Meet the 2026 Be the Next: Room to Grow Local Edition Ambassadors 

The Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation (TAAEF) is proud to announce the 2026 Be the Next: Room to Grow Local Edition Ambassadors, a dynamic group of early career professionals who represent the future of Texas multifamily. 

The Be the Next Room to Grow Ambassador program was created to recognize and elevate leaders who are actively shaping the future of our industry. These individuals model engagement, professionalism, advocacy, and service — inspiring others to get involved and grow alongside them. 

The Local Association Edition shines a spotlight on leaders making a measurable difference within their own communities. These Ambassadors represent the strength, diversity, and impact of local apartment associations across Texas. They are the connectors, educators, advocates, and volunteers who keep our industry strong at the grassroots level. 

The 2026 Ambassadors were nominated by their local association, read below to hear what their nominators had to say about each of them. We are proud to introduce this year’s Local Edition Ambassadors! 

🎉 Congratulations to the 2026 Room to Grow Ambassadors: 

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✨ Craig Sinkwich – Central Texas 
Board leader. Connector. Award-winning supplier partner. Craig shows up with positivity, curiosity, and a commitment to strengthening every room he’s in. 

✨ Lauren Martinez – Corpus Christi 
Authentic. Steady. Service-driven. Lauren leads with professionalism and heart, creating connection with both residents and peers. 

✨ Jon Sanchez – Dallas 
Educator. Credentialed professional. Industry champion. Jonathan invests in excellence and elevates others through leadership and mentorship. 

✨ Darryl White – Fort Worth 
“See it. Own it. Solve it.” Darryl leads by example, earning top honors while delivering integrity and pride in every interaction. 

✨ Victoria Sepulveda – Houston 
Rising star. Relationship builder. Emerging leader. Victoria brings energy, engagement, and a bright future to the supplier community. 

✨ Ashleigh Pugh – Lubbock 
Recruiter. Connector. Growing leader. Ashleigh turns enthusiasm into action and inspires others to get involved. 

✨ Kristin McClure – Panhandle 
Education advocate. Confident leader. Kristin proves that commitment and drive create impact — no matter your tenure. 

✨ Samba Sanchez – Permian Basin 
Heart-led. Action-oriented. Community builder. Samba transforms ideas into meaningful impact through service and advocacy. 

✨ Rafael Delgado – Rio Grande Valley 
Dependable. Engaged. Dedicated. Rafael strengthens his association through leadership, integrity, and follow-through. 

✨ Emily Wiatrek – San Antonio 
Advocate. Lyceum leader. Grassroots champion. Emily invests her time and resources to protect and advance our industry. 

✨ Madisen Hession – Tyler 
Authentic. Compassionate. Rising talent. Madisen leads with service and is already making a measurable impact. 

What’s Next for the Ambassadors? 

Throughout the year, these ambassadors will: 

  • Share their personal career journeys through videos and written stories 
  • Represent their local associations and TAAEF on social media 
  • Participate in outreach efforts, career fairs, and industry events 
  • Help inspire students and early career professionals to explore multifamily careers 

Their voices will play a key role in advancing the Room to Grow mission: showing that the Texas apartment industry offers meaningful, flexible, and growthoriented career paths. 

Thank You to Our Local Associations 

TAAEF extends sincere appreciation to the local associations that participated in the nomination process and helped elevate the next generation of industry leaders. Your support makes this program possible and strengthens the future of Texas multifamily. 

To learn more about the Be the Next: Room to Grow Ambassador program, visit 
👉 taaef.taa.org/ambassadors/