Congratulations to the 2024 REALTOR® Award winners! These individuals, who were honored during our 141st Inaugural Gala on September 20th, are making a difference in our industry and communities every day and were nominated for these awards by those who know them best – their colleagues and their peers. Find out how these award recipients are making Chicago a vibrant place to live, work and play below.
Jump to the award recipient’s bio below:
- REALTOR® of the Year: Sarah Ware, Ware Realty Group
- CommercialForum Achievement Award: Kris Keller, Keller Williams ONEChicago
- REALTOR® Community Service Award: Lourdes Fernando, Keller Williams ONEChicago
- Affiliate of the Year Award: Michelle Bobart, CrossCountry Mortgage
- Managing Broker of the Year (1-50 Licensees): Josue Duarte, Duarte Realty Company
- Managing Broker of the Year (51+ Licensees): Joan LoCascio, Fulton Grace Realty
- Industry Partner Member Award: Courtney Jones, Re-CHRG Inc.
- Political Advocacy Award: James Ascot, Ascot Realty Group Inc.
- Rising Star Award: Travis Williams, A.R.E. Partners
REALTOR® of the Year: Sarah Ware, Ware Realty Group
The REALTOR® of the Year Award is the highest and most coveted award that can be bestowed by one’s peers. This award is based on the outstanding contributions of a REALTOR® to the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. The recipient must demonstrate what is called “REALTOR® Spirit”, which is embodied by faithfulness to the principles of the REALTOR® organization, professionalism, the Code of Ethics and demonstrated leadership contributions that have significantly impacted the advancement and/or recognition of the profession.
Sarah Ware has a long and established history in the Chicago real estate industry. Having worked in corporate America for almost 20 years at various firms related to real estate, she took her knowledge and began to concentrate on real estate full-time in 2007. She partnered with another Chicago broker to open her first brokerage, before founding Ware Realty Group in 2015.
Ware Realty Group has been certified as a minority- and women-owned business, as well as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. In addition to her brokerage firm, Ware founded a consulting firm, Ware Consulting Solutions, where she helps businesses grow by leading with diversity.
Ware has been involved in the association for many years, including volunteering on the Professional Standards, Finance and Public Policy Committees. She has served as an Illinois REALTORS® director and National Association of REALTORS® director.
In 2022, Ware was sworn in as President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. A passionate association volunteer, Ware led by example and encouraged her fellow Chicago REALTORS® to show up and get involved. She believes that bringing our stories and experiences to the table will help open doors for one another to strengthen our industry and association. She hopes to continue to inspire others in their leadership journey with her mantra, “Come as You R.”
CommercialForum Achievement Award: Kris Keller, Keller Williams ONEChicago
The CommercialForum Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a Chicago Association of REALTORS® CommercialForum member who demonstrates positive leadership within their local association and a strong commitment to the advancement of the commercial real estate industry.
Kris Keller is an experienced commercial real estate professional with over 44 years of expertise. He previously owned his own company for 25 years, which he later combined with Keller Williams ONEChicago in 2016, where he built a commercial division with 40 commercial brokers. He has maintained an active role in the industry throughout his career, serving on the boards of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. Keller’s extensive experience has earned him recognition, as he was named one of Chicago’s Most Influential Commercial Brokers by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2017. In 2006, Keller obtained the prestigious CCIM designation, which is held by only 6% of commercial real estate professionals.
REALTOR® Community Service Award: Lourdes Fernando, Keller Williams ONEChicago
The REALTOR® Community Service Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a REALTOR® who has gone above and beyond in their local community.
Lourdes Fernando is committed to service, advocacy and leadership. As an 11-year Army National Guard veteran and REALTOR®, she dedicates her career to empowering veterans and making a positive impact in their lives. Over 90% of her business focuses on VA loans, and she provides ongoing support to veterans by assisting them with VA disability benefits, educational opportunities and community engagement. Lourdes’s leadership within Keller Williams ONEChicago, where she chairs the Diverse Equity and Inclusion Committee, also demonstrates her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, Lourdes participates in community initiatives like Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build program to build affordable housing for veterans and their families.
Affiliate of the Year Award: Michelle Bobart, CrossCountry Mortgage
The Affiliate of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a Chicago Association of REALTORS® Affiliate Member to the Chicagoland real estate industry.
Michelle Bobart is a humble and dedicated leader in the Chicago real estate industry, known for her mentorship and work in home financing for over the past 25+ years. Michelle focuses on making a meaningful impact through her guidance and support, leading by example with integrity, empathy and a strong work ethic. As a mentor, she prioritizes the needs and aspirations of those she guides, providing tailored advice and encouragement to help them achieve their goals. Through her reputation for mentorship and collaboration, she inspires others to excel and upholds the highest standards of professionalism in the real estate industry.
