A conversation with 2025 RRC President Vivian Macias
From her family’s inspiring journey to her passion for empowering real estate professionals, 2025 RRC President Vivian Macias, CRS, is ready to lead the Council into a thriving future.
A Miami native with deep roots in real estate, Vivian Macias’s journey began in her family brokerage, where she spent afternoons writing addresses on postcards as a young girl for her father. “Little did I know those afternoons would spark a lifelong love for this amazing profession,” she says.
Macias credits her family as her biggest inspiration when it comes to her profession, deeply influencing her career journey and path to leadership. Her grandparents immigrated to the United States from Cuba, leaving everything behind to build a new life. Without knowing the language and without work, they worked tirelessly to create opportunities for the next generation.
“I’ll never forget the image of my grandfather sitting at the dinner table, English and Spanish dictionaries in hand, studying to pass the real estate exam,” she says. That determination led to her family establishing a thriving real estate business that met the growing need for homeownership among Hispanic families in Hialeah, Florida.
Carrying forward this legacy, Macias is passionate about empowering others and serving her community. Her leadership within RRC began with her first Certified Residential Specialist course, which she described as a “game-changer” for her career. Now, as president, Macias is dedicated to leading with purpose and ensuring the values of perseverance, education and excellence remain at the heart of the Council.
Q: What encouraged you to become an active member and now leader of RRC?
A: I’d say it was my servant heart. I have always been someone who loves getting involved—whether it was school projects, tackling community issues or advocating for homeownership.
Homeownership has always meant so much to my family and being able to protect and promote it is incredibly rewarding. That passion for serving others naturally led me to step up, get involved and eventually take on a leadership role in this amazing community.
Q: What is your approach to boosting member engagement?
A: Membership engagement is the heartbeat of an organization. It’s through members that we find inspiration and direction, but it’s essential to recognize that every member has unique needs at different stages of their career.
Newer members often need more hands-on engagement and education to help them grow and elevate their skills, while seasoned agents are focused on strategies like selling their book of business. That’s why member engagement is so critical—it helps shape the Council’s direction, ensuring it’s collective, inclusive and serves everyone.
Our members are always striving to stay ahead of the curve, forward thinking and remain relevant. By addressing the diverse needs of members, we can ensure that everyone, no matter where they are in their journey, feels supported and empowered to succeed.
Q: What advice would you offer to a new agent looking to join RRC?
A: The first step is always the hardest for a new agent, but my advice is simple: just do it. Jump in with both feet and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Every class you take, every member you meet and every CRS Designee you connect with will elevate your career in ways you can’t even imagine. CRS Designees and RRC members are truly generous at heart—they’re always ready to share ideas, offer guidance and cheer you on every step of the way. So don’t wait—sign up today and start building the future you deserve.
Q: How has continuous education helped you as an agent?
A: You’ve probably heard the saying that real estate is like a wave—it has ups and downs. That’s why continuous education is so important. It keeps you relevant, helps us stay ahead of the curve and equips us with the latest tools, products and strategies to do business better.
For me, ongoing learning has been essential to growing as an agent, and it’s just as valuable for every REALTOR®. In a profession that’s constantly evolving, if you’re not learning, you’re falling behind. Staying informed and adaptable is key to long-term success in this ever-changing industry.
Q: What lessons have you gained from attending events like Sell-a-bration®?
A: I’ve learned so much from Sell-a-bration over the years. It’s the ultimate recharge—a chance to make fresh connections every time. Real estate is all about people, relationships and connections, and that’s exactly what makes our business thrive.
Sell-a-bration is more than just an event; it’s an incredible opportunity for members—and myself—to generate new leads organically and build long-lasting relationships that drive business year after year. It truly feels like a family reunion.
Plus, the education offered is top-notch, always relevant to today’s market and designed to meet agents at every level of their careers. It’s an experience that keeps giving back and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Q: Looking ahead to this year, how do you plan to approach leadership in 2025?
A: By leading with encouragement. Encouraging our board of directors to think out of the box. To find new ways for members to grow their business [which] in turn will grow membership. To encourage state leaders to lead with the Council mission and visions as they plan their year. Our profession gives security and is a safe haven for many families. We need to protect it.
Q: What is your vision for RRC and how do you see it evolving in the future?
A: The future of RRC is incredibly bright, and I say that with complete confidence. Our profession has stood strong for over 100 years, and I’ve been proud to serve as a full-time REALTOR® for more than 30 of those years. As the Council approaches its 50th anniversary [in 2026], we have so much to celebrate—these are monumental milestones of accomplishment.
Each of us plays a vital role in this growth and shaping the future. Our members and leaders are the driving force behind our success, and together, we will continue to move forward, building on this proud legacy.
Q: CRS is the gold standard of real estate, what does that term mean to you?
A: The gold standard represents an elite group of real estate professionals who are dedicated to protecting homeownership and the integrity of our profession. It’s about being a lifelong learner who understands this industry is constantly evolving—and that our clients need us more than ever.
The gold standard means recognizing that education and excellence go hand in hand. It’s a commitment to staying ahead, adapting to change and always striving to provide the very best for those we serve. I’m proud to be a part of this incredible community of professionals.
Q: How do you intend to live up to the “gold standard” as a leader and to ensure members meet these standards as well?
A: The gold standard is defined as the best of the best—a benchmark of excellence. As a leader, I strive to embody that definition, serving with dignity and respect for the position while making members proud.
My goal is to ensure that the Council shines brightly at every opportunity, showcasing its value and importance. By bringing awareness and a commitment to excellence, we elevate not only the Council but also the incredible professionals who make it what it is. Together, we can continue setting the standard for greatness.
Q: How can every CRS Designee help us grow CRS both nationally and internationally?
A: Growing both nationally and internationally is a true passion of mine. However, keeping the Council vibrant
and thriving is something we must all take to heart. When I say, “our responsibility,” I mean it belongs to each and
every member and CRS Designee.
Earning the prestigious CRS Designation isn’t easy—it’s a mark of excellence in our profession. But with that distinction comes the shared duty to uplift our industry and those within it. One of the best ways to do that is by extending an invitation to others—your colleagues, members of your local association and even the fellow REALTORS® sitting across the table at a closing. Together, we can grow stronger and continue to elevate the standards of our profession.
Curious to start your path in leadership? Explore more today! www.crs.com/about/leadership
