Congratulations to the 2025 HAR YPN 20 Under 40 Rising Stars
in Real Estate award recipients.
ADEBAYO ADEBOWALE
Integrity Edge Realty LLC
Adebayo “Bayo” Adebowale is an award-winning real estate entrepreneur, investor, author, and speaker dedicated to helping others build wealth and live with purpose. A former Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, he transitioned into real estate and now leads Integrity Edge Realty, a brokerage of 15 agents. His portfolio spans single-family, multifamily, and new construction projects, with plans to expand into larger apartment housing. Founder of Empower Future Leaders, he champions education and community impact. Honored as Afrocentric TV’s 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year, Bayo credits his success to faith in God and values time with his wife, Kerry, and daughters.
BLAKE JESSE
Core Group -Keller Williams Metropolitan
A life-long Houstonian, a loud and proud Fightin’ Texas A&M Aggie, who travels the world looking for the best vibes, food, and war museums. When Blake Jessee isn’t pushing others to be their best or selling real estate, you can find him relaxing by his pool, watching Survivor, Big Brother, or The Amazing Race (assuming that football isn’t on). Blake is a son, brother, soon-to-be husband, and a loving dog dad to LeBron, his golden retriever.
CATHERINE SDAO
Texas Living Company
A 6th-generation Texan, raised in Sugar Land, and an Inner Looper since 2010, Catherine Sdao knows Houston, and with 10+ combined years of real estate marketing and sales experience, Catherine knows the industry. Described as approachable, detailed, knowledgeable, and responsive, she brings a refreshing blend of energy and professionalism to every transaction. Catherine has been named a Top Producer and was selected to the 2025 HAR YPN Advisory Group. She holds designations as an ABR, CHMS, RENE, and SFR. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys Pilates classes, volunteering, being outdoors, and cheering on the Houston Astros, Buffalo Bills, and Texas State Bobcats.
ELENA JACKSON
House Hunter Houston
Elena Jackson is the broker/owner of House Hunter Houston with 11+ years in real estate. She pairs brokerage leadership with hands-on community work: she hosts free educational opportunities for HAR members—attorney-led sessions on landlord-tenant law, plus marketing and compliance training—so agents stay informed and protected. Beyond the industry, she convenes public roundtables with subject-matter specialists, organizes neighborhood Pet Paloozas, and leads International Business Fairs that spotlight local businesses, connect residents to resources, and educate the community. In Houston’s diverse market, she champions inclusive, bilingual outreach.
ERIN KAPLAN
Compass RE Houston LLC.
Erin Finger Kaplan, a native Houstonian, brings unmatched dedication and market knowledge to every real estate transaction. A graduate of The Kinkaid School, the University of Texas at Austin, and South Texas College of Law, she blends her legal background with a passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Her expertise spans Houston’s most sought-after neighborhoods, including Memorial, Tanglewood, The Heights, Oak Forest/Garden Oaks, and West University, where she lives with her family. A mom of three and wife to Steven, Erin is active in her community and enjoys travel, fitness, and Houston’s vibrant dining scene.
HEATHER STENSON
Connect Realty
- 2024 RISMedia Rookie of the Year
- VUR Top 1%
- Platinum Winner
- Connect Realty Top 10
JAQUITA MONTGOMERY
Braden Real Estate Group
JaQuita Montgomery, a native Houstonian, is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. In 2018, she obtained her real estate license and now serves as a Realtor® with Braden Real Estate Group, her family-owned brokerage founded in honor of her grandparents. Passionate about helping those who believe homeownership is out of reach, JaQuita is also deeply engaged in service through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Impact100 Houston, TSU Pharmacy Alumni Chapter, BREG Cares, and NAREB. She uniquely blends healthcare expertise with real estate to serve her community.
JAY BUSTOS
Keller Williams Metropolitan
I’m Jay Bustos, a real estate entrepreneur based in Houston. With over a decade of experience, I’ve built my career around helping families buy, sell, and invest in homes while creating opportunities through real estate. Alongside my wife, Samantha—“Lady Lender”—we own a mortgage company, giving clients the benefit of a true one-stop shop. I also lead a growing team of RealtorS® who share my vision of providing white-glove service and market expertise. From guiding first-time buyers to building investment portfolios, my focus is always on results, relationships, and creating long-term value for the people I serve.
JULIETTE WOODEN
Garza International Properties
Juliette Wooden is making waves as one of Houston’s top young real estate leaders. A proud Houston native and real estate investor, she blends local expertise with a modern, client-first approach. She specializes in guiding out-of-state buyers and first-time homeowners through seamless transactions, while serving as Team Manager with Garza International Properties, where she fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence. Juliette also serves on HAR’s YPN Advisory Group, helping guide the direction of Houston real estate through collaboration and service. Known for empowering buyers and elevating agents, she continues to expand her influence and impact.
JUSTIN CHAVEZ
NextHome Woodlands Spring
Justin Chavez is the Brokerage Owner of NextHome Woodland Springs and one of the youngest brokerage leaders in Greater Houston. Guided by the principle of #HumansOverHouses, he has built a brokerage known for its culture, innovation, and trusted builder partnerships. Justin’s leadership reflects a unique blend of top-producing experience, vision, and a passion for elevating both clients and agents. With relentless drive and a commitment to excellence, he is reshaping the future of real estate and inspiring the next generation of professionals to pursue success with purpose and integrity.
