On Thursday, October 15, 2026, NAHREP Southeast Phoenix brought together real estate professionals, industry partners, sponsors, and community leaders at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix for Threads of Heritage: Fashion & Cultural Expo. The event closed out Hispanic Heritage Month and blended real estate guidance, financial advice, fashion, and a message of female empowerment.
A Night with Purpose
Threads of Heritage grew from a simple idea: culture and professional growth go hand in hand. In one of Arizona’s most iconic gardens, the evening paired industry networking with a celebration of Hispanic and Indigenous talent, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. The event reflected NAHREP’s mission of advancing sustainable Hispanic homeownership.
How the Evening Unfolded
5:00 – 6:00 PM | Registration & Networking Reception
Guests arrived to connect with fellow real estate professionals, industry partners, community leaders, and sponsors. There was time to engage with our sponsors and capture photos for social media.
6:00 – 6:25 PM | Opening Ceremony
Chapter President Brisia Guzman welcomed the room. Rene Herrera presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Kari Gutierrez sang the national anthem. Carlos Cicero shared the NAHREP 10, the principles and disciplines that drive professional and personal success.
Tasha Long recognized our annual and event sponsors, along with NAHREP past and present presidents. Brian Lorenc of Desert Financial took the stage. BBACA Engineering yielded its speaking time for one request: vote, and bring a friend or family member to vote.
6:25 – 6:30 PM | Featured Guests
Brisia Guzman introduced Nick Ciletti of ABC15, who moderated the conversation and introduced our fireside chat guests.
6:30 – 7:00 PM | Fireside Chat: Leadership, Innovation & the Future of Homeownership
Rosie Rodriguez (eXp Realty, entrepreneur, team leader, and business coach) and Christina Smalls (Chief Operating Officer, Arizona Association of REALTORS®) joined Nick Ciletti for a candid conversation built around five themes:
- The state of the industry and what will define success over the next five years.
- Leadership through change.
- Expanding homeownership and the barriers facing today’s buyers.
- Partnerships between REALTORS®, lenders, and industry partners.
- Innovation, technology, and AI.
The session closed with a lightning round on career advice, habits, must-read books, and predictions for the future of real estate.
7:00 – 7:30 PM | Fashion Show
The runway featured Indigenous women designers from Mexico, whose work is shown internationally. The show celebrated creativity, culture, entrepreneurship, and fashion, with the designs taking center stage.
7:30 – 8:00 PM | Meet the Designers & Closing Program
The designers shared the inspiration behind their collections, current fashion trends, their entrepreneurial journeys, and how to build a personal brand. Guillermo Jester of Colectiva Nudo 6/6 explained that the goal was to connect the audience with the brands, let guests meet the artisans, and build ties with the communities they work with.
David Vences led a special recognition of our sponsors and Board of Directors, offering a heartfelt thank-you to the partners, volunteers, and community leaders who made the evening possible. Closing remarks followed.
Thank You
We are grateful to Desert Financial, Arizona REALTORS®, BBACA Engineering, and every sponsor, partner, volunteer, and NAHREP Southeast Phoenix board member who supported this event. Thank you also to Colectiva Nudo 6/6 and to Nick Ciletti of ABC15, who hosted the evening. ABC15 covered the event in a story published October 16.
