Ellyn Mendham Honored with Prestigious Marilyn Jones Memorial Award for Decades of Exemplary Volunteerism

The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) recently hosted its annual Diamond Gala, a revered event celebrating excellence and dedication within the local real estate community. Among the evening’s most anticipated moments was the presentation of the 2021 Volunteer of the Year – Marilyn Jones Memorial Award. This year, the distinguished honor was bestowed upon Ellyn Mendham, a name synonymous with unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and profound impact on the real estate industry in Calgary and beyond. Mendham’s recognition underscores a career defined by selfless service and an inspiring dedication to advancing her profession through tireless volunteer efforts.

The Marilyn Jones Memorial Award stands as a beacon of the highest ideals of volunteerism within CREB. It is meticulously presented to a CREB member who not only embodies the spirit of giving back but also makes outstanding, tangible contributions to the real estate sector, actively inspiring peers and newer generations to follow suit. The award serves as a perpetual tribute to the late Marilyn Jones, a beloved local Realtor whose career was characterized by an extraordinary devotion to volunteerism. Jones’s legacy continues to motivate and remind the community of the transformative power of dedicated service, making this award one of the most significant accolades a CREB member can receive.

A Deep Personal Connection to a Cherished Legacy

For Ellyn Mendham, receiving the Marilyn Jones Memorial Award carried a particularly profound resonance, tinged with personal sentiment. Speaking at the gala, Mendham shared her heartfelt connection to the award’s namesake: “I knew Marilyn personally, so being presented with this award is absolutely amazing. We worked together, we volunteered together, and every time I went to CREB, there she was,” Mendham reminisced. Her words painted a vivid picture of a shared journey, a camaraderie forged in the trenches of professional service and community contribution. “To be honored in her name is just remarkable,” she added, her voice conveying the deep respect and admiration she held for Jones. This personal connection elevates the award beyond mere professional recognition; it signifies an embrace of a cherished friend’s enduring spirit and a continuation of a shared commitment to the values Marilyn Jones so passionately upheld. It speaks volumes about the intertwined histories and the foundational relationships that bolster the strength and collegiality of the Calgary real estate community.

Ellyn Mendham: A Pillar of the Real Estate Community for Over Four Decades

Ellyn Mendham’s career in real estate spans more than four decades, a testament to her enduring passion and steadfast commitment to the industry. Her journey is not merely one of longevity but of continuous evolution, leadership, and impactful service. Throughout these years, she has not only witnessed the transformative changes within the real estate landscape but has actively shaped its direction through her various roles and volunteer endeavors. Her comprehensive understanding of the market, coupled with her unwavering dedication to ethical practices and community betterment, has cemented her status as a true luminary within the Calgary real estate scene.

A Trailblazing Presidency and Unwavering Leadership

A significant highlight of Mendham’s illustrious career was her tenure as CREB’s 50th president in 1993. This was a particularly historic moment as she was the first associate to hold the presidential office, breaking new ground and setting a precedent for future leaders. Her presidency was marked by a visionary approach and a steadfast commitment to strengthening CREB’s mission and expanding its influence. She navigated the complexities of the industry with grace and strategic foresight, advocating tirelessly for members and ensuring the board remained at the forefront of real estate innovation and advocacy. Her leadership during this period laid critical groundwork for many initiatives that continue to benefit CREB members and the broader community today. Her ability to lead effectively, inspire confidence, and drive progress during her presidency underscored her exceptional capabilities and her profound impact on the organization.

Decades of Dedicated Service Across Key Committees

Beyond her presidential term, Ellyn Mendham has devoted decades to volunteering on numerous CREB committees, each role contributing significantly to the board’s operational excellence and strategic direction. Her commitment to these vital functions demonstrates a deep understanding of the intricate workings of the real estate industry and a willingness to contribute her expertise wherever it was most needed. In 2017, she took on the pivotal role as chair of CREB’s Critical Illness Benefit Society, an organization dedicated to providing crucial support to members during challenging health crises. This role showcased her compassionate leadership and her desire to foster a supportive and caring community within CREB. Her work with the society involved not just administrative oversight but also empathetic engagement, ensuring that members facing severe health challenges received the timely and necessary assistance, thereby reinforcing the communal bonds and mutual support that define CREB.

Furthermore, Mendham’s influence extended beyond CREB’s immediate purview. She also admirably chaired the Real Estate Insurance Exchange, contributing her financial acumen and governance expertise to ensure robust and fair insurance practices within the industry. Her involvement here highlighted her versatile skill set and her commitment to the broader infrastructure that supports real estate professionals. Her service also included a significant tenure on the Alberta Real Estate Association’s (AREA) board of directors. This position allowed her to shape policy and advocacy at a provincial level, influencing the regulatory environment and advocating for the interests of Realtors across Alberta. These diverse roles collectively paint a picture of a leader deeply invested in every facet of the real estate profession, from local member support to provincial governance and welfare initiatives.

