Career Spotlight: Irianna Ibarra

Member News,
Name: Irianna Ibarra
Company: Central Pointe Apartments/ Ginkgo Residential
Title: Assistant Property Manager
Email: irianna.ibarra@ginkgomail.com
Local NC Affiliate: GCAA

Tell us about your career:

I want to share my journey with all of you, a journey that is now just over two years in the making. I joined Central Pointe Apartments on March 17, 2022, stepping into a world that was completely new to me—property management. With no prior experience in the field, I came from a background as a Logistics Manager at Harbor Freight Tools and an Inventory Specialist at Advance Auto Parts. At that time, I was balancing two jobs, driven by the need to learn and grow.

Fast forward six months into my role as a leasing agent, and thanks to the support and training I received, I was promoted to Assistant Property Manager at Sharon Crossing Apartments in November 2022—a property with 188 units. During this tenure, I immersed myself in the responsibilities of my current position and learned a great deal about not only my role but also what it takes to be a successful property manager.

As I continued to expand my skill set and knowledge, in February 2024, I received another promotion to Assistant Property Manager at a multi-site level, where I now help manage four properties that total approximately 442 units. Just recently, our team handed us another small property of 17 units, which has kept me busy and on my toes. But rather than see this as an added workload, I see it as a chance to further my educational journey in property management.

As I speak to you today, I set my sights on my next milestone: becoming a Property Manager. Who knows? Perhaps when I revisit, I will proudly don the title of Property Manager! 

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude to Ginkgo for providing me with incredible opportunities and support along the way. Working with the Ginkgo team has been nothing short of wonderful, and I am eager to continue my growth within this organization.  

Thank you for being part of this journey with me, and here’s to many more milestones ahead!

What advice do you have for someone just starting in your field:

It's crucial to develop strong communication skills, learn about local laws and regulations, and prioritize organization. Also, build a network of reliable contractors and vendors, and continuously stay informed about industry trends and best practices and NEVER stop believing in yourself, never stop growing.