Leadership in real estate is measured by impact.
Every day, REALTORS® help guide decisions and build relationships that shape neighborhoods, influence opportunity and strengthen communities. This work gives us a grounded perspective that few other professions have. It also gives us a responsibility to lead in conversations and policies that determine the future of housing.
We have seen what leadership in this profession can accomplish for the greater good—the real estate professionals who have pushed for fairer housing practices and policies, expanded access to homeownership and made it possible for more families to build stability and wealth. Their work reminds us that advocacy is not optional, it is essential.
Today, that responsibility continues with us.
Being a REALTOR® means being engaged. It means examining the policies that impact our clients and communities. It means making sure our voices, and the voices of those we serve, are part of the conversation. It means creating space for dialogue, listening to different perspectives and working together toward solutions that support property rights, affordability and long-term growth.
Leadership also calls us to invest in the next generation of leaders.
If we are serious about the future of this industry, we must be just as intentional about supporting future REALTORS®. That starts by reaching beyond our traditional circles and into our schools and our communities. We have to show young people from all backgrounds that real estate is more than a career. It is a pathway to entrepreneurship, leadership and influence.
And once they enter this profession, our work is not done.
We must invest in their growth. That means mentorship. It means opening doors and sharing knowledge. It means helping them understand not only how to succeed in business, but how to use their voice to advocate for others. We already see rising leaders stepping forward, bringing new energy and new ideas to this work. Our role is to support them, challenge them and ensure they have the platform to lead.
One of our Past Presidents, and someone I consider a mentor, Sarah Ware of Ware Realty Group, was honored as the 2026 REALTOR® of the Year by the Illinois REALTORS® this spring. She echoed this sentiment during her acceptance speech, saying, “I know what it feels like when someone opens a door and says, ‘Come see this.’ That moment can change a trajectory. Our job, as leaders, is to be that person for someone else. To mentor actively, not passively.”
Because the strength of our industry has always been rooted in people who are willing to step up, speak out and create opportunity where it didn’t exist before.
That is our responsibility. To lead with purpose. To advocate with intention. And to build a future where the next generation of REALTORS® is ready to lead.
LUTALO MCGEE
2025-2026 President
Chicago Association of REALTORS®