The Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) announces the recipients of three of its highest honors: Teri Spiro, 2024 REALTOR® of the Year; Diana Watches, 2024 Ann Arbor Area Chapter REALTOR® of the Year; and Meriem Kadi, 2024 REALTOR® Active in Politics. Formal recognition of the awards will take place at the GMAR Annual Meeting in November.
Each year, GMAR members are invited to nominate REALTORS® whom they believe should be recognized for their contributions to the industry.
The REALTOR® of the Year award honors a member for civic and association activity at the local, state, and national levels, business accomplishments, and member spirit. Recipients exhibit high professional competence and faithfulness to real estate principles, laws, and regulations outlined in the Code of Ethics.
The REALTOR® Active in Politics award honors a member who has contributed substantially to the REALTOR® Party which works to advance home ownership, property investment, strong communities and the real estate industry. Recipients are leaders in the political arena who generously provide their time and resources to further political causes that support the real estate industry.
Teri Spiro - REALTOR® of the Year
Teri Spiro’s long history of service to GMAR includes numerous committees and task forces covering member engagement, government relations, public policy, REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), finance and leadership as well as serving on the Board of Directors and as a Past President. She has served at the state and national level as an RPAC Trustee, is a strong RPAC supporter, was the chairperson for the Michigan Realtors® RPAC and Public Policy Committees and is a National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Director and a Housing Opportunities Committee member.
Teri’s commitment extends beyond her association work to charitable and community causes. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Realtors® Foundation, created two major fundraisers for the Foundation and is a significant donor. She is also a donor and supporter of various community projects including Women's Builds/Habitat for Humanity.
She is a well-respected agent who serves her clients with distinction and has a 5-star rating from client reviews.
With her recognition as the GMAR REALTOR® of the Year, Teri will be considered for the statewide REALTOR® of the Year Award at the end of September.
Diana Watches - REALTOR® of the Year, Ann Arbor Area
Diana’s commitment to the industry is proven by her countless hours of volunteer service. She serves on the Board of Directors at GMAR and currently serves or has served on committees including Education, Finance, Young Professionals Network, Strategic Planning, and Community Involvement. She has served with Michigan Realtors® on the Fair Housing and Professional Standards Committees and is a strong supporter of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) to protect private property rights.
In the local community, Diana is involved with the Ypsilanti Landlord Advisory Committee working with the Washtenaw Housing Alliance to help disadvantaged homeless in the community find homes and has volunteered with many community organizations including Safehouse, VA Housing, Alpha House, Ozone House, Habitat for Humanity, Washtenaw Housing Alliance, The Brighter Way, SOS Community Services, Peace Neighborhood, Washtenaw Area Apartment Association, and HouseN2Home.
Diana is a fitting recipient of this award as her clients benefit from the extra care and attention she puts into her role as a real estate professional, going well above and beyond her duties.
Diana will be honored as a nominee for the statewide REALTOR® of the Year Award at the end of September.
Meriem Kadi - REALTOR® Active in Politics
Meriem Kadi proudly serves the real estate industry through her involvement in local government and political advocacy. She serves on the GMAR Government Relations Committee and the Board of Directors and has served on the Michigan Realtors® Public Policy Committee. She is a strong supporter of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and a Federal Political Coordinator with the National Association of Realtors®.
Meriem actively participates in GMAR candidate interviews of those running for public office. She builds relationships with elected officials and reaches out to them on behalf of the REALTOR® community.
Meriem was a Planning Commissioner for seven years prior to being elected as a Westland City Council Member in 2019 and serving four years. Currently, she is a Housing Commissioner and secretary. She’s also worked on Mayoral and County Commissioner campaigns.
Meriem keeps current on important real estate advocacy issues attending state and national conferences, summits, Capitol Hill visits and legislative meetings in Lansing, Washington, DC and beyond.
With her recognition as the GMAR REALTOR® Active in Politics, Meriem will be considered for the statewide REALTOR® Active in Politics Award.