Titans of Industry: Women in Real Estate Event Toolkit

Grace Kaage is a third-generation real estate leader and co-founder of Kaage Homes, a North Shore–based real estate team and development firm. Before launching the business with her husband KC, Grace spent more than 15 years in the Chicagoland market with senior leadership at @properties and Compass, including serving as Managing Broker of the @properties Streeterville and Gold Coast offices and later as Managing Director overseeing Compass’ Illinois and Indiana markets. 
 
Today, through Kaage Homes, Grace and her team help clients buy, sell, and build architecturally significant custom homes while remaining deeply engaged in the real estate community. With new development projects underway and a showroom opening this spring, she looks forward to bringing her strategic approach to buying, selling, and building homes to homeowners across the Midwest. Grace previously served on the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors, and her work and insights have been featured in Today.com, Crain’s, The Real Deal, Sheridan Road, and Chicago Agent Magazine. She is passionate about supporting agents, strengthening the industry, and helping clients view real estate as a long-term investment. 

• @gracekaage

Sarah Ware is a respected real estate leader with almost 30 years of experience spanning brokerage, association leadership, and industry advocacy. She is the Principal and Designated Managing Broker of Ware Realty Group, a firm built on service, strategy, and community impact. 
 
A longtime champion for advancing women and diverse voices in real estate, Sarah currently serves as Treasurer of Illinois REALTORS® and is the Immediate Past President (for the second time) of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, where she previously served as the organization’s 139th President (2022–2023). She continues to shape the profession through leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. 
 
A proud South Side Chicagoan, Sarah values balance — whether that’s an Orangetheory workout, a quiet night with Netflix, or time spent reflecting and recharging. 

• @waresarahl
• Sarah Ware

Susan is the founder, owner, and principal attorney at Susan J. Kim LLC, a multilingual boutique law firm with offices in Deer Park and Chicago. 
 
Susan practices primarily in the field of residential/commercial real estate, estate planning, and the sale/purchase of small businesses; however, she collaborates with attorneys in other fields of law, such as family law, civil litigation, property tax appeals, tax sales, criminal law, corporate law, etc. For this reason, she is able to refer her clients to her vast network of attorneys to best represent her client’s interests and needs. 
 
Susan is known to be attentive and meticulous during contract review through closing, approachable, kind, and responsive to her clients, and a dedicated advocate for her clients. She also works with a broad range of clients, from first-time homebuyers to seniors, investors, etc., closing more than 500 transactions yearly.  
 
Susan attributes the success of Susan J. Kim LLC to her amazing SJK Team: Carolyn Cabanban (Senior Paralegal), Sienna Kim (Korean Speaking Real Estate Assistant), Lupe Isaac (Arabic & Assyrian Speaking Paralegal), Amelia Orduno (Spanish Speaking Real Estate Assistant), Miae Kim (Korean Speaking Admin Assistant), Simoni Isaac (College Intern), and Patricia Tauchert (Of Counsel Attorney at Law).  
 
Susan is married to David and will soon celebrate their 15-year anniversary with their three children. 

• @sjkimlaw

Sherise Pleasant added CEO to her title in November 2020. Sherise was employed with the City of Chicago for 16 years. As a Chicago native from the westside of Chicago and a single mother of four, there were numerous odds stacked against her. However, Sherise’s dream was always to provide a better life for her family. Soon, Sherise discovered her calling for changing people’s lives after processing tax returns and fixing credit for family and friends in her basement. After spending countless hours working two jobs, and outgrowing the space in her basement, Sherise knew she had to make the decision to step out and become an entrepreneur full-time. Pleasant Financial Services was born. 
 
Sherise became a Board-Certified Credit Consultant in 2019, and she opened the doors in August 2020 and has since upgraded her fully staffed office space. Pleasant Financial Services has maintained its motto to “Repair, Rebuild and Reestablish credit while educating consumers throughout the process.” Sherise has been speaking publicly, educating people on taxes, credit, and financial literacy. She’s been featured on Chicago’s Soul 106.3FM, Inspirational 1390AM and WVON 1690AM. Her goal is to help others obtain financial freedom for generations to come not only in her community but worldwide! 

• @Iamsherisepleasant 
• Pleasant Financial Services

Michelle J. Velasquez is a seasoned real estate investor, financial coach, and wealth-building strategist with over 13 years of hands-on experience helping professionals and families move confidently into homeownership and real estate investing. 

She is the founder of Virtuous Wealth Building and currently serves as the Membership Chair for NAHREP Chicago, where she supports real estate professionals through education, connection, and access to resources that strengthen Latino homeownership and investment opportunities. Michelle is also a NAHREP10 Trainer and a founding member of NAHREIA, actively contributing to the education and development of real estate investors nationwide. 

Michelle works closely with realtors, lenders, and real estate professionals to financially prepare their clients for successful closings and long-term ownership. She specializes in helping clients understand their full financial picture, strengthen cash flow, build savings, and create clear purchase and investment strategies aligned with income, risk tolerance, and lifestyle. 

