Meet Ana Zecca

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ana Zecca a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ana , so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?

My empathy was shaped by life experience, community work, and a deep understanding of human resilience. This empathy fuels my daily work as Broker-Owner of Zecca Realty Group. Buying or selling a home is deeply personal, and I approach each client with patience, compassion, and a commitment to understanding their unique needs. Whether supporting a single mother through a difficult relocation or helping a first-time buyer achieve their dream, I lead with empathy—because people remember how you made them feel, not just what you did for them.

Also, as the President of Toy Drive ‘N Events, Inc., I work closely with children and families facing real hardship—from survivors of domestic violence to students lacking necessities. Listening to their stories and helping restore dignity through our nonprofit events has profoundly opened my heart.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Ana Zecca, and I proudly wear many hats: Broker-Owner of Zecca Realty Group, President of Toy Drive ‘N Events, Inc., mother, grandmother, and community advocate. With over two decades of experience in real estate and a lifelong passion for service, my work is rooted in one simple mission: to help people move forward, whether that’s finding their dream home or helping a struggling family through a moment of need.

At Zecca Realty Group, based in Doral, Florida, we specialize in residential and commercial real estate across South Florida, including Miami, Coral Gables, and Pinecrest. What sets us apart is our personalized approach—our boutique firm is built on trust, relationships, and results. We believe quality matters more than quantity, and we make every client feel seen, heard, and valued. This year, we proudly celebrated six years under Zecca Realty Group, twenty-two in the business, and I was recently honored to be named 2025 Real Estate Women Leader of the Year at the IPS Exhibition in Dubai.

But my work doesn’t end with real estate. As the founder and president of Toy Drive ‘N Events, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, I lead efforts to support underprivileged children and families throughout the year. From our annual “Breakfast with Santa” to our Back-to-School Backpack Drives and Mother’s Day Luncheons for survivors of domestic violence, we bring community and compassion together in meaningful ways. What started as a small act of kindness has grown into a movement supported by incredible donors, volunteers, and local partners. In just less than two years, we’ve served hundreds of families, and we’re only getting started.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful traits in my journey have been: resilience, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication.

Resilience – The real estate market is full of highs and lows, and so is nonprofit work. Deals fall through, clients change plans, and funding can be uncertain. Resilience is what allows you to stay the course, adapt to setbacks, and keep showing up for your mission. For anyone starting, I recommend building this muscle by learning how to bounce back quickly from challenges—journal your lessons, seek mentorship, and never let one failure define your story.

Emotional Intelligence – Whether I’m working with a client buying their first home or a mom healing from trauma through Toy Drive ‘N Events, the ability to listen deeply, empathize, and respond with compassion has made all the difference. Emotional intelligence isn’t soft—it’s powerful. If you’re early in your journey, work on being present, asking thoughtful questions, and understanding the emotions behind the transaction or story.

Strategic Communication – From negotiating contracts to fundraising, your ability to clearly express your vision and values is key. Over the years, I’ve learned that what you say—and how you say it—can open doors or close them. For those just starting, invest in your writing and speaking skills. Practice clarity, confidence, and consistency in every interaction.

Advice?
Stay true to your values, stay open to learning, and surround yourself with people who challenge and uplift you. Your journey won’t be perfect, but it will be yours—and that’s the most powerful thing you can own.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been stepping fully into leadership with clarity and confidence, both in business and in service. As the Broker-Owner of Zecca Realty Group, I’ve focused on strengthening our brand, streamlining operations, and expanding our reach in highly competitive markets like Coral Gables and Miami Beach. Winning the 2025 Real Estate Women Leader of the Year award in Dubai was not only an honor but a reflection of the hard work and evolution I’ve poured into my career.

At the same time, launching and growing Toy Drive ‘N Events, Inc. has pushed me into a new level of community leadership. In less than two years, we’ve hosted large-scale non-profit events, formed partnerships with other nonprofits, and supported hundreds of families. I’ve learned how to manage both the emotional and operational demands of running a 501(c)(3), while still giving my all to my clients in real estate.

This dual path has taught me to trust my voice, delegate more effectively, and most importantly, lead with both heart and strategy.

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