Managing Broker of the Year (1-50 Licensees): Josue Duarte, Duarte Realty Company
The Managing Broker of the Year Award (1-50 licensees) recognizes a Chicago REALTOR® who has gone above and beyond their day-to-day obligations within their brokerage, such as outstanding service to clients and licensees within the brokerage, mentorship, innovative training programs and more.
Josue Duarte is a licensed REALTOR® who has helped over 500 families achieve the American Dream of homeownership. After a difficult start in the industry, he and his wife founded their own real estate brokerage in 2021 with the motto #PeopleFirst. Their brokerage has trained and mentored over 50 new REALTORS®, fostering a collaborative culture focused on exceptional customer service. In just three years, the brokerage has closed over 850 homes and seen their REALTORS® honored by the Chicago Association of REALTORS® as Rookie of the Year and other Top Producer honors. Duarte is proud of the talented team and the positive culture they’ve built, and he believes they will only continue to grow.
Managing Broker of the Year (51+ Licensees): Joan LoCascio, Fulton Grace Realty
The Managing Broker of the Year Award (51+ licensees) recognizes a Chicago REALTOR® who has gone above and beyond their day-to-day obligations within their brokerage, such as outstanding service to clients and licensees within the brokerage, mentorship, innovative training programs and more.
Joan LoCascio, the managing broker at Fulton Grace Realty, has an extensive 18-year background in real estate. Since joining the company in 2018, she has implemented successful systems and processes to support growth, build agent confidence and foster a strong sense of community. LoCascio has developed an effective onboarding program and agent recognition initiatives and has been instrumental in strengthening the firm’s training and mentoring for new agents. Committed to diversity and inclusion, she has worked to maintain equity across the organizations she has been a part of. LoCascio is also actively engaged in the company’s philanthropic efforts, which demonstrates her well-rounded leadership and dedication to the real estate industry.
Industry Partner Member Award: Courtney Jones, Re-CHRG Inc.
The Industry Partner Member Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of an Industry Partner member within their industry partner organization, and to the Chicagoland real estate industry.
Courtney Jones is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved communities in real estate. He is a prominent figure in Chicago real estate, known for his leadership, community involvement and strong business acumen. He has extensive experience managing a diverse range of properties, including residential units and commercial landmarks. Beyond transactions, Jones is recognized as a community leader, having served as the president of the Dearborn REALTIST® Board and championed initiatives like the Receivership Training Program. This program, put on in partnership with the City of Chicago, mentors local stakeholders, contractors and investors to use receivership to acquire, stabilize and rehabilitate troubled buildings in the city of Chicago.
Political Advocacy Award: James Ascot, Ascot Realty Group Inc.
The Political Advocacy Award is based on the outstanding contributions of a Chicago REALTOR® or affiliate member in the public policy, political and/or legislative advocacy area who demonstrated extraordinary volunteerism and/or service in governmental affairs and in keeping with the REALTOR® Party spirit to “Vote…Act…Invest.”
James Ascot is the President and CEO of Ascot Realty Group, Inc., a commercial real estate brokerage firm. He has been active in the real estate industry, serving as President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® in 1998 where he focused on pushing the association’s advocacy efforts forward. He helped increase the association’s political standing and established relationships with city council members. In 1999, he was recognized as the REALTOR® of the Year. Ascot has also participated in state-level politics, serving as Chairman of the Illinois Election Day Registration Commission in 2008. Additionally, he has run for political office, seeking a seat in Congress in 2006 and 2010, and most recently running for Alderman in the 34th Ward in 2023.
Rising Star Award: Travis Williams, A.R.E. Partners
The Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging leader within the Chicago Association of REALTORS® whose early accomplishments distinguish them as a future leader in the industry and beyond through their service, commitment, leadership, responsibility and impact.
Since the beginning of Travis Williams’s real estate career, he has been an active member of the association. He is a member of the RPAC Fundraising Work Group, Property Management Forum, Member Care Task Force and is the representative for Burnside on our Diversity Committee, The D77. Williams is also a graduate of the 2023 Leadership Accelerator program. Through his involvement, he aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for new members and foster a deeper understanding of the real estate industry among his peers and consumers. Beyond his work with the association, Williams serves as the President and a Housing Committee member for the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, where he maintains a positive voice for the real estate industry.