Valeria Alphin, a sales associate with Long & Foster Real Estate’s Roanoke office, graduated from Virginia Realtors’ Virginia Leadership Academy (VLA) during the association’s 2017 state conference, held October 2-5 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center.

Each year, Virginia Realtors selects promising leaders to participate in the VLA program through a competitive application process that prioritizes professional achievement in the real estate industry and community leadership. VLA cultivates talent and prepares Virginia real estate professionals for industry leadership at the state and national level.

Alphin was one of only 12 applicants from across the state accepted into the VLA 2017 class, which included Realtors with residential and commercial expertise. A recognized change agent in the Roanoke community, Alphin also serves as president of the Greater Deyerle Neighborhood Association, and is past president of the Mountain View Neighborhood Association.

“Since becoming a Realtor in August 2006, Valeria has emerged as a leader in the real estate industry and in the Roanoke community,” said Bitsy Davis, Long & Foster Roanoke vice president and managing broker. “We are very pleased to congratulate Valeria on this career achievement.”

The 2017 Virginia Realtors conference carried the slogan, “Come early, Stay late,” to encourage the record number of attendees to enjoy Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.

“We’re proud that the Roanoke Valley continues to grow attention state and nationwide through service from our dedicated local Realtors,” said Kathy Chandler, President of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors. “We remain confident the housing market will continue to thrive with the myriad economic developments taking place across Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.”

Added Virginia Realtors 2017 President, Claire Forcier-Rowe, “We always include time for and encourage our members to explore the host city amenities.”