Aspiring Appraisers
You are welcome here!
Ascend was created to make connections easier.
Breaking into the appraisal profession can be challenging. Many aspiring appraisers struggle to find mentors and opportunities to gain the experience required to grow their careers.
Through mentorship, visibility, education, and community, we are building infrastructure that helps emerging women appraisers find support, build relationships, and access opportunities within the profession. Here ADI and other aspiring appraisers can access resources, join online conversations, and connect with mentors.
What we are building:
Ascend is building intentional spaces where aspiring appraisers can connect with mentors, resources, and career opportunities across the profession. Through Trainee Spotlights, monthly Office Hours, quarterly Trainee Connect events, a growing Resource Library, and our “See Who’s Rising” member gallery, we aim to increase visibility, foster meaningful relationships, and support the next generation of women in appraisal.
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Highlighting rising women entering the appraisal profession through profiles and community features designed to increase visibility and connection.
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A gallery featuring aspiring appraisers within the Ascend community, helping mentors and peers discover emerging talent across the profession.
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Monthly drop-in sessions where aspiring appraisers can ask questions, gain insight, and connect with experienced professionals.
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Quarterly virtual networking events connecting trainees with experienced appraisers for mentorship and conversation.
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A growing collection of educational tools, industry guidance, and career resources created to support aspiring appraisers.
CONNECTED!
CONNECTED!
Great mentorships often start with a simple introduction
Katie Mingay and Sharon Buie MAI
From Katie:
“Thank you for bringing Sharon and me together. I hope you are able to create many more connections like ours through what you’re doing. That connection truly helped shape my career and honestly likely the trajectory of my life.
Finding a mentor took me years. I had reached the point where I had almost given up on becoming an appraiser altogether. When the PAREA program came along, I thought I may have finally found a way into the profession.
Before meeting Sharon, I spent nearly six years unable to find even a residential appraiser willing to mentor me, so I certainly never imagined I would find a Certified General Appraiser — let alone an MAI.
When you introduced me to Sharon, I was incredibly grateful. Not only is she an exceptional appraiser, but she is also a genuinely wonderful person and mentor. I’ve now worked with Sharon for over a year, and she has taught me so much — not just about appraising, but about professionalism, confidence, ethics, communication, and all the other qualities that make someone successful in this industry. I can honestly say I do not think I would be where I am today without you hosting that WIN dinner and connecting the two of us.”
Hyun Park and Aaron Wright, MAI
It takes courage to walk into an appraisal conference alone as a trainee, especially when you don't know anyone. But that's exactly what Hyun Park did. She introduced herself to people throughout the conference, hoping to find a mentor. Emily Braman, founder of Ascend, was so impressed by her initiative that she introduced Hyun to Aaron Wright, creating a meaningful connection that helped move her career forward. Hyun is now a State Registered Appraisal Assistant and Valuation Analyst at Specialty Valuation Group (SVG). She has 10 years of experience as a Korean Language Interpreter and more than 6 years of experience in restaurant management. Ms. Park is a graduate of the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She has been focused on real estate (real property) valuation analysis since joining SVG and is working towards her Certified General Appraiser's license.
Trainee Spotlight:
Samantha Brewster
Samantha Brewster is an aspiring appraiser based in New York who is transitioning into the valuation profession after a successful 30-year career as a licensed Occupational Therapist. In March 2025, she was awarded an Appraisal Development Initiative (ADI) Scholarship, launching an exciting new chapter in her professional journey.
A lifelong learner and active real estate investor, Samantha's interest in appraisal grew through years of studying real estate, attending industry events, and managing investment properties. She is eager to build the experience and expertise needed to become a successful appraiser.
When she's not pursuing her appraisal education, Samantha enjoys traveling to sunny beach destinations, exploring vegan cuisine, and spending time with her husband, three sons, and three goddaughters.
As an Appraiser Trainee, Samantha is seeking a Supervisory Appraiser or appraisal firm that can provide hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to commercial appraisal assignments. She is particularly interested in opportunities that offer guidance in report writing, data analysis, and high-quality valuation practices.
If you're looking to mentor or hire a motivated ADI Scholar with strong professional experience and a passion for learning, we'd love to connect you.
