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We spoke to some of the leading female agents and business owners who have not just simply broken down barriers but have unapologetically smashed through them with their hard work, dedication and authenticity. They shared their incredible stories, showcasing the many journeys into real estate from career changes and juggling multiple hats, to what key advice and tips they would give to women wanting a career in the industry.
Amanda Bonnici, principal Ray White Shellharbour City (pictured with Bianca Denham)
Amanda Bonnici has been a top selling agent over the last 19 years and believes that the key to success in real estate is being authentic and now trying to emulate anyone else who you look up to, because they’re always going to be different to you.
“Run your own race and work hard. You’ve got to find who you are and be who you are, because in today’s world, people know when you’re genuine or not - they can see through that, so you just have to do the right thing. You’re only as good as your last sale.” Read the full interview here.
Roxanne Paterson, principal Ray White Bracken Ridge
Roxanne Paterson placed in the top 10 per cent of sales agents within the Ray White Group in her first year, has placed in the top one per cent of agents and achieved Chairman's Elite Business Leader recognition in 2024/2025.
"Throughout your career, no matter what you're doing, to be honest, if it's real estate or whatever journey you’re on, you're going to have a brick wall in front of you. And there's a pivotal moment if you knock it down or simply turn off and walk away. And I think if I can give any advice, just keep knocking the brick walls down because you never know what's on the other side of it.” Read the full interview here.
Heather Walton, principal Ray White Matakana & Omaha
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Heather Walton is a powerful force in Auckland's property scene. She was the overall No 1 Residential Sales Person in NZ for 2016 and has been a leading international Elite salesperson in Ray White for over 10 years.
“When I got my real estate licence, my son wasn’t at school yet and I was a single mum. It is all about planning; one of my favourite mottos is failing to plan is planning to fail. If you have a goal and you are driven to achieve it, there are things that you can put in place to help make it happen. My son watched me work and he is my biggest fan and supporter and the most proud of me.” Read the full interview here.
Vivien Yap, principal Ray White Dalkeith | Claremont
Vivien Yap is consistently a high performer across Western Australia and across the whole of Australia, most recently reaching Chairman's Elite Business Leader, Chairman's Elite performer and Tony Fountain Auction Excellence, the highest accolade in the group for auction performance, in 2024/2025.
"I started in real estate after a long and successful career as a pharmacist. There’s no end point to how much you can grow. 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, so break your goals down to bite sized goals but never lose sight of your dream."
Ellie Merriman, principal Ray White Bungendore
Ellie Merriman has been breaking barriers and dominating the rural real estate game for more than 15 years being within the top one per cent of real estate agents in Ray White.
“It is up to you whether you win or lose listings; you need to turn up to the office, make the time to have a presence in your community and keep doing it until it works. Anyone can create success if they work hard enough; and there are no instant quick fixes. Real estate is a long game.” Read the full interview here.
Vivien Li, sales agent and auctioneer Ray White Wantirna
Vivian Li is one the top sales agents in Wantirna, achieving many accolades in recent years such as the highest level of recognition in the Ray White Group, ranked as the sixth highest salesperson by way of commissions in Victoria and has won a string of auction awards.
"I joined the team at Ray White Wantirna who had a number of inspirational women on their team already. I took the leap, and within 10 days I had listed a property with their guidance. Being a perfectionist, it can be hard to give control over. Some of us can be very detail oriented, but we are all human and sometimes we need to let go of some control. I now have embraced a wonderful team and we learn from each other." Read the full interview here.
