Argue with Mia McLeod at your peril. McLeod excelled in speech and debate at the University of California-Berkeley, placing third nationally in persuasive platform speaking in 2001. Her topic: the benefits of antimicrobial steel. Her exceptional ability to think quickly on her feet has also helped in the business world. 

HER MOTHER’S DAUGHTER: During her senior year of college, she began taking real estate classes and found her passion. After graduating in 2004, she obtained her broker’s license and set up shop as a mortgage expert in a corner of a travel agency owned by her mother, Angie Garcia, whom she cites as her role model. 

MEALS AND DEALS: McLeod, who now provides a wide range of real estate services from two offices, closed 37 transaction sides worth $12 million last year. She cultivates many of her clients by hosting weekly seminars that include dinner to discuss international real estate investing.