She owns and operates a portfolio of single-family and multi-family properties, including short- and mid-term rentals across platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking. Raised by a father in construction and married to a general contractor and building analyst, real estate has always been part of her foundation. Through their family business, Green Building Partners, they actively renovate and flip properties, blending financial strategy with construction expertise to maximize property value and long-term returns. 

Through her signature Money Mapping process, Michelle helps clients move from uncertainty to clarity by showing them exactly where their money is going, what is working, and what needs to change so finances feel manageable instead of overwhelming. Her work helps reduce deal fallout, strengthens borrower confidence, and supports smoother transactions for real estate professionals.

Michelle is also a speaker, trainer, and author who partners with organizations, brokerages, and industry leaders to deliver practical financial education that supports sustainable homeownership, investment readiness, and generational wealth. 

• @vwbcoaching
• vwbcoaching
• vwbcoaching
• vwbcoaching.com

Cassandra “Ms. Cass” Sneed is a Chicago-based REALTOR®, community advocate, and real estate strategist known for blending deep neighborhood knowledge with practical wealth-building guidance. She serves as Vice President of Community Engagement at EXIT Strategy Realty and Chair of The 77 Diversity Committee at the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. With prior experience at the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing and as a graduate of the Real Estate Mentorship Cohort Program with C3 and Dajuan Robinson (DNA Construction), Cassandra is recognized as a deal maker, opportunity finder, and trusted voice in real estate. While her primary focus is the South Side of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, her work now extends internationally through her affiliation with Seso Global, connecting opportunities in Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia. 
 
Affectionately known as “Ms. Cass,” she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She is a proud wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother — lovingly called “Yaya” — who is personally navigating caregiving alongside her sister for their 80-year-old mother living with dementia. This personal journey deepens her commitment to housing stability, legacy, and generational impact. Whether speaking on homeownership, investment strategy, or community-driven development, her message is clear: real estate is not simply a transaction — it is a pathway to security, opportunity, and long-term wealth. 
 
Want to connect? Text MSCASS to 85377.

Emmy award-winning journalist Samantha Chatman is a Weekend Morning Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago. She is also a Consumer Investigative Reporter for ABC 7’s I-Team and host of her own talk show, Mama, I Made It!  
 
Samantha was recently recognized in Crain’s 40 Under 40 for her work on the air and in the community. 
 
Samantha’s impactful investigative reporting led to a state law being passed: The Illinois Squatter Law, which allows law enforcement to remove trespassers from homes instead of treating them as tenants. This was a decades-long issue for residents across the city, particularly on Chicago’s south side and south suburbs.  
 
In 2022, Samantha published her first children’s book, “Mia Gets Sick, But Doesn’t Quit,” a story that was developed during the pandemic to help inspire and remind kids to never give up. A portion of the proceeds was donated to Make-A-Wish Illinois, an organization she has supported for several years.  
 
Samantha attended Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center for middle school, Lincoln Park High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a minor in African-American studies. 
 
Samantha is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated and the National Association of Black Journalists. Chatman also serves as an Associate Board member for After School Matters. 

• @samantha.chatman
• Samantha Chatman

Anne creates a high-quality counseling experience, focused on wellbeing, for all of her clients. Therapy services for individuals, couples, and families are available as well as consulting services and executive coaching for business professionals and their teams to improve productivity, communication, and performance. Follow her on social media for wellbeing insights. 

• @the.wellbeing.therapist
• Anne M. Appel Counseling

Teirra Scott is a powerful community leader, serial entrepreneur, and the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Goddess Mentoring Incorporated, a transformative nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black and Brown girls in urban communities. Since its founding in 2016, Goddess Mentoring has become a beacon of hope and healing across Chicago, offering programs rooted in self-development, leadership, financial literacy, holistic wellness, and community service. What began in Teirra’s own classroom has grown into a multi-site movement serving hundreds of girls on the West and South Sides. 
 
A proud product of Chicago’s West Side, Teirra returned to her neighborhood to teach in Chicago Public Schools, where she spent six years educating and uplifting youth. She later served as the Managing Director of Teacher Leadership Development with Teach For America, sharpening her expertise in coaching, leadership, and educator development. These experiences laid the groundwork for her dynamic workshops — delivered through Teirra Scott Educational Consulting — which now reach youth and educators citywide with equity-centered, transformative training. 
 
In addition to her nonprofit and consulting work, Teirra is the creator of CuuuTeee Dance Fitness, a high-energy dance fitness brand promoting health, joy, and healing through movement. Her classes have become a wellness outlet for communities across Chicago, combining vibrant music and affirming environments to build strength from the inside out. 
 
Teirra is a 2024–2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University, a Master’s from Dominican University, and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership with a Principal Endorsement from DePaul University. 
 
