Career Spotlight: Diana Briones
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Name: Diana Briones
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Tell us about your career:
I have been in the property management industry for nearly nine years, beginning my career in military housing in San Diego County, California. After relocating to North Carolina with my active duty spouse, I joined Hawthorne Residential Partners in 2021. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside incredible leaders and mentors who have inspired me to become more involved within the industry at the local, state, and national levels. Since joining Hawthorne, I have had the opportunity to participate in the Diversity Leadership Program through the NAA as well as the Leader Lyceum program through AANC. These experiences have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally while continuing to strengthen my passion for the industry. In 2025, I joined the Board of Directors after serving as Chair of the DE&I Committee, and I was recently appointed as the 2026 Secretary of GFAA. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities to continue learning, leading, and contributing to an industry that has given me so much both personally and professionally.
What advice do you have for someone just starting in your field:
A motto that has always stuck with me is, “To be clear is to be kind.” Working in the property management industry, I’ve learned that clear communication is always more effective than sugarcoating situations. People appreciate honesty, transparency, and knowing exactly where things stand. At the same time, I believe it’s equally important to lead with empathy and positivity, even through the day-to-day challenges that come with this industry. I truly feel that one of the reasons my team is so successful is because, even on the toughest days, we continue to support and uplift one another. We celebrate each other’s wins, encourage each other through the hard moments, and maintain a positive environment together.
What advice do you have for someone just starting in your field:
Anything else you would like to share:
This career has been incredibly rewarding for me. There are so many moments that remind me why I’m passionate about this industry — helping people find homes they can truly be proud of and create memories in. One of the best parts is seeing someone who’s starting over get approved and celebrate a fresh start and a new chapter in life. It may seem like a small moment to some, but for that person, it can mean absolutely everything.