartment industry look like. By sharing authentic stories from real professionals, Room to Grow Ambassadors help more people discover an industry full of opportunity.