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Today’s Schedule
8:30 AM Registration and Breakfast
9:15 AM Welcome
Nykea Pippion McGriff | President- Elect, Chicago Association of REALTORS® & REALTOR®, Dream Town Realty
Connect with Nykea on Twitter @JustNykea | Instagram @JustNykea | LinkedIn
MEET NYKEA: Nykea has deep-seated roots throughout the city, and her comprehensive knowledge of all things Chicago makes her an expert in the city’s unique neighborhoods and amenities. An accomplished negotiator and advocate for her clients, she credits her extensive training in consultative and problem-solving techniques and her management background.
Nykea is actively involved in real estate. She serves as the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) appointed Federal Political Coordinator for the 1st Congressional District of Illinois, she’s on the Board of Directors for NAR and the IDFPR Real Estate Disciplinary Board, she’s the 2018 President-Elect of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Illinois (WCR) and she is the president-elect of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR).
Her impressive resume includes a GRI, ABR, ADPR, BPOR and SRF certifications. A licensed Managing Broker, Nykea she is a continuing education instructor for the CAR and as a contract trainer for the Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED).
Tracey Royal | President, Women’s Council of REALTORS® Chicago & REALTOR®, TEAM Real Estate Services, Inc.
Connect with Tracey on LinkedIn
MEET TRACEY: Tracey Royal’s path to success began when she graduated from the Real Estate Associate Program in 2016. Currently, Tracey is a broker and owner of the TEAM Real Estate Services, Inc. From her graduation from the Real Estate Associate Program, her time has been spent creating her own path to leadership and success through her personal accomplishments. Since becoming involved with the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Chicago in 2016, she has held the positions of membership chair, president-elect, president and treasurer. This year and next, she will be greatly involved with the Chicago Association of REALTORS® as a director and a member of the Audit and Forms & Contracts Committees, as well as a member of the Chair of the Affordable Housing Workgroup for the Illinois REALTORS® in 2020.
Tracy is also a graduate of the Illinois Realtors Leadership Academy, as well as a graduate of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® National Leadership Institute.
Michelle Mills Clement | CEO, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
Connect with Michelle on Facebook | LinkedIn
MEET MICHELLE: Michelle Mills Clement is the CEO of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. With thirteen years of association management experience, she previously served as president and CEO of the Commercial Brokers Association (CBA) and as association executive for the Washington State Commercial Association of REALTORS®. She is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): The Center for Association Excellence and the Association Forum of Chicagoland.
In 2019, she was selected as one of six association leaders for ASAE’s prestigious Fellows Program. Recently, she was named one of Crain’s Chicago Businesses’ 40 Under 40 and a Bisnow “Power Woman.” She is one of just 39 leaders in the nine-month Chicago Urban League IMPACT Leadership Development Program, hosted through the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. A native Chicagoan, she enjoys political campaign fundraising and volunteer management. When not with her family, she volunteers as President for the Bradley University Black Alumni Alliance. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Michelle has a bachelor’s degree in communication from Bradley University in Peoria, a master’s degree in nonprofit management from DePaul University, a certificate in commercial real estate from the University of Washington and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification from ASAE.
9:25 AM Produce Like a Pro: How to Deliver Better, More Creative Work and Do More That Matters
We’re all being called to do more with less – less time, less money, less focus. This session will challenge marketers to understand the importance of time management, focused prioritization & the importance of data intelligence in the creative production process.
Jill Frank | Vice President, Business Operations and Production, Epsilon
Connect with Jill on Twitter @jill_frank | LinkedIn
MEET JILL: Jill Frank is a creative leader and award-winning media executive producer and writer. Recently named to AdWeek’s “Young Influentials” list, Jill is currently VP, Business Operations & Production at Epsilon Agency, merging data-driven insights with compelling creative for all clients across all mediums. For a decade, Jill was part of the legendary team at Harpo Studios, where she wrote and produced dynamic on- and off-air promos, integrated marketing and branded entertainment content for OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, The Dr. Oz Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Jill also writes and produces comedy for the stage and screen, and has been featured on secondcitynetwork.com, Second City’s e.t.c. Stage, Donny’s Skybox, and Stage 773. Born and raised in Chicago, she holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Pepperdine University. She is also a graduate of The Second City Training Center’s comedy writing program.
