Just about 3 years ago, I decided to write a blog post. Within a month, I stumbled upon Active Rain and signed up.  I had absolutely NO idea how much that simple decision would change my life and career.

Yesterday, 2 extraordinary events intersected together in 1 day aka 1,440 Minutes. During the Annual Broker Meeting of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors®, I was nominated by Pat Vredevoodg, 2007 NAR President for the position of President-Elect (2009) & elected by the board of Brokers of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors®.

It was a moment ripe with symbolism on a variety of levels.  Pat captured a unique essence during her brief nomination speech which she termed as a 'tweet' about why the Brokers present should cast their vote in favor of the nomination.

Here's Pat's insightful Twitter nomination: Vote for Lola Audu because she is "Smart, Caring, Cutting Edge, Daring, Forward & Clear Thinking, Humble, Funny, RE Pro, Motivator, Responsible, Experienced, Mom, Inspiration"

Later that afternoon, I picked up a direct message on Twitter from Todd Carpenter, NAR's Social Media Manager who asked me to check my in-box for a message from President-Elect of NAR, Vickie Cox Golder. Here are excerpts from the e-mail which showed up this morning,

Dear Lola,

Congratulations!  You have been identified as an influencer in progressive ideas about real estate and, as a result, we invite you to participate in a new pilot program for the National Association of Realtors ®.  NAR's leadership would like to include your voice in our governance system in 2010 and have selected a national NAR committee for you to join. .....

By serving on a national NAR committee, you will have the opportunity to bring your ideas about today's competitive and evolving marketplace to the industry's leaders and you will be in a position to spark change within the business......

NAR has made a commitment to elevating the voice of young professionals and early adopter of social media in the real estate business, and we want to hear from you.....you were recommended to serve on the Housing Opportunity Committee.

What an opportunity!  I'm so grateful to God that the tapestry which He weaves in our lives through our experiences is never conventional nor is He ever limited by pre-conceived limitations about who we are or can become.

I'd like to also congratulate another fresh young perspective and voice from Michigan...Christa Caulk who has also been selected to a NAR committee , the Political Action Involvement Committee. Congratulations to you Christa, I know that your contributions will enrich the dialog of leaders in our industry!  And...Kudos to NAR for embracing a fresh perspective for the future of our profession!

*Christa Caulk is the daughter of Missy Caulk, a leader and innovative thinker in the real estate industry and in social media.