Blog   »   Women’s History Month in SF

As we celebrate Women’s History Month in 2022, we must be reminded that every day is a great day to celebrate and highlight the achievements of women, past and present. The City of San Francisco has a long history of trailblazing women who have made our home such a great place to live, and we’d like to honor these women.

Iconic Women of San Francisco

Alma de Bretteville was the model used for the Dewey Monument in Union Square.

Alma de Bretteville Spreckels- The “Great Grandmother of San Francisco” was one of the world’s most influential art collectors. She used her massive wealth for philanthropic ventures such as San Francisco’s Palace of the Legion of Honor, which was donated to The City.

Maya Angelou- Famously known as one of the first African-American women to operate cable cars in San Francisco, Maya Angelou passed in 2014 and will be remembered as one of the greatest writers and poets in American History.

Carol Channing- The first celebrity to ever perform at a Super Bowl halftime show, Carol Channing won three Tony Awards two Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition, it was inducted into both the Grammy Hall of Fame and the American Theatre Hall of Fame.

Alice Waters- A pioneer of clean eating since the early 70s, she opened the famed Chez Panisse. She profoundly impacted the Bay Area’s “Green Movement,” earning the 2014 National Humanities Medal for her work.

Isadora Duncan- The San Francisco native was known as the “Mother of Modern Dance” for her free-spirited style, in which she began a career teaching lessons to local children in her SF neighborhood.

Kamala Harris- Born and raised in the East Bay, Kamala Harris was the first person of color to serve as SF District Attorney and California Attorney General. She, of course, has since gone on to become the first female Vice President of the United States.

Lillie Hitchcock Coit- The benefactor for The City’s famed Coit Tower, Lillie Hitchcock Coit made a name for herself, assisting the San Francisco Fire Department during the early 20th Century.

Ruth Asawa- A true trailblazer for minority women in the art world, Asawa created the San Francisco School of The Arts, and much of her work can be found at Golden Gate Park’s de Young Museum.

London Breed- A native San Franciscan, London Breed became The City’s first African American woman elected mayor and has built a long and successful career serving the people of SF.

Alyssa Nakken- Starting as an intern with the San Francisco Giants in 2014, Alyssa Nakken worked her way up the organization’s ranks to become the first full-time female coach in Major League Baseball.

Women Leading Trinity SF

While Venus doesn’t manage any properties, she does make a large impact on residents.

Team Trinity is a diverse company with employees working at many properties across The City of San Francisco. We take great pride in treating one another with respect, which is exhibited throughout all departments of our organization. While many women lead various groups at Trinity SF, we wanted to catch up with a few leaders during this year’s Women’s History Month who have significantly impacted those they manage and work alongside. Let’s look at how these Trinity leaders answered a series of questions on their successful property management careers.

Amy Hull, Chief Operating Officer

Amy has led a massive rebrand of the organization along with the development of the final two phases of Trinity Place at 33 8th Street and 1177 Market.

Q: How have you been empowered as a leader at Trinity?

A: When I was hired, Walt (Our CEO) and The Board of Directors had alignment on what was needed, and it was clear that I’d be the right person to do the job. They have trusted me to do what I’m here to do, and I’ve been empowered to lead business operations.

Q: Who are your biggest influences, or who has inspired you?

A: My father always said, “I could do whatever I wanted, I could be whoever I wanted, and no one could stand in my way.”

While Amy credits both her parents, having a father that led from empowerment helped her learn from mistakes. Amy has also had multiple great mentors along her journey and mentions Ann Beal and Rick Dishnica as key inspirations for treating others and succeeding in the industry.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to be leaders

A: “Find a mentor, find allies, and don’t ever give up! My father always told me if you’re not going to something with full effort, you might as well go to the beach.”

Additionally, Amy advises that sometimes you get the most out of a rough situation or bad boss because you learn how to handle similar situations in the future. Just because you had a poor experience doesn’t mean you can’t learn from it.

Q: How have you grown as a person during your career?

A: “I’ve grown by dealing with difficult people and a wide variety of personalities who have helped me evolve as a leader. I’ve learned to be confident and how to brush myself off when something bad occurs. It’s not about the mistake you made; it’s about how you rebound and come back from it.”

Q: What do you love most about your job?

A: “I love the people I work with and the fact that it’s different every single day. This industry has a very unexpected nature that I enjoy because I love problem-solving.”

Q: What made you want to become a leader?

A: “When I put my time in, I want to be the best and what I’m doing and deliver great results. Because of this determination, I’ve been able to surround myself with like-minded people that I enjoy working with.”

Q: Everyone has pitfalls or challenges in their professional and personal lives or negative influences that make us doubt ourselves. As a leader, how have you pushed through those negative influences or overcome those obstacles?

A: “Through my career, I’ve had multiple bad bosses who have taught me how I should not treat people and that I did not need to work somewhere that does not align with my values. I’ve learned what not to do from bad experiences and believe you can take something from every situation.

Loren Atienza, Regional Property Manager

Loren began her Property Management career as a Front Desk Associate but eventually developed an interest in showing apartments and leasing. At Trinity, she’s managed multiple properties such as 1188 Mission, 1000 Chestnut, and 350 Union.

