Realtor® Awards from Minnesota Realtors®

Every year, Minnesota Realtors® recognizes members who go above and beyond to make lasting contributions to their associations, communities, and the real estate industry by presenting four annual Realtor® Awards. These awards, given out annually, shine a light on these outstanding individuals for their efforts. Nominations for the 2025 Minnesota Realtors® Awards have closed.

The Minnesota Realtor® of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize a Realtor® who exemplifies outstanding service and dedication to the association, the real estate profession, and their community.

Launched in 2020, this Realtor® award recognizes a Realtor® whose extraordinary volunteer work has made an outsized impact on the community.

The yearly award honors a Realtor® for outstanding contributions in politics and public policy, both locally and nationally.

The Fair Housing Champion Award recognizes a Realtor® who is dedicated to fair housing and advancing homeownership opportunities for all in Minnesota.

2025 MNR Award Recipients

Realtor® of the Year

Jason Miller
Trust Real Estate Company

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!

Good Neighbor Award Recipient

Anna Elder
Keller Williams Integrity Lakes

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.

Ed Anderson Award Recipient

Wendy Uzelac
RE/MAX Advantage Plus

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.

Fair Housing Champion

Elba Guille Garza
Keller Williams Integrity Realty

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.

Minnesota Realtor® Ken Larson Honored as NAR's 2025 Good Neighbor Award Recipient!

Ken Larson, a Duluth-based Realtor® with Edina Realty, has been named one of five recipients of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) annual Good Neighbor Awards, which recognize members making extraordinary community impacts.

Larson, founder of the Northern Lights Foundation, began the non-profit in 2006 to honor the memory of his daughter Nicole, who was tragically lost as a newborn. Larson turned his unimaginable grief into a beacon of hope for many, rallying the Duluth community to ensure families and children feel supported during their darkest days. To date, the foundation has raised more than $1.5 million and provided grants to over 300 families whose children face life-threatening illnesses. As part of receiving the distinguished Good Neighbor Award, Larson’s foundation will receive a $10,000 grant from NAR.

GET TO KNOW KEN

QUESTIONS?

For questions regarding Realtor® awards, nominations, and more, contact Carrie Andersen at 952-912-2672 or by email at candersen@mnrealtor.com.

Awards & Recognition