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Meet Our 2025 MNR Award Winners

By MNR News posted 22 days ago

  

Meet Our 2025 MNR Award Winners
Realtors® make an incredible impact—not just in the housing market—but in people’s lives, neighborhoods, and communities across Minnesota. Giving out our annual MNR Awards gives us a chance to pause, reflect, and honor the difference Realtors® make every single day. 

Ed Anderson Political Achievement Award

In a 24/7 business like real estate, making time to be politically active on behalf of our industry requires extraordinary dedication. The Ed Anderson Political Achievement award annually honors a member for outstanding contributions in politics and public policy, both locally and nationally. 

Wendy Uzelac has shown immense dedication to the real estate industry through her engagement at all levels of the Realtor® association. Over the years, she has proven to be an extremely valuable resource on MNR’s Government Affairs Committee, providing helpful insights to MNR’s advocacy team. MNR's 2025 President-Elect, Wendy also serves on the MN-RPAC Board of Trustees, and our Government Affairs Steering Committee.

She has served in key roles for the Realtors® Political Action Committee at both the National and State level, always proving her willingness to share why it is important to support RPAC with her colleagues. Wendy is currently serving as an NAR Federal Political Coordinator to Minnesota U.S. Representative Pete Stauber and NAR Major Investor Council Representative. Through all her work for the association, she has proven her dedication to advocating on behalf of the real estate industry. 

Congratulations to Wendy on your achievement! 

Minnesota Realtors® Fair Housing Champion

This brand-new, annual honor (created by the Minnesota Realtors® DE&I Committee) recognizes Realtors® who are dedicated to advancing fair housing, expanding homeownership opportunities, and helping close the racial homeownership gap in the state of Minnesota. 

Elba Guille Garza is a REALTOR® whose leadership is deeply rooted in creating pathways to opportunity. As a founding member and Past President of NAHREP Twin Cities, and a driving force in relaunching the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Twin Cities Metro, she continues to champion initiatives serving first-generation homebuyers and promoting inclusivity.  

Through programs like Keller Williams Integrity Bilingual Connect and partnerships with many organizations such as Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI), Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES),  

Project for Pride in Living (PPL), the Bloomington Police Multicultural Advisory Committee, the Mexican Consulate/Embassy in St. Paul and others, Elba provides education, advocacy, and community resources that empower first-time homebuyers and underserved communities. Elba offers these groups knowledge about down payment assistance, financing options, and their rights under Fair Housing laws. 

Congratulations Elba on your achievement! 

Good Neighbor Award

This annual award honors a Realtor® whose volunteer work makes a positive impact on a community. Honorees demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to improve the lives of those in need by generously donating their time and talents to charitable organizations. 

Anna Elder got involved with Fraser when her first son received an autism diagnosis at 22 months old, which started her volunteer engagement with Fraser. Fraser believes that when everyone belongs, our community is stronger. They provide expert services for autism, mental/behavioral health and disabilities, which help break down barriers to inclusion. Her work on events like the Sensory Santa Experience and the Fraser Festival has helped create sensory-friendly spaces and connected families to vital resources. She is making a real difference in the lives of many. Anna’s story is a wonderful example of how personal experience can lead to meaningful community involvement and a positive impact. 

As a mother to a child with autism, Anna has often spoken about how isolating it can get when you have a child or children diagnosed with autism. She has made it her life’s mission to ensure these families know that support is available. 

Anna is also the founder of the Twin Cities Autism Support Network, which has grown into a thriving community of more than 500 families. She donates a portion of her real estate business to fund inclusive playdates, parent meetups, and special events. This ensures they remain accessible to all families, regardless of circumstances. 

Congratulations Anna on your achievement! 

Realtor® of the Year Award

This annual honor recognizes a member whose outstanding work advances the entire Minnesota real estate industry. The recipient of the Realtor® of the Year Award exemplifies the Realtor® brand to the highest standard and contributes regularly to the organization and their communities. 

Jason Miller has been involved at all three levels of the Realtor® Association this past year.  At the state level, he serves on nine different committees and is currently the chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee.  At the national level, Jason serves on the NAR Board of Directors and the RPAC Trustees Federal Disbursement Committee as the Region 8 Representative and is the Minnesota endorsed candidate for the 2027 Region 8 RVP as well as being a 2024 NARLA Grad. 

And while doing all of these things, he still remembers his roots in St. Cloud by being an active member in the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and participating in new member orientation at the St. Cloud Area Association of Realtors® (SCAAR). Jason’s impact goes beyond policy. He consistently shows up as a connector bringing stakeholders together to drive equitable housing solutions and build a more informed, engaged industry. His leadership has elevated our voice and helped generate meaningful momentum in the communities he serves.  

He is the proud dad to two amazing kids and in case you didn’t know it – he is a Vikings Fan!  

Congratulations Jason on your achievement! 

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