Indiyah Walters, Assistant Property Manager on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Property Management

Indiyah Walters

Assistant Property Manager, Lawson

Chesapeake, VA

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Old Dominion University (ODU) Degree Criminal Justice and Cybercrime double major Degree 2018-2021 (80% complete Degree On break) Cert Project Management Certification (in progress)

Her Story

About Indiyah

As an Assistant Property Manager, I oversee the operations of my property and manage my leasing consultants. My day-to-day responsibilities include training my team, keeping them up-to-date on policies, going over renewals, and stepping in to help lease apartments when needed. I also manage our budget, handle spending and ordering for both the property and office, and ensure we stay within budget while meeting all property requirements. I work directly with residents, applicants, and prospects, making sure everything runs smoothly and any problems or issues are handled promptly. I've always been in customer service and sales, which has shaped my approach to property management. Before this role, I worked at Pandora as an assistant sales manager and at ODU as a housing manager overseeing the front desk for student housing. I'm currently completing my project management certification because I want to transition into the project management field. I'm also active on social media as an influencer, where I promote products and work toward brand ambassador opportunities. Wherever I go, I bring big energy, inspiration, and motivation to the people I work with.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Indiyah

01What do you attribute your success to?

I’ve always pushed myself to be the best version of who I can be, and a big part of that comes from my desire to build financial stability and be someone my family can rely on. Growing up without much taught me the value of money early, and it shaped my mindset I don’t just want to get by, I want to create a better life for myself and something meaningful for the future.


I’m driven to put myself in a position where I’m financially secure, where I have options, and where I can provide for myself without struggle and for a family, if I choose to have one. More than anything, I want to break the cycle I came from and build something that lasts beyond me. That motivation to do better, to grow, and to create long-term stability is what continues to push me forward every day.


02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to follow my own direction and not fall into the habit of being a people pleaser. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of standing firm in what I say and truly meaning it especially in property management.


Working with prospects and residents, you come across all kinds of situations, and it can be easy to feel sympathetic or want to make exceptions. But I’ve learned that consistency and fairness matter most. I hold myself to a standard of treating everyone equally while following fair housing principles, even when it’s not the easiest choice.


There was a time when I would second-guess myself or try to bend the rules to help someone in the moment. Now, I understand that being clear, firm, and consistent isn’t being harsh it’s being professional. I’ve grown into someone who can stand my ground, communicate confidently, and make decisions that are fair for everyone involved.


03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I believe in aiming high and not limiting yourself based on what you think you lack. Just because you don’t have the experience or a degree doesn’t mean you can’t achieve what you want. Go after every opportunity that aligns with your goals and don’t sell yourself short.


Too often, people hold themselves back by thinking they’re not qualified or ready, but growth comes from putting yourself out there and taking chances. There are always ways to learn, improve, and work your way into the spaces you want to be in.


Don’t let fear or other people’s opinions define your path. Stay focused on your goals, keep pushing forward, and trust that you’re capable of building the life you want even if the path looks different from someone else’s.


04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Honestly, I don’t see major challenges holding people back in property management. It’s such a broad field with endless opportunities. There are always people searching for housing, and countless apartments, homes, and communities that need strong management. Because of that, I believe there’s space for anyone willing to step in and grow. If you want the opportunity, you can apply, put yourself out there, and move forward.


That said, one challenge I do recognize is a lack of understanding between decision-makers and on-site teams. The operations staff who work directly on the property often have firsthand insight into what’s truly needed for a community to succeed. I believe their perspectives should carry more weight when policies are created or implemented, because they’re the ones experiencing the day-to-day realities. Bridging that gap could make operations more effective and better aligned across the board.


05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Communication, teamwork, and reliability are the values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally. Strong communication is the foundation of everything it ensures clarity, prevents misunderstandings, and keeps everyone aligned. I value being able to depend on others and take pride in being someone others can rely on as well. Teamwork is equally important, because success is rarely achieved alone; it comes from people working together, supporting one another, and staying accountable. These values guide how I show up in my work and in my everyday life.


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