10:05 AM #LadyBoss Panel
This panel of standout female bosses will share their tips and tactics for climbing the corporate ladder and leading powerful organizations, all while juggling relationships, family and “me time.”
Tammy Hajjar Miller | Senior Vice President, Mortgage, The Federal Savings Bank
Connect with Tammy on Facebook | Twitter @TammyHajjar | LinkedIn
MEET TAMMY: Tammy was born in South Korea but has lived in Chicago since she was 3 years old. A resident of East Lakeview 35+ years and a current resident of the North Shore, she knows the city and its surrounding areas like the back of her hand.
Tammy grew up working closely with her mother in their small neighborhood grocery store in Lincoln Square, attended high school at St. Ignatius College Prep and graduated from DePaul’s business school with bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance. By joining The Federal Savings Bank, Tammy is able to provide a wide array of products and unmatched service to her customers, REALTORS® and referral sources. She focuses on daily growth, both personally and professionally, and credits her success to the support of her husband and their children: Cheyenne (28), Isabel (15), Henry (14), Nicholas (13), and Harrison (13).
Katie Johnson | General Counsel and Chief Member Experience Officer, National Association of REALTORS®
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
MEET KATIE: Katie Johnson is the General Counsel and Chief Member Experience Officer, National Association of REALTORS®, the nation’s largest trade association representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the real estate industry. Katie joined NAR in 2007 and was appointed as General Counsel in 2014. As General Counsel, she is responsible for assuring that the programs, policies, and activities of NAR are in compliance with the law. She also is responsible for defending the association against legal challenges and initiating litigation to protect and preserve association assets and policies. As NAR’s Chief Member Experience Officer, she leads initiatives to enhance member engagement and satisfaction through the delivery of trusted knowledge, resources and experiences that elevate member success and professionalism. Katie has earned a juris doctorate and a master’s degree for Information Technology and Privacy Law. She lives in Chicago with her husband and three children.
Michelle Mills Clement | CEO, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
Connect with Michelle on Facebook | LinkedIn
MEET MICHELLE: Michelle Mills Clement is the CEO of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. With thirteen years of association management experience, she previously served as president and CEO of the Commercial Brokers Association (CBA) and as association executive for the Washington State Commercial Association of REALTORS®. She is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): The Center for Association Excellence and the Association Forum of Chicagoland.
In 2019, she was selected as one of six association leaders for ASAE’s prestigious Fellows Program. Recently, she was named one of Crain’s Chicago Businesses’ 40 Under 40 and a Bisnow “Power Woman.” She is one of just 39 leaders in the nine-month Chicago Urban League IMPACT Leadership Development Program, hosted through the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. A native Chicagoan, she enjoys political campaign fundraising and volunteer management. When not with her family, she volunteers as President for the Bradley University Black Alumni Alliance. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Michelle has a bachelor’s degree in communication from Bradley University in Peoria, a master’s degree in nonprofit management from DePaul University, a certificate in commercial real estate from the University of Washington and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification from ASAE.
Heather Ozur | REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty
Connect with Heather on Facebook | LinkedIn
MEET HEATHER: Heather Ozur is the 2018-2019 president of the national Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR). Affiliated with Keller Williams Realty in La Quinta, California, she specializes in residential sales. WCR is where she took her first steps down the path of leadership. She became secretary within a year of joining her local council and went on to serve as president for the Palm Springs/Desert Cities and for WCR California.
