March is Women’s History Month. This month, we’re recognizing the women whose leadership and impact continue to shape our industry and our organization. Read on to see how we’re celebrating their contributions and how you can help advance homeownership for all.
Discover the History of Women in Real Estate
1910
The first woman to join the National Association of REALTORS® was Seattle broker Corrine Simpson.
1920
Cora Wright, one of the founders of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR), was not allowed to be a member of the Chicago Real Estate Board because of her gender. Instead, she joined the smaller neighboring Oak Park Real Estate Board and thus became a member of NAR. Most of the local boards had dropped the gender restriction by the early 1950s.
1950
With a 46 to 8 vote by the Board of Directors, women were officially allowed to join the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, 67 years after it was formed.
1974
Sex was added to the list of federal protected classes under the Fair Housing Act. This ultimately made it illegal to discriminate in housing and legalized fair opportunity for women to apply (and co-sign) on a mortgage application and obtain any housing.
2001
Gender identity was added to the list of federal protected classes.
Meet Our Women Leaders
Board of Directors
Vick Silvano
President Elect
Erika Villegas
Immediate Past President
Michelle Aponte Boksa
Director
Sheila Dantzler
Director
Amy Hall
Director
Sherri Jordan
Director
Marki Lemons Ryhal
Director
Myra Nimchaiyong
Director
Megan Oswald
Director
Rachel Scheid
Director
Staci Slattery
Director
Foundation Board of Trustees
Kelly Price
Chair
Sharon Aguilera
Vice Chair
Sarah Langum
Treasurer/Secretary
Antonia Mills Wesselink
Immediate Past Chair
Vick Silvano
Trustee
Robbine Kim
Trustee
Megan Oswald
Immediate Past Chair
Rachel Scheid
Trustee
Lashaun Brown Glenn
Trustee
Shaun Pinkston
Trustee
Past Presidents
- 2024-2025:
Erika Villegas - 2023-2024:
Drussy Hernndez - 2022-2023:
Sarah Ware - 2021-2022:
Antje Gehrken - 2020-2021:
Nykea Pippion McGriff - 2017-2018:
Rebecca Thomson - 2010-2011:
Mabel Guzman - 2009-2010:
Genie Birch - 2005-2006:
Nancy Suvarnamani - 2004-2005:
Darlene Little - 2000-2001:
Millie Rosenbloom - 1996-1997:
Camilla A. Benson - 1986-1987:
Lorraine A. Johnson
2025-2026 Committee Chairs
- Elizabeth Elie: YPN
- Mallori Lockett: Member Care Task Force
- Stephanie Poulakidas: Professional Standards Committee
- Cassandra Sneed: The 77, Diversity Committee
- Cleo Aquino: Global Real Estate Council
- Ri Prasad: Sustainability
Foundation Hall of Fame Inductees
- 2016:
Nancy Suvarnamani - 2014:
Millie Rosenbloom - 2011:
Goldie Wolfe Miller - 1998:
Evangeline Gouletas
Celebrate Women’s History Month With Us
March 5th: Titans Of Industry: Women In Real Estate Brunch
Step into an experience that was built from the ground up to support women in real estate — mind, money, leadership and safety. This event brings together powerful conversations on wellness and career sustainability, sustainable wealth-building and women-driven tech and AI-ready leadership, giving you back time, boosting your confidence and expanding what’s possible for your business. You’ll walk away with practical tools to protect your energy, strengthen your financial foundation and leverage technology as a true partner in leadership, without losing your voice or values. As part of the experience, certified safety instructors will be on site to share guidance that supports strong judgment and prepared decision-making during showings — adding another layer of preparedness to the way you already lead and work.
Come ready to be inspired, empowered and equipped to thrive in every area of your life and business.
March 19th: D77 Community Meetup
You’re invited! Join the Diversity Committee (the D77) for an informal networking event. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re supporting a local, woman-owned business, Lexington Betty Smokehouse!
Explore Scholarships for Women
- Marki Lemons Ryhal Education Advancement Scholarship: This scholarship supports candidates that are seeking to obtain their real estate license OR attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
- Sarah L. Ware Empowerment Scholarship: This scholarship provides financial assistance for attending industry conferences, events and meetings or paying dues for membership to our Industry Partners.
- Women’s Council of REALTORS® Chicago Future Leaders Scholarship: This scholarship helps emerging women leaders attend the Midyear or National Annual Meetings to further their growth in the industry.
Support Industry organizations
The Women’s Council of REALTORS® is a network of successful REALTORS® who are advancing women as business leaders in the industry and in our communities. The Chicago chapter is also one of our industry partners! Visit their site to find out what they’re doing and how you can get involved!
