Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronisha Hodge.
Hi Ronisha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello, I’m Ronisha Hodge, a real estate agent and community planner. I was raised in Missouri City, Texas and I graduated from Alabama A&M University. I have a bachelor’s in community planning with a minor in real estate. Growing up, I was always interested in how cities and neighborhoods were built and why they were built in certain ways, from the roads to the types of buildings and homes, I wanted to know who made those decisions and why. After college, I started working for the Air Force with an internship as a community planner. Most military bases are small communities with multiple facilities and amenities. I was responsible for managing growth and maintaining those facilities. Three years later, I began working for the Federal Transit Administration as a community planner, helping Federal grant recipients satisfy Federal planning requirements. It was during this time that I began looking for my first home as a single mother of two, I went through multiple realtors before I realized I wasn’t receiving the guidance and expertise I needed, so I decided to find my first house for myself. The firsthand knowledge I gained made me realize that I could help others do the same thing, so I decided to officially become a real estate agent.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I believe I have a story of faith, resiliency, and vision. It has not been a smooth road. I became pregnant as a junior in college and I had my second child three years later. I didn’t know how I was going to finish college with a baby in a city where I had no family and friends, but I was determined to complete my degree. There was an internal voice that I can only credit God for that told me to not give up, and I listened. There was also grace along the way. I remember one professor in college that allowed me to bring my infant son to a final exam. I also remember the faculty and staff in my college department planning a baby shower for me. With all of the external support and faith from God, I was able to finish my degree on time with honors. Shortly after graduation, I received a job offer to work for the Air Force as a civilian. However, the job was in Maryland. By this time, my son was just about to turn one. There were no other job offers, and I knew I needed to provide for my son so I took the position. In July 2010, me and my son moved to Clinton, Maryland. Once again, I had no family and no friends. There were plenty of lonely days and nights, and even though I had a job the pay was barely enough for daycare and rent, but I was determined to not give up. I moved in with a roommate and joined a church where me and my son spent most of our time. I gained a small family through that church, and God placed people in my life that helped me through those tough times.
I became pregnant again in 2012 and I wasn’t sure how I was going to continue building my career with two children. The Air Force position moved me to Mississippi, where I had my daughter, and then again to San Antonio. When I think back, I wonder to myself how did I ever not simply give up and move back home to Houston, I now know that there was a powerful force and determination that God gave me to keep going.
I navigated my career as a single mom with two young children. I had relationship and financial problems throughout the entire time. I cried, but never gave up. I made mistakes, but again I never gave up. I trusted in God for guidance, and I watched him open doors and give me strength I didn’t know I had.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My passion is to help those that may not think they can achieve homeownership. I had a lot of obstacles and challenges, but I never settled. I want to help others achieve their goals and dreams by way of helping them achieve what I believe is a crucial building block of wealth, owning real estate.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to have a vision for your life and do everything despite the fear. I made a lot of career and life decisions while being afraid but refusing to give into the fear. I learned to keep pressing forward, trusting God. My vision is still the same, and that vision has taken me to so many places where I’ve met some amazing people and accomplished some awesome things. I thank God every day for his blessings.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Ronisha_Hodge
- Facebook: Ronisha Hodge, Realtor
Image Credits
Taylor M. Hayden