Her state and national leadership continued to blossom from there. She has served two terms as president of the California Desert Association of REALTORS® and as a state director for the California Association of REALTORS® since 2008. At the national level, she chaired NAR’s 2018 Strategic Thinking Advisory Committee and has served on the Strategic Planning Committee, RPAC Major Investor Council and as chair of the Business and Technology Forum.
Heather is a graduate of the NAR Leadership Academy and a proud RPAC Golden “R” President’s Circle and Hall of Fame member. She is a frequent industry speaker, including at Inman Connect events.
11:00 AM Break
11:10 AM Your Guide to 2020 Emerging Technology Trends
Learn the emerging trends you need to know for the next year (and beyond) to enhance your business and clientele experience!
Constance Freedman | Founder and Managing Partner, Moderne Ventures
Connect with Constance on Twitter @COFreedman | LinkedIn
MEET CONSTANCE: Constance Freedman is the founder and managing partner of Moderne Ventures and the Moderne Passport, an early stage investment fund and industry immersion program focused on investing in technology companies in and around the multi-trillion-dollar industries of real estate, finance, insurance, hospitality and home services. Her investment portfolio includes almost 90 companies, and she actively partners with 700+ industry executives and corporations to help build strategic value and scale. She has served on company boards including DocuSign, Updated, Homesnap, Porch, TaskEasy and Equity Lifestyles.
Prior to launching Moderne Ventures, Constance was the head of Strategic Investments at the National Association of REALTORS®, where she launched and managed its venture fund, Second Century Ventures in 2008 and its accelerator program REach in 2013. She has been the recipient of several awards, including HousingWire’s Women of Influence, Crain’s 40 Under 40, Crain’s Chicago Top Tech 50, Swanopoel’s Power 200 and Inman’s Top 101 in Real Estate. She’s a graduate from Boston University and has an MBA from Harvard Business School.
11:30 AM Women in Tech: The Data Trends You Need to Know Panel
Real estate is evolving – and quickly. It’s challenging to navigate the different industry trends and technologies currently being adopted. Our panel will highlight tools that can better your business and improve your clients’ experience next year and beyond.
Rebecca Jensen | President and CEO, MRED
Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn
MEET REBECCA: Rebecca Jensen is the CEO of Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) which enables 45,000+ real estate professionals throughout the Greater Chicago area to excel in their careers. With Rebecca at the helm, the organization’s help desk has been ranked among the top small-sized support centers in the country by BenchmarkPortal for the past decade and earned first place in all of North America in 2019.
Recently, she was named an RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker in the Futurist category for her dynamic approach to business. She’s previously been ranked among the top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders by Inman News, the Swanepoel Power 200, one of HousingWire’s Rising Stars and received the Elevate Award from the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Chicago Chapter. In 2011, Utah Business Magazine recognized Jensen as one of its 40 Under 40 honorees.
She serves as a board member at California Regional MLS, the Real Estate Standards Organization, the Council of MLSs and the Broker Public Portal. She is the chair of the MLS Grid and serves on committees at NAR, IR, realtor.com® and Project Upstream.
Dr. Jessica Lautz | Vice President, Demographics and Behavioral Insights, National Association of REALTORS®
Connect with Jessica on Twitter @JessicaLautz | LinkedIn
MEET JESSICA: Dr. Jessica Lautz is the Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights at the National Association of REALTORS®. The core of her research focuses on analyzing demographic trends for both NAR members and housing consumers. Through the management of predictive analytics, surveys, focus groups and data analysis, she presents new and innovative ways to showcase results. Jessica discusses research findings in major media outlets and international presentations.
Jessica received her Doctorate of Real Estate from Nottingham Trent University in the U.K. She also has a Master’s in Public Policy from American University and undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Law and Justice from Central Washington University.
