MEET MORE OF OUR 2026 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
When Rachel Govin looks back at her career, she sees her winding path – from a journalism degree, to law school, to property management and now corporate operations – as a strength that has bolstered her work. “It’s OK to change your mind and change your career path,” she says. “Today, I couldn’t be happier, and that came from trying different things.”
Govin now leads operations at Investors Associated, a real estate partnership with more than $490 million in assets that owns and manages properties in seven states. “The most rewarding aspect of my work is the people side,” she says. “When you help a team member find their passion or a tenant navigate a tough financial situation, there is nothing more satisfying.”
“You’re always a work in progress. Appreciate the journey.”
Q&A
What advice do you have for women just starting their career?
Be curious and ask questions and don’t be afraid. Really! It’s okay to ask questions and change your mind and change your path. You have to be flexible. I didn’t find my passion until my late 20s, early 30s, and I think that’s okay. Now I couldn’t be happier in my job, and I love being able to help other women find their path and their passions. But that didn’t come by accident. I had to try a bunch of different things and work for different people and change fields and careers and and I don’t regret any of it.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome in your career?
In law litigation and in real estate, in the beginning of my career I was the only woman in the room. In meetings, people sometimes thought I was someone’s assistant. So having to overcompensate by being extra prepared and extra put together is was definitely challenging.
