March is Women’s History Month! Find out how we’re honoring the women who have impacted our industry and how you can get involved.
Celebrate International Women’s Day at our annual Titans of Industry: Women in Real Estate Brunch on Wednesday, March 8th. During this event, you’ll have the chance to make meaningful connections with industry peers while we enjoy a buffet brunch. The program will feature:
- An inspirational, influential keynote speaker.
- A panel to address creating harmony between entrepreneurship, leadership and more.
- Interactive activities and conversations.
- And more!
Click here to register today.
Check out a recap of the 2022 Titans of Industry event here.
Statistics on Women Homeowners
More single women are becoming heads of households. Find out what that means for women homebuyers and what they’re looking for during their search.
Additional stats:
- Women have been second only to married couples in the homebuying market since NAR started data collection in 1981.
- Over the past 30 years, the marriage rate continues to decline, and more single women are household heads.
- For single women, the overall desire to own a home of their own is the top reason to purchase a house.
- Given lower household incomes, women make more financial sacrifices when purchasing. 39% of women make financial sacrifices compared to 37% of men who purchase homes.
- In 1974, sex was added to the list of federally protected classes under the Fair Housing Act. This ultimately made it illegal to discriminate against women in housing and provided fair opportunities for women to apply and co-sign on a mortgage application.
View more stats in the National Association of REALTORS® blog.
The History of Women in Real Estate
The first woman to join the National Association of REALTORS® was Seattle broker Corrine Simpson, who became a member in 1910.
However, one of the primary requirements for national membership was participation as a member of a local real estate board.
Many local, well-established boards in major cities explicitly banned women from membership in their bylaws, which prevented them from becoming members of NAR. Newly established boards and those in suburbs and rural areas often didn’t have such restrictions, since they needed all the members they could get.
In the 1920s, 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.
Meet Our Women Leaders
Learn How Our Female Leaders Celebrate Women’s History Month
Did you know 59% of our staff are female? Meet some of our staff team members and learn how they also celebrate Women’s History Month!
![]() Christie Wereski, Assistant Director Curricular Innovation1. What do you do for the association? I design learning experiences for CAR students/members. 2. What’s your favorite thing about working at CAR? The people! I have learned something from each member of the CAR team, both past and present. We have a wonderfully talented staff that excel beyond their roles here. 3. How do you celebrate Women’s History Month? I’ll celebrate this year by sending notes to the women who have supported and inspired me throughout the past year. 4. Who’s one woman (dead or alive) that you’ve drawn inspiration from? And why? I can’t limit myself to only one. I am inspired by the passion that drives the successes of my female friends and colleagues. Seeing projects completed, goals reached and promotions earned inspires me to put myself out there with my best foot forward. I’m so thankful to all the women that have and continue to motivate me. 5. Shout out your favorite local, female-owned business(es) (restaurant, shop, etc.) here in the city! ENJOY in Lincoln Square. I love to pop into this store for gifts, they have something for everyone. |
![]() Jeanette Fisher, Accounts Payable Coordinator1. What do you do for the association? I handle payments for the association, whether it be for expenses such as gas and water, as well as payment for sponsorship, etc. 2. What’s your favorite thing about working at CAR? CAR cares and engages in the well-being of its employees, from staff outings to speakers about current issues to cards and flowers in moments of need. 3. How do you celebrate Women’s History Month? Engaging with younger women to mentor them in the value of credit scores and finances. 4. Who’s one woman (dead or alive) that you’ve drawn inspiration from? And why? Michelle Obama. She was the woman behind the man that ran the country for eight years. Not many people know the value of someone who is smart and will always have your back. 5. Shout out your favorite local, female-owned business(es) (restaurant, shop, etc.) here in the city! Brown Sugar Baker at 328 E. 75th St. |
![]() Nikia Fitch, Executive Assistant1. What do you do for the association? I support the CEO and COO of the association. 2. What’s your favorite thing about working at CAR? The benefits, my coworkers and the networking opportunities. 3. How do you celebrate Women’s History Month? I try and support all women in some way, whether they’re a friend, family member or stranger. 4. Who’s one woman (dead or alive) that you’ve drawn inspiration from? And why? My mom. She passed away when I was four. I have heard so many amazing stories about her and her journey from my dad, my grandmother and friends of hers. They always tell me that I am a lot like her. I draw inspiration from her because I know she is watching over me and I just want to make her proud. 5. Shout out your favorite local, female-owned business(es) (restaurant, shop, etc.) here in the city! I am big on natural remedies, energy and overall positivity and good vibes. There is a shop by my apartment in Wicker Park called the Ruby Room. They have everything from sage, crystals, palo santo, etc. They have classes, they do massages and they have an Airbnb component. It is a very cool concept! They are dedicated to helping people heal and positively transform from the inside out. |
![]() Mealea Da, Professional Standards Administrator1. What do you do for the association? I administer professional standards and dispute resolution. 2. What’s your favorite thing about working at CAR? The diversity and inclusiveness that permeates every level of the association, from leadership to membership, is something that makes me proud to represent CAR. 3. How do you celebrate Women’s History Month? I celebrate Women’s History Month by supporting female-owned businesses and reading up on the history of women’s rights to be reminded that though we have come so far, there is still more to be done in terms of equality at home and around the world. We must never forget that the 19th Amendment was only passed in 1920 and that women’s rights are still an issue in many parts of the world. 4. Who’s one woman (dead or alive) that you’ve drawn inspiration from? And why? My mom is my number one hero and inspiration. My mom is a female business owner and her perseverance and drive to rise above the status quo and do better is something that inspires me every day. I can definitely say that I am a product of her teaching and love, and I hope to make her proud in everything I do. 5. Shout out your favorite local, female-owned business(es) (restaurant, shop, etc.) here in the city! EYELASHWORKS – Nelli and her team are the only people I trust to do my lashes and Nelli’s care and work ethic is exemplary. |
Apply for a Women-Focused Scholarship
The Marki Lemons Ryhal Education Advancement Scholarship supports candidates who are seeking to obtain their real estate license OR attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). This fund is applicable only to African American women whose primary residence is in underserved communities within the Chicagoland area. Next Scholarship Deadline: May 1
Get Involved!
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!