Rebecca Thomson | Regional Vice President, Coldwell Banker Residential
Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn
MEET REBECCA: Rebecca Thomson is one of Chicago’s leading real estate influencers where she is the Regional Vice President for Coldwell Banker Chicago. Known for her visionary leadership style, eloquence and ability to inspire, she is a nationally sought-after speaker and strategist. Thomson serves on the Executive Committees for both the National Association of REALTORS® and the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, and as a Director for the Illinois REALTORS® as well as the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, where she also served as President in 2018.
Outside of real estate, Thomson is completing her MBA at the University of Chicago and resides in Chicago with her husband and her two-year-old son. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, scotch aficionado and self-proclaimed foodie.
12:15 PM Lunch
12:40 PM The Power of Emotional Intelligence
You’ve heard about it, but what exactly is EQ (Emotional Intelligence)? Some are even suggesting it’s greater than your IQ. During this lunch keynote, Sue will walk us through several facts on how EQ awareness can lead to greater authenticity and masterful leadership of your business, career and relationships (personally and professionally)!
Sue Yannaccone | Regional Executive Vice-President, Coldwell Banker Residential
Connect with Sue on Twitter @SueYannaccone | LinkedIn
MEET SUE: With nearly two decades of leadership experience in franchise management and real estate brokerage operations, Sue Yannaccone assumed the role of Regional Executive Vice President of the Eastern Seaboard and Midwest regions of Realogy’s Coldwell Banker company-owned offices in March 2018. Yannaccone oversees the sales operations of 239 Coldwell Banker offices in New Jersey, Long Island, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Central Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Ohio, Chicago, St. Louis and Minnesota. In addition to being a mentor and advocate for women in the real estate industry, Yannaccone has been a key driver in Coldwell Banker’s recent brand re-invention in how the brokerage serves agents and in launching many enhanced agent services and programs.
1:20 PM Break
1:30 PM ReMarkiTable Content for Women: How to Value Your Time and Content
Creating valuable content is important to your business growth. Learn free tools to help you create an array of timely and irresistible content. We will teach you how to use and incorporate each tool into your daily marketing plan.
Marki Lemons Ryhal | REALTOR®, EXIT Strategy Realty
Connect with Marki on Facebook | Twitter @MarkiLemons | Instagram @MarkiLemons | LinkedIn | YouTube
MEET MARKI: Marki Lemons Ryhal is a social media speaker and Facebook Live host who provides social media education and strategies to REALTORS®. With over 25 years of marketing experience, Marki has established herself as an award-winning social media speaker and course author. In a market where change is the only constant factor, Marki uses her dynamic, professional attitude and vast experience to be one of the top speakers in the country, relying on content from one of the many real estate continuing education classes she has authored. Marki is serious about education! She holds an MBA degree from Saint Xavier University and has over 50 certifications, designations and licenses in social media and real estate. She travels the country teaching social media courses for the National Association REALTORS®, REBAC, ASI, and others. Her 300,000 plus students consistently rank her 5 out of 5 as an instructor due to her knowledge and entertaining training style.
2:20 PM Break
2:30 PM Finding Your Voice Panel
This session will focus on sharing experiences when it comes to navigating sexism, sexual aggression, racism and stereotyping. The panelists will share how they’ve found the confidence to speak up for themselves and the tenacity to overcome many barriers to be a successful woman and business owner.
Amy Duong Kim | REALTOR®, Compass
Connect with Amy on Facebook | Instagram @duongkimglobal | LinkedIn
MEET AMY: Amy is the founding broker of her Compass Chicago office. With a background in actuarial consulting, over the last 15 years her experience has ranged from her family’s boutique brokerage to holding the position of the Vice President of Sales at the Gold Coast Jameson Sotheby’s office.
Amy and her team have closed over $500 million. She and her team members are dedicated to being diligent and knowledgeable REALTORS® for their client’s transactions. The Duong Kim Global brand has received accolades from the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and Jameson Sotheby’s, in addition to 5-star reviews on Yelp, LinkedIn, Zillow and Angie’s List. She has recently been ranked in the top 1% nationally. Amy has won two Chicago Agent Magazine Who’s Who Awards and has been featured in TimeOut Chicago, Chicago Tribune, Curbed, Yahoo News, Wall Street Journal, ABC News and The Today Show.
