Her Story
About Azalea
Azalea Perkins Chriss is an accomplished Community Manager with two decades of experience in the property management industry, bringing a diverse background across conventional housing, student housing, third-party leasing, build-to-rent single-family homes, and active adult communities. She currently serves as a Community Manager at Greystar, where she oversees community operations, resident relations, team leadership, and property performance. Azalea began her career after transitioning from customer service and enterprise roles and has continued to build her expertise through positions of increasing responsibility. She holds the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) credential and is a Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), complemented by her studies in theater arts.
Throughout her career, Azalea has distinguished herself through strong leadership, operational expertise, and a commitment to developing others. Her professional accomplishments include being named Assistant Property Manager of the Year in 2016 and receiving System Manager of the Year recognition from the Triangle Apartment Association. She has been actively involved with the Triangle Apartment Association and is a member of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association. As a leader and mentor, Azalea has helped team members advance into Property Manager and senior-level roles, reflecting her dedication to fostering professional growth and creating opportunities for those around her.
Azalea attributes her success to the resilience instilled in her by her mother, who taught her to keep fighting, remain grounded, and rise after setbacks, as well as to her faith and personal strength. She believes in keeping her head up, never dimming her light, and giving her best every day. Her approach to both work and life is guided by respect, honesty, compassion, and a genuine sense of fun. She is also committed to supporting others beyond the workplace, including through breast cancer awareness initiatives, and strives to make a meaningful and positive impact within the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Azalea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mother, who taught me to keep fighting no matter how many times life knocks me down. Her wisdom to breathe, say a prayer, and get back up has remained a guiding principle throughout my life. I also credit my faith and my ability to lean into what I call my “Azalea magic,” embracing my inner strength, resilience, and unique gifts. Together, these influences have given me the perseverance, confidence, and perspective to continue moving forward through every challenge.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to keep my head up and never dim my light. There is only one me, and I have learned to embrace my individuality, trust my abilities, and give my best every single day. Staying true to myself while consistently striving for excellence has helped me navigate challenges, grow professionally, and remain confident in the value I bring to everything I do.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is simple: if you want it, do not give up. Opportunities may not always come easily, so be persistent, confident, and willing to create your own path. If you see even the smallest opening, take the opportunity and, when necessary, be bold enough to push the door wide open. Believe in your abilities, advocate for yourself, and never let obstacles convince you that you do not belong.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the significant amount of new supply entering the market without a corresponding level of occupancy. This creates increased competition and puts pressure on businesses to differentiate themselves, attract demand, and maintain strong performance. At the same time, I see an opportunity for organizations to innovate, strengthen their value proposition, and develop creative strategies to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are respect, honesty, compassion, and having fun. I believe in treating people with kindness, being genuine and transparent in my interactions, and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. I also believe that enjoying what we do and celebrating life along the way is essential to building meaningful relationships and a fulfilling life.
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