Saralena Trenkel

Saralena Trenkel is Divisional Vice President for Progress Residential’s East Division, overseeing four regions and nine markets across Florida, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. She drives operational and financial performance, leads cross-functional initiatives and champions change management to improve processes, resident satisfaction and team member engagement.

She has collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop systems for tracking property damage and ensuring resident safety. These efforts helped shape Progress’s national disaster response framework. Trenkel spearheaded Salesforce dashboards for market operations, providing real-time insights, accelerating case resolution, and improving resident service. She also launched the Resident Connection Journey with check-ins at three days, three weeks and three months after move-in.

Trenkel earned a black belt in American Open Style Karate, where she developed discipline and focus. She is also an instructor, leading a class for children with ADD and ADHD and teaching self-defense to women and students. 

Trenkel’s industry honors include Leasing & Occupancy Professional of the Year, Marketing Leadership Award and the Old Navy Exceed Award. Furthermore, she completed Progress Residential’s LEAD 101, a nine-week leadership program and executive coaching program.

These are just a few reasons Saralena Trenkel is among the Atlanta & Southeast Connect CRE 2025 Women in Real Estate Award winners. Connect CRE’s Women in Real Estate Awards honor the achievements and inspirational stories of women who have reached respected leadership positions and taken on mentorship roles.