Mabél Guzmán | REALTOR®, @properties
Connect with Mabél on Facebook | LinkedIn
MEET MABÉL: Mabél Guzmán, AHWD, a 21-year veteran, is the 2010-11 President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. Awarded the 2012 REALTOR of the Year by CAR and the Recipient of the 2012 Community Service Award by NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) Chicago Chapter, she was also awarded a President’s Medallion for Outstanding Service in 2014, 2015 and 2018 from IR.
Respected for her professionalism, tell-it-like-it-is honesty and ability to build relationships, her passions include housing advocacy, fair tax policies in Chicago and public policy. Her work has been integral to NAR, CAR and IR’s advocacy efforts, testifying numerous times in front of Congress on issues such as inequality and opportunity in the housing market, flood insurance and student loan debt. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, WGN Morning News, CBS2 News, ABC7 News and the national syndicated First Business News.
Mabél is also known for her charitable contributions, specifically Habitat for Humanity, where she has traveled to the Gulf Coast on four separate occasions to assist in rebuilding the gulf coast. She is also a volunteer cook for the First United Methodist Homeless Ministry which provides meals to more than 150 people weekly.
Megan Oswald | REALTOR®, Fulton Grace Realty
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn
MEET MEGAN: Megan is the 2020 President of Women’s Council of REALTORS® Chicago, Secretary of Women’s Council of REALTORS® Illinois and Vice Chair for Illinois REALTORS® Affordable Housing Committee. She also serves on the CAR Foundation Board of Trustees and is a Major Investor in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC).
A native Chicagoan born and raised in Logan Square, Megan’s 15+ years in real estate have given her first-hand experience navigating an ever-changing market. With unmatched transparency, she prides herself on keeping her clients’ best interest at heart as she leads them through the buying process. When she isn’t working directly with buyers and sellers, she spends her time advocating for property rights.
A huge sports fan, you can find Megan watching or playing sports, from flag football, to softball or basketball, her competitive spirit has paved the way to success on and off the field. Her current goal is to travel to all major league baseball and football stadiums.
Erika Villegas | REALTOR®, RE/MAX in the Village
Connect with Erika on Facebook | LinkedIn
MEET ERIKA: Erika Villegas is the co-owner of RE/MAX In The Village, an established and successful real estate office in Oak Park, IL. Her bilingual business platform gives her the advantage to help her clients pursue sustainable homeownership. She currently serves on the CAR’s Board of Directors. Born and raised on the southwest side of the city, she lived in Mexico for a few years as a teenager. She’s a top producer of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, is part of the elite Top 1% of REALTORS® in the city and has been a Top 250 Latino Real Estate Agent in the country by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) since 2013.
Erika supports her community by serving on her son’s PTA, the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago board and most recently, Mind + Hand. On the third Friday of every month, you can find her at a local neighborhood business holding a glass of wine while hosting her very successful Women’s Wine Social event. When she’s not working, Erika enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with her husband, her son Benicio and her daughter Victoria.
3:25 PM Cannabis Education: What You Need to Know for Next Year
On January 1st, cannabis will be legalized in the state of Illinois for recreational use. How will this affect housing, tenants and vacation rentals? Will the market see a huge jump in land acquisitions? What is still considered illegal when it comes to recreational use? What are the health benefits for women? Holly DuPart, nicknamed “Chicago’s Cannabis REALTOR®,” will educate us on this hot topic and answer all your impending questions.
Holly DuPart | Founder, Common Sense Cannabis Foundation
Connect with Holly on LinkedIn
MEET HOLLY: Holly DuPart was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Over 15 years ago, she was diagnosed with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. In 2015 she applied and became a licensed medical cannabis patient in Illinois to help treat her pain and the side effects produced from traditional pharmaceutical medicines.
