This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating women who dove into real estate as a second career and thrived. Whether or not the change was spurred by a life pivot, the desire for more flexibility, or wanting more control over their finances and freedom, some of the women who’ve chosen real estate in their later years have become top performers in their field.

Cindy Cash, Ray White North Richmond Sales Director 

Cindy Cash, Ray White North Richmond Sales Director and Chairman’s Elite agent** left school at 15.

Starting as a part-time receptionist 23 years ago, she never expected to become a sales agent and business owner. “I have always had a love for real estate,” Cindy says. After 13 years in administrative roles, she felt ready for a challenge. With her youngest child now 16, it was the perfect time to restart her career.

“It has been such an incredible journey, and I have loved every minute of it.”

She attributes her success to experience and perseverance.

“I feel my success was largely due to what I call my ‘apprenticeship’,” Cindy said.

By observing top agents, attending training, and understanding the sacrifices required, she was well-prepared. Success, she believes, comes from “drive and determination, not making excuses, and never giving up.”

Real estate, Cindy says, is a great fit for women. “Now I am a business owner, I have an all-woman team.” She has adapted roles to support mothers returning to work and advises women to ensure their career choice aligns with personal and financial goals.

Vivien Yap, director of Ray White Dalkeith | Claremont in Perth, Western Australia

Vivien Yap, director of Ray White Dalkeith | Claremont, started in real estate after a long and successful career as a pharmacist.

“There’s no end point to how much you can grow in real estate,” she said.

“I think a lot of people think they have to draw a line in the sand. Don’t give yourself a goal that you can’t completely smash, break your goals down to bitesized goals but never lose sight of your dream.”

Roxanne Paterson, sales manager at Ray White The One Group

Roxanne Paterson, sales manager at Ray White The One Group, managed fitness clubs before she had children. After she joined Ray White - while still looking after two kids - she became an Elite level agent in less than 12 months.

“To be honest, I had come from somewhere where I felt that I was probably just a number and I was a young mum in what I call a big man's world,” Roxanne said, reflecting on starting her own business.

“I don’t know if I can say that, but that's how I felt. And I wanted to open the doors for a business that was inviting for everybody. And it was nurturing to young mums. It was nurturing to someone who had a different story.

“I just wanted a safe place and I'd worked so hard where I was that I didn't want to work so hard and have it not work out again, that I just wanted to create an environment that everyone could come and work in and succeed at the same time.”

**Top 1% of agents in the Ray White Group