Women of WMFHA

Women of WMFHA

March is Women’s History Month! This month is dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the vital role of women in American history. In honor of this, WMFHA, is highlighting a few of the many women who have advocated, educated and celebrated multi-family professionals in Washington in the last 20 years, starting with the women currently serving as WMFHA staff.

Learn more about the Women of WMFHA, their experiences and inspirations.

Sloane Cerbana

Vice President of Operations

Sloane has served WMFHA for 15 years.

Born in California, raised in Oregon, and living in Washington since college, Sloane is a proud West Coast native. After taking a few years off her training and development career to invest more time in her family, the Cerbana’s youngest was about to start all-day school when a board member recommended Sloane help start WFMHA’s education department. Her “part-time help” quickly turned into 15 years dedicated to WMFHA.

Sloane is inspired by many women in the multi-family industry, including past Board President Kari Anderson and the 11 female Board Presidents that also served on the WMFHA Board of Directors. She shared that WMFHA has been greatly shaped by the strong leadership of women. However, her biggest female inspiration is her mom, who taught her that her success was always up to her.

Tricia Johnson

Senior Director of Events & Marketing

Tricia has served WMFHA for 10 years and 6 months.

Tricia grew up in San Diego, CA, but has called Washington her home since the age of 12. Tricia initially got involved in the multi-family industry through volunteering for WMFHA's EdCon and Emerald Awards events. She was eventually hired in 2012 as a part-time employee and quickly became a full-time member of the team.

While at WMFHA, Tricia has been impressed by the many examples of outstanding female leadership she has seen within the industry. She has witnessed the progression of careers from onsite team members to regional managers and beyond, as well as the many female Board members and Presidents at WMFHA who have led with integrity, determination, grace and kindness.

Her biggest inspiration is her mother, a first-generation immigrant who instilled in her the importance of an education, hard work, and keeping one's word. Tricia strives to pass these qualities on to her own children.

Katrina Bishop 

Director or Office Services

Katrina has served WMFHA for 5 years 10 months.

Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Katrina started working in the multi-family industry when a friend shared an ad for an open position with WMFHA.

Katrina joined WMFHA after a career in traditionally male-dominated industries, notably manufacturing and distribution. One difference that stood out to her was the strong presence of female leaders. She found it quite refreshing and empowering to see many young women serving in true leadership roles, both within the association and at their respective companies.

She doesn’t care if it’s cliché, Katrina says her mother has always been her biggest inspiration and best friend.

MacKenzie Knell

Marketing Specialist 

MacKenzie has served WMFHA for 9 months.

Like many people in this industry, MacKenzie fell into her role at WMFHA by circumstance. She had previously worked for Entrata, a property management software company, in college and was familiar with the multi-family industry but had never worked for a non-profit before. When she moved to Washington, the opportunity to work for WMFHA was “a happy accident”. 

In the short time she has worked at WMFHA, MacKenzie has already met many outstanding women in the multi-family field. She has encountered female leaders who have openly shared vulnerable expressions of compassion, reminding her to find grace for her colleagues who may be facing difficult circumstances.

Originally from Salt Lake City, UT, MacKenzie names her mother as a tremendous source of inspiration and empowerment. She found a way to leave a legacy of kindness and tenacity that continues to give her strength. She also names historic female figures like Ruth Bater Ginsburg, Harriet Tubman, Joan of Arc, Brené Brown, and Malala Yousafzai as inspiration.

Molly Watts

Member Services Specialist 

Molly has served WMFHA for 9 months.

Molly is a Washington native, born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She is new to the multi-family industry, joining WMFHA less than a year ago! Before joining WMFHA, Molly worked for nearly 6 years in education and was looking for a career change.

Molly previously worked in male-dominated environments and had to work harder to be seen and heard. During her time at WMFHA, Molly has been inspired and impressed by the number of women in high-ranking positions at various member companies, which has opened her eyes to the possibilities of women in leadership roles.

Her biggest inspiration is her mother, who has always been a source of encouragement and support for her. Growing up, her mother instilled in her a love of creativity and the arts, which has influenced her personal and professional pursuits.

Ililani (‘Ula) Kamaka

Events and Education Coordinator 

‘Ula has served WMFHA for 10 months.

‘Ula is originally from Kailua, Hawaii on the island of O’ahu. ‘Ula is also new to the multi-family industry, having joined the WMFHA staff 10 months ago. Her last role involved a lot of job and internship sourcing which is how she found her current role with the association. Her previous work experience in career development and event coordination matched well to the description of her new role and she is excited to continue her work in the multi-family space.

In her short time at WMFHA, she has seen two female Board Presidents, showcasing the outstanding female leadership that supports the organization.

‘Ula is inspired by any strong woman who can balance their work, families and other hobbies well.