Seeking: Supervisory Appraiser or Appraisal Firm
Location: New York
Interests: Commercial Appraisal, Valuation, Real Estate Investment
Background: ADI Scholar | Occupational Therapist | Real Estate Investor
See Who’s Rising
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Roz Booker
I bring 30 years of experience in residential real estate. While many people know me from the brokerage, leadership, and community side of the industry, I am currently pursuing a new chapter as a Residential Appraisal Trainee. I have completed AppraisalU’s supervised practicum hours and I am actively working toward Licensed Residential Appraiser credential, with the goal to become certified by the first quarter of 2027. My immediate career goals include opportunities as a remote Hybrid/Desktop Appraiser, Review Appraiser, or Quality Control Reviewer. I am based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, specifically Celina, Texas, and am open to relocation for the right opportunity. I love marketing and embracing AI; fostering relationships, learning, teaching, networking, speaking, and helping others grow. My favorite quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” ~W Gretsky
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Tamara Onley
I reside in Loganville, Georgia and am so excited to be stepping into the appraisal world! I'm currently taking classes through ADI and working toward becoming a Licensed Residential Appraiser. By day, I work in healthcare as a Revenue Cycle Trainer and I'm also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I pay close attention to detail and take pride in getting things done. I'm a firm believer that hard work and fun go hand in hand. Outside of work and school, you’ll find me traveling somewhere new, getting lost in a good book, trying out delicious food, or sharing a good laugh with the people I love. My absolute greatest joy is being a proud grandma to two amazing little girls. I'm currently seeking a mentor in the Atlanta Metro area, specifically Gwinnett County, to help guide me on this journey. I'm looking forward to being a part of this community and am truly grateful for the opportunity.
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Samantha Brewster
Samantha is a New York-based Appraiser Trainee and 2025 ADI Scholar transitioning into valuation after a successful 30-year career as a licensed Occupational Therapist. A real estate investor and lifelong learner, Samantha is seeking a Supervisory Appraiser or appraisal firm that can provide mentorship, hands-on training, and exposure to commercial appraisal assignments as she completes her trainee hours and builds a career in valuation. She is a devoted wife, mother, and godmother and loves traveling to sunny beaches and experimenting with vegan cooking. “I feel empowered and encouraged as I pursue professional development as an Appraiser Trainee and work toward completing my required trainee hours.”
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Wilmarie N. Alequín Otero
Wilmarie is an ADI Scholar from the west side of Puerto Rico who currently works in the agricultural regulatory field. With a background in agriculture and science, she is excited to begin a new chapter in the appraisal profession and is focused on building a strong foundation through her coursework and continued learning. Curious by nature and passionate about exploring new opportunities, Wilmarie is eager to learn more about valuation, real estate, land appraisal, and the many paths available within the profession. She is currently seeking study tips, networking opportunities, and connections with experienced appraisers. As she progresses in her training, she hopes to find a Supervisory Appraiser or mentor who can help guide her journey.
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Vanessa L. Johnson, Esq., MBA
Vanessa is an aspiring real estate appraiser based in Houston, Texas, pursuing a career in valuation. She brings more than 25 years of experience across law, higher education, sales and marketing, and human resources. Vanessa is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker, a Texas Property Tax Arbitrator, and an Associate Professor of Legal Studies at the University of Houston–Clear Lake. As an Appraiser Trainee, Vanessa is seeking a Supervisory Appraiser or appraisal firm that can provide hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to commercial valuation assignments. She is particularly interested in litigation support, property tax appeals, estate and probate matters, eminent domain, and other complex valuation challenges. Her long-term goal is to combine her legal, tax, and real estate expertise to provide well-supported analyses for high-stakes assignments. LinkedIn profile here.
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Felicia N. Henderson
After 20+ years managing complex projects in transportation and IT, I’m transitioning into real estate appraisal, bringing a strong background in problem-solving, data analysis, regulatory compliance, and large-scale project coordination. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, I’m now applying these skills to valuation work. I am currently an ADI Scholar completing Appraisal Institute coursework and working toward becoming a Licensed Residential Appraiser. I’m excited to combine my technical experience with a long-standing interest in real estate and market analysis. I’m seeking a Supervisory Appraiser in the Atlanta metro area who values professionalism, strong analytical skills, and a trainee committed to building a long-term career in appraisal.
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Kisha Hayes
Kisha Hayes is a Residential Appraiser Trainee based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, training under Melissa Bond in the LPAT program. A grateful ADI Scholar, Kisha is just 200 experience hours away from qualifying as a Licensed Residential Appraiser. Before beginning her appraisal career, Kisha spent 19 years as a residential real estate broker, giving her a strong foundation in market analysis, residential valuation, and client service. She is seeking a long-term opportunity with a South Louisiana residential appraiser where she can continue building her experience while working toward her Certified Residential Appraiser credential.
Whether you're an aspiring appraiser or trainee, this is an opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and build relationships. Pop in, introduce yourself, and help us create more pathways into appraisal!
Aspiring Appraisers Office Hours occur monthly and our next session is July 15th at 6:00 ET. We look forward to meeting and connecting with you!
Quarterly virtual networking events where trainees and experienced appraisers can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Whether you're seeking mentorship, exploring career opportunities, or simply looking to expand your professional network, Trainee Connect creates space for the conversations and relationships that help careers grow.
Trainee Connect meeting TBA! Stay tuned for updates.