By Jeremy Davis
During this week’s Annual General Meeting held on March 21, the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board announced the official swearing in of Daphne Shepherd, the 2024-2025 President of the Board of Directors.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome our 2024-2025 President, Daphne Shepherd, Broker for RE/MAX Encore Realty,” said Marina R. James, CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board. “Daphne has extensive experience as a REALTOR®, Broker, and educator in the real estate industry.”
Shepherd started as a professional, licensed REALTOR® in 2007, became a Broker/Owner in 2010, and has achieved a number of professional REALTOR® designations along the way, including:
• Accredited Commercial Professional (ACP)
• Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)
• Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
• Seniors RE Specialist Designation (SRES)
• Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
• Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE)
• Resort/2nd Home Property Specialist (RSPS)
• At Home With Diversity (AHWD)
• Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB)
“My relentless pursuit of knowledge and dedication to ongoing education, particularly emphasizing relationship-building strategies, mirrors my steadfast commitment to achieving excellence within the real estate industry,” said Shepherd. “My dedication and continued work in professional and personal growth stems from the profound fulfillment I experience when individuals realize their inherent potential in business and in life. A favourite quote that I embody and share with individuals along their journey in professional and personal growth is: ‘It’s not who you are that is holding you back; it’s who you think you’re not.’”
Shepherd has taken an active role at the Committee-level for the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board with involvement in the Investigative Committee, Government and Stakeholder Relations Committee (Advocacy Committee), Finance and Audit Committee, Governance Committee, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. Over that time, she has been Vice-Chair of the Government and Stakeholder Relations Committee, Chair of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate News and Public Relations Committee, Treasurer, and Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board President-Elect. She holds a Certificate in Management Studies and Human Resource Management from the University of Winnipeg and has delivered a number of professional development training sessions and presentations at events and conferences across Canada and in the United States.
Shepherd becomes President where, under the strategic guidance of its Board of Directors, the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board has made significant advancements in the use of MLS® data, creating high impact analytics which have advanced and modernized the toolset utilized by REALTORS®.
“Before my life in the real estate industry, I was heavily involved in sport, having been recognized with the Province of Manitoba’s Order of Sport Excellence for volleyball and placing in the top 0.30% of 700,000 worldwide applicants to the Body-For-Life Challenge,” said Shepherd. “My lifelong interest in fitness and bodybuilding has been a rewarding pursuit, yet my deepest passion lies in serving as an empowerment leader, helping people realize their potential on a path towards understanding, happiness, health and prosperity.”
An international best-selling author and accomplished speaker, Shepherd is no stranger to the stage where she has spoken at high impact events such as the Toronto Real Estate Board’s REALTOR® Quest, the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) Broker Solutions POWER-UP Summit, RRC’s Unlocking Conversion Success and Remain Authentic – in Your Marketing, and at the Fearless Women’s Summit. In addition, Daphne's motivation and passionate attitude continues to inspire REALTORS® to reach greater heights through her custom workshops.
Shepherd was born in Winnipeg and grew up in East Kildonan. She now lives in a small community outside Winnipeg with her husband of 28 years and their dog, Tillie. She enjoys spending time at the lake, riding motorcycles, traveling, reading, and cheering on the Winnipeg Jets and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“I would like to recognize and thank outgoing President, Rena Prefontaine, for her leadership, passion, and advocacy while serving in this role over the last year,” said Marina R. James, CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board. “As the guiding force leading us through 2023-2024, Rena was steadfast in recognizing the importance of empowering our Members to ensure they have the tools and resources required to succeed in an ever-changing real estate landscape.”
Over the last year, the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board has prioritized municipal advocacy efforts toward increasing housing supply and infill residential development, improving on permitting processes, and for building the infrastructure required to support communities.
As one of the largest and longest-running real estate boards in Canada, the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board provides Members with essential resources to enhance professionalism, advance the industry’s development and enrich the communities they serve.
“In an ever-evolving economic climate, recognizing, and understanding real estate data and trends is paramount, as it empowers us to make well-informed decisions,” added James. “REALTORS® understand this significance and have access to robust, accurate, timely, and reliable MLS® data, enabling them to guide their clients toward successful outcomes.”
Shepherd is enthusiastic about what the year ahead has in store, as the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board’s market region continues to be one of the most affordable in Canada.
Jeremy Davis is the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board’s Director External Relations & Market Intelligence.