KARLA ARIAS
Surge Realty
Karla Arias is a multi-million-dollar producing Realtor® and experienced commercial property manager with more than a decade in Houston real estate. She serves on the HAR Young Professionals Network (YPN) Advisory Group and mentors new agents, fostering professional growth and collaboration. Fluent in English and Spanish, Karla is known for skillful negotiations and a client-first approach that helps families and investors build lasting wealth. Deeply committed to her community, she volunteers with local schools, supports TREPAC initiatives, and leads neighborhood service projects and drives, blending business expertise with a passion for service and meaningful connection.
MATT ISSA
Compass RE Texas, LLC
With nearly a decade in Houston’s real estate market, Matt Issa combines expertise, integrity, and a global outlook. His experience spans residential, commercial, investment, and land properties, making him a trusted advisor for diverse needs. Living in Houston since 1999, Matt offers tailored guidance with local insight. He assists first-time buyers, investors, and businesses with precision and dedication. What sets him apart is his commitment to client satisfaction and community, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and the Houston Food Bank. A passionate traveler, Matt enjoys family time, soccer, and is a reliable resource for real estate in Houston.
MELISSA TOUQAN
Compass RE Texas, LLC.
Melissa Touqan, thrives on exceeding each client’s goals with thorough communication, responsive service and a solutions-oriented mindset. It’s no surprise they consistently praise her ability to approach opportunities and challenges from every angle. She earned a master’s degree in mental health and professional counseling from the University of Saint Thomas and worked as a family counselor before pivoting to real estate. As a Certified Master Home Stager, she won 2020 and 2023 Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) awards. Today, her ability to combine the best aspects of her counseling career, business background and award-winning staging capabilities is an undeniable asset to her clients.
NANCY RAMOS
eXp Realty
Nancy Ramos took a leap of faith and embarked on her real estate journey without knowing anyone in the field or the city. Seven years later, she has successfully helped over 200 families find their perfect homes and achieved her broker’s license, marking significant milestones in her career. Driven by a deep love for her three wonderful boys, Nancy is dedicated to providing them with a better future while inspiring others in her community. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, proving that with determination, dreams can become a reality.
NORI JOHNSON
NextGen Real Estate
Nori Johnson, the visionary leader of the Nori Sold It Team at NextGen Real Estate Brokerage, grossed over $32 million in sales in 2024, earning the title “Duplex Queen.” Specializing in multi-family properties, she crafts tailored strategies to maximize ROI and empower families toward homeownership. Nori’s innovative marketing leverages social media for maximum visibility and engagement. Beyond real estate, she is a serial entrepreneur, mentoring her team and fostering collaboration. Known for her memorable closing day productions, Nori emphasizes integrity and a client-first approach, shaping the future of real estate and leaving a lasting legacy in her community.
PRATEEK VERMA
The Bridge Group Team – eXp
Prateek Verma is an agent with The Bridge Group team with eXp who believes real estate is about more than transactions, it’s about people and their stories. A consistent top producer on his team, he takes pride in helping families across Greater Houston find homes that truly fit their lives. Prateek mentors new agents at eXp, sharing the same systems and habits that helped him grow quickly in the business. Active in the community, he serves on the Exchange Club of Sugar Land Board and the city’s Legislative Task Force, always striving to make a positive impact.
SAMANTHA MEDVE
Medve Real Estate, LLC
Samantha Medve lives in Washington County, Where Texas Became Texas, with her husband and children. She began Medve Real Estate two years ago after closing an 1,800-acre property for a buyer. With a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Agriculture Sciences from Sam Houston State University. She’s able to use her knowledge in agriculture to help clients buy and sell acreage. Samantha has completed TRLP, GRI, served on the board of the South Central Board of Realtors®, and has her Accredited Land Consultant designation. The sky is the limit!
SLOANE LASWELL
Corcoran Prestige Realty
Broker, mentor, mom, and motivator, Sloane Laswell brings energy, passion, and expertise to Corcoran Prestige Realty. She guides her agents to grow, celebrate wins, and uphold best practices while maintaining compliance and professionalism in every transaction. A proud graduate of the Texas Realtors® Leadership Program Class of 2023, Sloane thrives on leadership, results, and empowering others to reach their full potential. When she’s not driving growth at the brokerage, she’s chasing goals in a challenging workout class or spending meaningful time with her husband and two daughters.
STEPHANIE PRIBBLE
Keller Williams Metropolitan
With 11 years of experience, Stephanie Pribble ranks in the Top 1.5% of agents in the U.S. via RealTrends and has been ranked a top producer from 2016-2024 by Keller Williams. With over 170 five-star ratings, she prides herself on having a business built solely on repeat and referral business. Client relationships are her top priority. Her client loyalty stems from her transparency, communication and no-pressure approach. Stephanie brings record buying and selling to some of the most sought-after neighborhoods. When not working, she can be found in the kitchen with her husband and two children.
THOMAS COSSELLI
Compass RE Houston LLC
Thomas Coselli is a Houston real estate broker and the founder of The Coselli Group at COMPASS, a team of more than 30 agents that specializes in residential sales, new construction, land development, and investment opportunities across Greater Houston. Thomas is deeply passionate about developing Realtors® by building their skills, confidence, and professional growth within the industry. Guided by his Christian faith, he is also committed to mentorship, fostering a strong team culture, and creating content that educates, inspires, and builds lasting relationships. Thomas and his wife Britni have three children—Owen, Easton, and Sophia—who remain his greatest joy and motivation.
