Stephen Parnell began helping clients choose which country they wanted to live in 1993 just two years after he arrived in the USA as a first generation immigrant. Combining his years of immigration/emigration experience, together with his investment migration experience, helps Steve serve clients who are looking for superior travel freedom, broader opportunities and more!

Kraig Schwigen brings over 13 years’ experience in investment immigration via the EB-5 program along with a strong grasp of legislative matters affecting both E-2 and EB-5 investment migration. Kraig’s relevant industry experience comes from his former position as Chief Operating Officer of CMB Regional Centers.

 Wednesday, October 6 

About this Session

Understand the mind, heart and will of a person who started a new chapter in his life when most others would give up. Get motivated and be inspired to be the best you that you can be. “I strive to show others that living life using a wheelchair is not the end of the world and it is certainly not a death sentence.”

About the Speaker

Justin Graves is the founder and owner of HESONWHEELS, his motivational speaking company.  A motivational individual and a proud Virginia Tech Hokie, determination and perseverance guides Justin's daily behavior. He is a winner of ASPIRE! Award for Engagement “Embracing Ut Prosim (that I may serve) as a Way of Life”. 

Session Description

Join NAR President Charlie Oppler and NVAR President Derrick Swaak as they discuss the real estate industry’s top issues and give their insights on what to expect in 2022 for the association and membership.

Derrick is proud to serve as the 2021 President of the NVAR Board of Directors. He is a licensed Broker in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Derrick joined TTR Sotheby's International Realty as Partner in 2007 and is Managing Broker for the firm's McLean and The Plains offices in Virginia. 

Charlie Oppler, a REALTOR® from Franklin Lakes, N.J., is the 2021 President of the National Association of REALTORS®. Charlie is the CEO of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, with 15 offices in northern and central New Jersey. He holds the At Home with Diversity certification from NAR. 

Session Description

Don’t miss this impactful session with Sara Rodriguez, 2020-2021 NAHREP National President, as she talks in depth about the Hispanic Market in Northern Virginia. She’ll take a deep dive into residential and commercial real estate, local demographics and statistics, and answer any questions you may have on the Hispanic/International footprint of Northern Virginia. 

About the Speaker

Sara Rodriguez is the CEO/Owner of Titan Title and a partner at Mendez Rodriguez, PLC. Her practice specializes on all matters related to residential and commercial real estate transactions. She served as 2016 President of NAHREP Northern Virginia and has served on the chapter’s board of directors since 2013 in various leadership roles. Additionally, she serves as a national chapter coach.  

Session Description

Top economists from the National Association of Realtors, Virginia Realtors, and George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis offer a 360-degree analysis of the economic conditions that impact the real estate market and ultimately, your business. Learn from the experts and get answers to your questions.

Terry L. Clower is Northern Virginia Chair and Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University. Dr. Clower has authored or co-authored over 170 articles, book chapters, and research reports reflecting experience in economic and community development, economic and fiscal impact analysis, housing, transportation, land use planning, and economic forecasting.

Lawrence Yun is Chief Economist and oversees the Research group at the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Dr. Yun creates NAR’s forecasts and participates in many economic forecasting panels, among them the Blue Chip Council and the Wall Street Journal Forecasting Survey.

About the Special Guest 

Prior to his appointment as Moldova’s Ambassador to the United States, Caras worked as a foreign policy adviser for Dodon. Previously, Eugen Caras worked as head of the Mission of Moldova to the European Union. He also held the position of Moldova’s Ambassador to Brussels.

At the same time, Caras worked in diplomatic missions in Turkey, Ukraine, but also in the U.S.A.

About the Caterer

Blu Sage Catering is a leader in the greater Washington DC area for its creative cuisine, capitol style and competitive pricing. We have received top catering honors from Washingtonian Magazine, Channel 9 News A-List, The Knot and Wedding Wire, just to name a few. Our Event Design Team can assist you with every aspect of your event to ensure it is a smashing success!

Luncheon Description

Join us at NVAR’s Fairfax location for our very special “Eat Around the World” luncheon, featuring food from BluSage Catering. There will be various food stations “around the world” including: Mexican Food, European Food, and a mixture of Asian cuisine. We will give a sneak peak on our newest upcoming member benefit, Realtor® Sphere. Come and celebrate Global with us at NVAR!

Session Description

Understand the mindset of an World Champion with the core mindset that a person can do anything they put their mind to. From running in a triathlon to running multiple businesses, Rachel Brenke is a true American Champion!

About the Speaker

An inspirational figure, Rachel Brenke has started and grown her own business, overcome a cancer diagnosis, qualified as a USA Triathlon runner, finishing Top 10 in the world for her age group, competed in the IronMan world championships, built a virtual boutique intellectual property law firm and is a mother of five children.