Her Story
About Chelsea
Chelsea Barraco has been active in commercial real estate for about five years. She works as a commercial team lead for Empire Real Estate Firm in New York, where she was recently recruited to help build out the commercial arm of the residential brokerage, and as a commercial agent on a small team of about 15 people at a brokerage in Arizona. Prior to transitioning into commercial real estate, she worked as a residential agent. Chelsea holds a Bachelor's in Communication and Journalism from State University, a real estate salesperson license in both New York and Arizona, and certification as an equine specialist in mental health through PATH International. She is a member of the Greater Capital Association of Realtors, the Scottsdale Association of Realtors, and the Arizona Association of Realtors. In 2024, she received the Rise Honor Roll Award from the Arizona Association of Realtors and the Community Advocate Award from her home group. Chelsea is actively involved in volunteering with organizations such as Horses Help, an equine-assisted therapy center governed by PATH International, and the Albany Therapeutic Riding Center, where she has participated in fundraising efforts including Capital Region Dancing with the Stars. She attributes her success to perseverance, a focus on service, integrity, honesty, and transparency, and prioritizing the greater good over personal gain.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chelsea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to never giving up, always remembering that the purpose is service, providing integrity, honesty and transparency, having difficult conversations even when the path of least resistance would be easier, and focusing on the greater good rather than personal gain or commission. The more you serve, the more you're rewarded.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is taking accountability, even if it isn't necessarily your mistake, and not deflecting from difficult conversations or passing the buck. Stepping up and taking control of a situation earns respect. Also, not focusing on personal gain but on where you can add value to others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Definitely find a mentor and someone that you can shadow and ask a lot of questions to. Mentorship is extremely important because it's a very technical field. Show up in the public, get involved in the community, understand the challenges of your specific market, make relationships with people in state government and development agencies, and networking is the most underutilized part of our field.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In New York, the biggest challenge is the heavy regulation and red tape for development and permits, unlike Arizona where projects move faster. Opportunities include efforts by the governor and Empire State Development to bring industry back through life sciences, green energy, and semiconductors, which will transform the economy, create specialized jobs, housing needs, and revitalize Rust Belt areas.
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