Recognized Excellence Beyond Volunteerism: The T.W.H. (Bill) Saunders Memorial Award

Ellyn Mendham’s professional excellence and leadership were formally recognized even prior to this most recent honor. In 2005, she was named CREB’s Realtor of the Year, an award that carries immense prestige and recognition within the industry. This esteemed accolade, known as the T.W.H. (Bill) Saunders Memorial Award, acknowledges Realtors who exemplify outstanding professionalism, ethical conduct, and significant contributions to the real estate profession. Winning this award in 2005 served as a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to industry best practices, her leadership qualities, and her overall positive influence on her peers and the market. It further underscores that her latest Volunteer of the Year award is not an isolated recognition, but a continuation of a career consistently marked by excellence and profound dedication.

The Enduring Impact of Volunteerism in the Real Estate Industry

Ellyn Mendham’s remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder of the indispensable role volunteerism plays in the real estate industry. Professional boards and associations, like CREB and AREA, thrive on the selfless contributions of their members. Volunteers bring diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and a dedicated spirit that propels the industry forward, fostering innovation, ethical standards, and a strong sense of community. Their efforts often lead to the development of vital programs, improved regulatory frameworks, and enhanced member benefits that might otherwise be impossible to achieve. Through volunteer engagement, professionals not only give back to their community but also gain invaluable leadership experience, expand their networks, and contribute to the collective good. It’s a symbiotic relationship where individual contributions amplify industry-wide progress and strengthen the integrity and professionalism of the entire sector. Mendham’s career exemplifies how continuous, dedicated volunteerism can create a lasting, positive legacy that benefits thousands of professionals and the public they serve.

A Role Model for Future Generations: Leading by Example

CREB president and CEO Alan Tennant eloquently summarized Ellyn Mendham’s exemplary qualities, highlighting why she is such an invaluable asset to the organization and an inspiration to others. “Ellyn is a great role model and team player who invests her time in organized real estate for the best of reasons,” says Tennant. His statement emphasizes the intrinsic motivation behind Mendham’s service – a genuine desire to improve the industry, rather than seeking personal gain. Tennant further lauded her proactive approach and thoroughness: “She is always willing to step up and once she does, she comes prepared, collaborates with her peers and passionately leads by example.” This description paints a vivid picture of a leader who is not only willing to take on challenges but approaches them with diligence, a collaborative spirit, and an infectious enthusiasm. Her ability to consistently demonstrate these qualities has made her an exceptional mentor, guiding and inspiring countless professionals to engage more actively and contribute meaningfully to their profession. Ellyn Mendham’s legacy is not just in the committees she chaired or the policies she influenced, but in the countless individuals she has empowered through her actions and her unwavering commitment to excellence and service.

The Calgary Real Estate Board’s Commitment to Excellence and Community

The existence of awards like the Marilyn Jones Memorial Award underscores the Calgary Real Estate Board’s deep-rooted commitment to recognizing and fostering excellence, ethical conduct, and unparalleled community service among its members. CREB serves as a cornerstone of the Calgary real estate market, providing essential resources, professional development opportunities, and a strong voice for its members. By celebrating individuals like Ellyn Mendham, CREB not only honors past achievements but also sets a powerful standard for future generations. It reinforces the values of integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility that are crucial for a thriving professional community. The Diamond Gala, through its celebration of such dedicated individuals, acts as a powerful reminder of the collective impact that committed professionals can have on shaping a robust, ethical, and community-focused real estate industry.

A Legacy of Inspiration and Service Continues

As Ellyn Mendham proudly accepted the 2021 Volunteer of the Year – Marilyn Jones Memorial Award, she not only added another prestigious accolade to her already remarkable career but also reaffirmed her enduring status as a luminary in the Calgary real estate community. Her four decades of relentless dedication, groundbreaking leadership, and selfless volunteerism serve as an inspiring blueprint for all who aspire to make a meaningful difference. From her historic presidency to her tireless work on various committees and boards, Ellyn Mendham has consistently exemplified the highest ideals of professional service and community spirit. Her profound personal connection to Marilyn Jones further sanctifies this honor, ensuring that the legacy of dedicated volunteerism continues to shine brightly through her actions. Ellyn Mendham’s contributions have undeniably enriched the real estate industry, leaving an indelible mark that will continue to inspire current and future generations of Realtors to step up, get involved, and passionately lead by example.