Q: How have you been empowered as a leader at Trinity?

A: “Trust every decision you make. Always make a good decision because it affects a lot of people. Professionalism, continuing with training and education, never stop learning, stay positive, and lead by example”

Q: Who are your biggest influences, or who has inspired you?

A: “My mother, she’s hardworking, always positive, gives a lot of love, very supportive, and she motivates my siblings and me to do get things done. Also, a super grandma!”

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to be leaders

A: “Have faith, have self-worth, believe in yourself, never stop climbing your ladder, and make sure you are happy with what you are doing. When you are happy, you are successful!”

Q: How have you grown as a person during your career?

A: “I’m much more disciplined, inspired, and want to help other people. I love working with staff members and training to help the development of people. I learn from many people from all departments, whether it’s cleaning, maintenance, or leasing, it all helps me get better and stronger. I really love to share knowledge with others, and I’d list Amy as my mentor who does the same.

Q: What do you love most about your job

A: “Trinity is my second family, and I truly do love the people that I work with. Everyone is so respectful, and it makes me happy to just get up and get ready in the morning without dragging my feet to go do something I love.”

Q: What made you want to become a leader?

A: “I wanted to spend more time with my family and earn weekends off. My kids have inspired me to work my way up the ranks so that I can consistently spend quality time with my family while doing what I love.”

Q: Everyone has pitfalls or challenges in their professional and personal lives or negative influences that make us doubt ourselves. As a leader, how have you pushed through those negative influences or overcome those obstacles?

A: When I took on the role of Regional Property Manager, I knew the added workload would be a challenge. However, I saw the Angel Number “555” in a dream and was confident in my abilities and training to handle this position. My supportive family has also contributed to a great work/life balance, and the communication with them helps to keep my life balanced. I always say that you should never let yourself or others dull your sparkle!”

Amanda McGillvray, Floating Property Manager

Amanda began as an Assistant Manager at 33 8th and was eventually promoted to Property Manager at 240 Dolores, Trinity Towers, and 1000 Chestnut.

Q: How have you been empowered as a leader at Trinity?

A: “I have been entrusted upon to go my own way. They really gave me the chance to open my wings and let me fly.”

Q: Who are your biggest influences, or who has inspired you?

A: “My mom, she raised two kids on a reduced income and was able to support us successfully. I look at what she did, and it motivates me to be successful.”

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to be leaders

A: “Believe in yourself and speak up to make yourself heard. If you feel strongly about something, run with it, and don’t let people say no.”

Q: How have you grown as a person during your career?

A: “I’ve learned to trust people but always verify the truth. I empathize with people because our product really is people, not the place. I really like action in the workplace, and I enjoy being around lots of people that I can learn from.”

Q: What do you love most about your job

A: “I love the employees that I work with. There are so many unique people with different roles that help us succeed as one.”

Q: What made you want to become a leader?

A: “I really enjoy a good challenge and love to problem solve. I am confident in my abilities, so I like to have the power to make the decisions.”

Q: Everyone has pitfalls or challenges in their professional and personal lives or negative influences that make us doubt ourselves. As a leader, how have you pushed through those negative influences or overcome those obstacles?

A: “I have a determined mindset, and I know that if I’m not good at something, I’m going to try anyway. My mom raised me to believe I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, and if I don’t at least try, I’ll never know!”

Bianca Stark-Falcone, Property Manager

Beginning as the Assistant Manager at 1550 Bay Street, Bianca now manages property along with both the 2130 Stockton and 2133 Stockton apartments.

Q: How have you been empowered as a leader at Trinity?

A: “I’ve been given a lot of opportunities to be part of various things such as PPMA and the Recology task force. Being more involved has allowed my portfolio to try out new practices and be part of the conversation of change.”

Q: Who are your biggest influences, or who has inspired you?

A: “Amy, she brought me on and has been very supportive and open to the questions and things I want to talk through. This has helped me grow and transition from an Assistant Manager to a Property Manager.”

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to be leaders?

A: “Don’t be afraid to try new things. Always ask questions and speak up. You should take every opportunity to learn and grow!”

Q: How have you grown as a person during your career?

A: “I’ve taken on more responsibility and become the captain of this crew. I feel responsible for the well-being and the team’s accomplishments for both maintenance and office staff. Success in their job is my responsibility just like it is there’s, and it has become more about the team than it is about me.”

Q: What do you love most about your job

A: “The people and just being able to watch people be successful and to be part of their success. I love working with people of all departments and seeing them advance through the company or grow as a member of my team.”

Q: What made you want to become a leader?

A: “I like to voice my opinions. I want my opinions to count. I like to be heard, and I am confident in my abilities as a leader.”

Q: Everyone has pitfalls or challenges in their professional and personal lives or negative influences that make us doubt ourselves. As a leader, how have you pushed through those negative influences or overcome those obstacles?

A: “Having a background in retail, I’ve had to switch from saying “Yes” to everything” to explaining “No” to customers. This can be difficult to give someone information they do not want to hear, but turning those negative experiences into a mutual understanding is a large part of the role as a manager.”