At the heart of everything Teirra does is a deep belief: that every person — regardless of background — deserves to live a life beyond their potential. Her life’s purpose is to empower others to unlock their limitless potential through love, purpose, and holistic transformation. 

• @cuuuteeedancefitness
• @goddessmentoring
• Teirra Scott

Dr. Lizette Solis brings a unique blend of expertise in international and organizational psychology, with leadership experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, leading nonprofit organizations, and international agencies. Her field work in global mental health has included collaborating with community organizations in South Africa and Germany, responding to trauma and systemic inequity to promote healing. 
 
Dr. Solis helps individuals and organizations navigate complex change, elevate leadership, and prioritize wellness. Today, she partners with organizations seeking to enhance leadership capacity, improve organizational culture, and implement trauma-informed and diversity-driven initiatives. She also works directly with professionals in high-stress careers to support growth, major life transitions, and resilience without burnout. 
 
A published author, adjunct faculty member at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and recognized authority in mental health, Dr. Solis has been featured in prominent media outlets such as NBC, Univision, and CBS, underscoring her commitment to psychoeducation and accessible wellness solutions. 

• Lizette Solis
• Dr. Lizette Solis
• drsolis.org

With 14 years of clinical experience and 6 years as a professor, Dr. Anancia Stafford, LCPC, has dedicated her career to guiding individuals through life’s challenges. Currently, she teaches as an adjunct in the Counseling Department at DePaul University while running a clinical private practice, Inner Peaces Counseling and Consulting, for individuals, couples, and families. She provides therapeutic support for a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and other related conditions. 
 
Dr. Stafford also serves as a life coach and speaker with a focus on self-love and accountability. As the author of the workbook “It’s Time To Get On Track,” Dr. Stafford helps individuals with self-exploration, building healthier habits, and accomplishing their goals. Known for her warm and engaging style, she infuses humor and inspiration into her work, creating a supportive environment for learning and self-discovery. Dr. Stafford believes that personal transformation begins with self-awareness and is committed to helping others navigate their journeys toward fulfillment and healthiness.

• @drstafford_

Shar Lewis is a 20+ year veteran law enforcement officer, certified firearms instructor, and public safety educator committed to empowering professionals through preparation, protection, and practical knowledge. 

During the tragic shooting at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in 2018, Shar was present while temporarily disabled and undergoing physical therapy. In the midst of chaos, she helped protect others — an experience that further strengthened her commitment to proactive safety training and situational awareness. Her message is not rooted in fear, but in readiness. 

As the founder of JBL Training Academy, Shar provides firearm safety and concealed carry education with a strong emphasis on Illinois law compliance. She teaches responsible ownership, use-of-force considerations, legal boundaries, and real-world application — ensuring professionals understand not just how to carry, but when and why under Illinois statutes. Her instruction bridges the gap between confidence and compliance. 

A respected leader in a traditionally male-dominated profession, Shar proudly represents women in law enforcement who lead with strength, strategy, and service. She advocates for women’s empowerment through education, awareness, and informed decision-making — particularly in industries like real estate where professionals often work alone. 

In addition to her law enforcement career, Shar is a mortgage loan originator, public speaker, radio personality, and entrepreneur. Through her platforms, she educates audiences on safety, financial empowerment, and leadership. 

Shar’s mission is clear: empower professionals — especially women — to move confidently, operate legally, and protect themselves wisely in every environment they enter. 

• @jbltrainingacademy
• JBL Training Academy

Marki Lemons Ryhal is a powerhouse in real estate, marketing, and artificial intelligence. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest earned designation from the National Speakers Association, Marki is recognized globally for her dynamic delivery, insightful content, and measurable results. 
 
In 2025, Marki made history as the first African-American woman inducted into the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Hall of Fame and was honored by the Real Estate Business Institute as a member of its prestigious Hall of Leaders for her trailblazing leadership and innovation in real estate education. 
 
A licensed Managing Broker and REALTOR®, Marki is deeply committed to advocacy and industry excellence. She is a Major Investor, President’s Circle member, Federal Political Coordinator, 2026 financially eligible RPAC Hall of Fame Inductee, and published thought leader with 30 authored books and six international bestsellers. 
 
As host of two influential podcasts — Drive with NAR and Social Selling Made Simple — Marki reaches thousands of listeners weekly, offering actionable insights and conversations with leading industry voices. With over 30 years of combined experience in education and marketing, she has trained more than one million professionals face-to-face and virtually since 1993. 
 
Marki holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Chicago State University, an MBA from Saint Xavier University, and an unmatched sixty-six real estate-related licenses, certifications, and designations. 
 
Purpose-driven and proven, Marki Lemons Ryhal continues to elevate real estate professionals worldwide with practical strategies that turn innovation into income and vision into results. 

• @markilemons
• Marki Lemons Ryhal
• Marki Lemons Ryhal
• @marki-lemons