Name: Karen Levitt Ortiz
Age: 28
Title: Crescent Scottsdale Quarter Community Manager
Married/Single: Married
Kids: A dog named Dolce and a cat named Louie
City you live in: Chandler
A typical day in my life includes… I start my day out with my Venti Starbucks Double Shot
before I begin my trek to work. I have a long commute all the way from Chandler to North
Scottsdale, but I am lucky enough to manage the hottest, most high-end apartment community
in Arizona, Crescent Scottsdale Quarter. Every day is challenging and exciting, and I have an
amazing team and company, Mark-Taylor Residential. On a typical day, you can find me touring
prospective residents, working on financials, motivating my team members, planning programs
for our Training Committee or helping current residents with their everyday needs. I also
coordinate and host community events in our extravagant clubhouse, working frequently with
our neighbors at the Scottsdale Quarter. All the while, managing a multi-million dollar asset and
ensuring the clients are satisfied with their investment. After a long day at work, I typically grab a
few glasses of wine with my girlfriends at Postino or catch up on the week’s episode of the
Bachelor.
I was born… in Homewood, IL just outside of Chicago. I miss all of the amazing culture and
delicious food! Can’t wait for Lou Malnati’s to come to Phoenix!
My favorite thing about Arizona… the mountains! Being from the mid-west, I am amazed by
the landscape and enjoy hiking every weekend!
I’m listening to… XM Radio. BPM or anything country.
My family… still lives in Illinois, but my younger sister just moved to Arizona and moved in with
me until she starts at ASU in the fall. We are enjoying the new dynamic and the opportunity to
become even closer. There is a 10 year age gap between us, but she looks up to me to teach
and guide her through life’s challenges.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… my grandma. We were incredibly close
before she passed away from colon cancer in 2006. I would love to be able tell her about
everywhere I have been and everything that I have accomplished. I know that she would be so
proud of me.
One thing I cannot live without… wine! Good thing I work next door to wine bar!
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a ballerina! I still do!
I’m inspired by… the challenges and goals that I set for myself both personally and
professionally. I take great pride in overcoming an obstacle or reaching a certain goal; like
getting to the top of a mountain or earning a career advancement.
The one person who motivates me is… my husband. He is always very supportive and proud
of my work ethic, even if that means long hours and late nights at the office. I know that I have
someone at home who is always there to listen to me and hold my hand after a rough day.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… to open the minds of judgmental
people. Far too often, people are quick to pass judgment based on the way someone looks, the
color of their skin or the clothes they are wearing.
The perfect day would be… laying on a beach with my hubby drinking margaritas.
My first job was… a sales associate at a bridal jewelry store. I got to play dress up all day!
Tiaras and veils included!
My favorite escape… was traveling to Italy with my husband. Eating pasta, drinking wine and
exploring all of the art and history.
My life… is full of challenges, but also full of fun. I truly live by the motto “Work hard, Play hard.”
I pour my entire self into my work every day, but make sure that my weekends are jam packed
with social activities, being outdoors and taking advantage of everything there is to do in
Phoenix!
I’m currently working on… leasing and stabilizing occupancy at Crescent Scottsdale Quarter
while providing the best living experience possible for our residents. I personally make it my
goal to ensure that everyone truly enjoys calling this place their home. I am constantly looking
for ways to grow and challenge my own personal career, as well as develop new training
programs for my company. I am working hard to continue my path in multi-family community
management and look forward to growing new developments in the Phoenix market.
Always… work with integrity.
Never… go to bed angry.
Favorite Quote… “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” –Marilyn
Monroe
Biggest Dream… to travel the world and experience so many other amazing and interesting
cultures. I would also love to go back to school and earn a Master’s Degree in Business
Administration.
My Pet Peeve(s)… messy handwriting.
