20 under 40: Del-Metrius Herron
In both a professional and community sense, Del-Metrius has a keen ability to transform places and spaces into somewhere that truly feels like home. As a realty professional and a board member of the Sunflower Association of Realtors, Del-Metrius works to help people buy and sell their houses in the city, always striving to move them closer to a place where they can fully live, work and play.
Del-Metrius acts as the chair for Forge Young Professionals, a Topeka organization focused on making the city a great place to live, work and play for young talent. Additionally, Del-Metrius sits on the SENT Housing Committee, and serves as a commissioner for the Topeka Planning Commission.
Through her work with these organizations, Del-Metrius uses her platform to empower and support others personally and professionally, to spur economic development and to create diverse, equitable and inclusive community environments.
Prior to serving her community, Del-Metrius served her country in the Kansas Army National Guard in the areas of recruitment and information technologies. Her commitment, hard work and integrity led to her receiving multiple military service awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medals and the Battery Soldier of the Year award (A2-130th FA).
What inspired your real estate career?
Two things: my faith and my family. I got licensed in 2016, but due to insecurities I didn’t believe anyone would purchase a home from me. So, I found a 9-5 position in the IT world. Soon after, I found out that I was deploying with my unit to Syria and Kuwait and served overseas in 2017-18. After I returned home in 2018, my son got incredibly sick and I needed to be physically and emotionally present for him in a way that my job wouldn’t accommodate. I was a single mother so the tug of war between needing to financially provide and the need to be available 24/7 to tend to my son’s needs was excruciating. After much prayer I felt like God was leading me to quit my job, and I did. It’s one of the best decisions I ever made.
What is your leadership style?
A servant leader/partnership. I would never ask someone I am leading to do something I wouldn’t do. I don’t lead by ruling over others. I personally don’t respond well to that style. I treat those I am leading the way I want to be led.
What challenges young professionals?
Lack of patience. It causes young professionals to not lead a quality life in the present as they are constantly seeking what is next.
