The REALTOR® on the Rise award recognizes a REALTOR® who demonstrates leadership, determination, professionalism and a positive impact within both the industry and the community.
This year’s recipient, Jennifer Chan, has built a career shaped by curiosity, adaptability and a strong commitment to people. In this interview, Jennifer reflects on the experiences that influenced her path into real estate and the perspectives and principles she has carried from previous roles and industries that continue to guide her approach to relationships, professionalism and community involvement.
What does receiving this award mean to you at this stage of your career?
Receiving the REALTOR® on the Rise award is incredibly meaningful because, to me, it represents far more than the sales performance alone. I believe this award recognizes emerging professionals who are contributing to the industry through leadership, professionalism, community impact and relationship-building — and that is something I deeply value.
What makes this especially meaningful at this stage of my career is that it reflects how all the different parts of my life and professional experiences have come together in harmony. Before real estate, I spent 17 years working in the NICU as a nurse, while also building experience in post-secondary education, research, private healthcare, nonprofit work and community advocacy. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside organizations and initiatives throughout Edmonton, including the Candora Society, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Edmonton Food Bank and HIV Edmonton, while also supporting community initiatives and creating events such as Ignite Market. Much of my work has centered around supporting vulnerable populations, teaching students about health equity and social justice, creating missing services within the community through lactation support and emphasizing ethics, professionalism and relational practice in every field I’ve been involved in. Because of that, this award feels very personal. It represents the culmination of years spent building relationships, advocating for people, continuously learning and trying to contribute meaningfully to the community in whatever role I was in at the time.
I’m incredibly grateful to my clients, mentors, colleagues, family and community for trusting and supporting me throughout that journey. I also want to sincerely thank the individuals and organizations who take the time and effort to create opportunities like this to recognize REALTORS® within the industry. Real estate can often feel fast-paced and demanding, and it truly means a lot to feel seen and acknowledged for the work and care that happens behind the scenes. Knowing that I am not invisible within the industry is something I genuinely appreciate, and I’m very honoured and grateful for this recognition.
Was there a specific moment, challenge, or milestone that shaped your journey as a REALTOR®?
Interestingly, my journey into real estate began with encouragement from my father-in-law following a fortune telling reading, combined with a dislocated arm injury that forced me to reflect on my long-term future after 17 years working in the NICU. That period of uncertainty became an opportunity for reinvention and growth. I’ve always believed in creating stability through education and adaptability, so throughout my career I intentionally built a broad foundation of knowledge across different disciplines. Along the way, I pursued studies in Feng Shui, Yi Jing, metaphysics, real estate, finance and many other areas that simply sparked my curiosity.
For me, it has never been about collecting titles or credentials — it has always been about expanding my understanding of people, environments, relationships and decision-making. Real estate became a natural extension of that mindset because every client, property and situation requires both analytical thinking and human connection.
What values or principles guide the way you approach your work and relationships in the industry?
If there is one word my clients consistently use to describe me, it is “fastidious.” I’ve also been nicknamed a “renaissance woman” in my teaching career because I tend to immerse myself in many different fields and interests. However, no matter what I choose to pursue, I approach it with full commitment, professionalism and attention to detail. I believe clients deserve honesty, transparency and communication that is direct and clear. I never want someone making one of the largest financial decisions of their life based purely on emotion or pressure.
My role is to ensure clients feel informed, educated and empowered throughout the process. At the heart of my work is relational practice — understanding that every interaction matters, and that trust is built through consistency, respect and genuine care for people’s goals and wellbeing.
Who has had the biggest impact on your professional growth, and what did you learn from them?
My mindset and growth have been shaped greatly by my upbringing and by my husband’s unwavering support. I grew up in a very traditional Asian household where hard work, discipline, humility and emotional steadiness were simply expected. There were rarely grand celebrations or dramatic reactions — instead, the focus was always on becoming better tomorrow than I was today. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for that environment because it instilled resilience, calmness under pressure and a strong work ethic that continues to guide me today.
My husband has also been one of the most influential people in my journey. He supported me through every stage of my career across multiple industries, constantly encouraging me to push my boundaries and take risks. Together, we experienced both failures and successes, and those experiences taught me the importance of partnership, adaptability and perseverance. It is rare to find someone who truly matches your energy, ambition and vision for life, and I genuinely would not have accomplished as much professionally without his support beside me.
What advice would you give to other REALTORS® who aspire to make a meaningful impact in the industry or community?
I don’t know if I’m ever truly in a position to tell others who they should be or how they should present themselves as every person’s journey is different, and everyone defines success differently. What I can say is that if someone feels lost or uncertain in their journey, I’m always happy to have a conversation, share experiences and help guide where I can. I’ve been very grateful to meet many REALTORS® within the industry who have been professional, supportive and receptive to my communication style and approach to practice.
Real estate can sometimes feel highly competitive or cutthroat, but I believe that if you simply approach clients and colleagues the same way you would want to be treated yourself, you will be okay. Lead with professionalism, integrity, curiosity and kindness. The industry is large enough for people to succeed while still supporting one another and contributing positively to the community around them.
