This Saturday (International Women’s Day) and throughout March, we proudly recognize and celebrate the extraordinary women who lead, inspire, and elevate community associations. From the early pioneers such as May Russell, a community management executive from Irvine, Calif., who was one of CAI’s founders and served as its first president in 1973, to today’s trailblazing leaders, women continue to shape and strengthen the field.
The 2025 International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for closing the gender pay gap. According to the 2023 Community Association Manager Compensation and Salary Survey compiled by the Foundation for Community Association Research, women’s median annual salary is only 76% compared to what men earn.
Women serve in critical leadership roles within CAI, driving progress across community management and governance. They also enjoy a robust presence in professional disciplines such as law, accounting, insurance, technology, reserve studies, banking, and engineering. Their vision, strength, and resilience shape the communities they serve every day, creating a lasting impact on our industry.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, CAI will be sharing and celebrating the stories of women in the industry and discussing the need for continued advancement in their fair and equitable compensation and treatment in the workplace.
This month, look for coverage on HOAresources, Ungated, CAI’s Advocacy blog, and our print publications, Common Ground and Community Manager.
On March 26, join CAI for an engaging discussion featuring female industry professionals sharing personal stories and insights about their career triumphs and challenges. Learn how they are advocating for themselves and others in the workplace, striking the right balance between work and home life and celebrating successes through different seasons of their careers.
Throughout the month, CAI’s YouTube channel will feature profiles on women in the industry.
We encourage you to join us in our month-long social media campaign and share about the women who inspire you. Use our free graphics and templates and include these hashtags: #WeAreCAI #InternationalWomensDay #WomenLeaders #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #WomensHistoryMonth.
We look forward to continuing the discussion and celebrating the women who make our industry go. Check back here throughout the month for updates.
Available Now:
Accelerating Action for Gender Equality in Community Association Leadership – CAI’s Advocacy blog
New Survey Reveals Gender Pay Gap – HOAresources
Lessons in Equality from CAI’s Women Leaders – HOAresources
International Women’s Day – YouTube