Today, she is a vibrant entrepreneur managing over 25,000 square feet of commercial and residential real estate. Holly is an Illinois Licensed Managing Broker and former pre-licensing instructor. Currently, Holly manages in the vacation rental market segment with a focus on cannabis consumers. Holly provides cannabis-friendly accommodations and experiences, promoting a healthy lifestyle that includes cannabis.
3:55 PM Break
4:05 PM A Fireside Chat with Luvvie Ajayi
Luvvie Ajayi | Writer, Speaker, Truthteller
Connect with Luvvie on Facebook | Twitter @Luvvie | Instagram @Luvvie | Vimeo
MEET LUVVIE: Luvvie Ajayi is an award-winning author, speaker and digital strategist who thrives at the intersection of comedy, technology and activism. Her debut book, I’M JUDGING YOU: The Do-Better Manual was an instant New York Times best-seller. It’s a collection of essays that critiques our fame-obsessed, social media-centric lives, while encouraging us to do better.
The 16-year blogging veteran uses her blog AwesomelyLuvvie.com to cover all things pop culture with razor-sharp commentary and wit. In 2018 she launched a podcast called Rants & Randomness, where she shares her most pressing rants, raves and faves while interviewing some of the most interesting people you know (and some you might not). She recently launched her eSchool, The Do-Better Academy (DBA) which focuses on teaching people how to thrive in business and their careers.
The University of Illinois alum is a sought-after speaker who has spoken at the Obama White House, MAKERS Conference, SXSW, Social Media Week, among others. She has interviewed bosses like Oprah Winfrey, Geena Davis and Shonda Rhimes. Luvvie was selected to Oprah Winfrey’s inaugural Supersoul 100 list, voted as the Influencer of the Year at the 2016 Iris Awards and was chosen as a Black Innovator by XFINITY Comcast. She is committed to using her voice for pop culture critique and gender and racial justice.
Marki Lemons Ryhal | REALTOR®, EXIT Strategy Realty
Connect with Marki on Facebook | Twitter @MarkiLemons | Instagram @MarkiLemons | LinkedIn | YouTube
MEET MARKI: Marki Lemons Ryhal is a social media speaker and Facebook Live host who provides social media education and strategies to REALTORS®. With over 25 years of marketing experience, Marki has established herself as an award-winning social media speaker and course author. In a market where change is the only constant factor, Marki uses her dynamic, professional attitude and vast experience to be one of the top speakers in the country, relying on content from one of the many real estate continuing education classes she has authored. Marki is serious about education! She holds an MBA degree from Saint Xavier University and has over 50 certifications, designations and licenses in social media and real estate. She travels the country teaching social media courses for the National Association REALTORS®, REBAC, ASI, and others. Her 300,000 plus students consistently rank her 5 out of 5 as an instructor due to her knowledge and entertaining training style.
4:55 PM Closing Remarks
Michelle Mills Clement | CEO, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
Connect with Michelle on Facebook | LinkedIn
MEET MICHELLE: Michelle Mills Clement is the CEO of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. With thirteen years of association management experience, she previously served as president and CEO of the Commercial Brokers Association (CBA) and as association executive for the Washington State Commercial Association of REALTORS®. She is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): The Center for Association Excellence and the Association Forum of Chicagoland.
In 2019, she was selected as one of six association leaders for ASAE’s prestigious Fellows Program. Recently, she was named one of Crain’s Chicago Businesses’ 40 Under 40 and a Bisnow “Power Woman.” She is one of just 39 leaders in the nine-month Chicago Urban League IMPACT Leadership Development Program, hosted through the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. A native Chicagoan, she enjoys political campaign fundraising and volunteer management. When not with her family, she volunteers as President for the Bradley University Black Alumni Alliance. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Michelle has a bachelor’s degree in communication from Bradley University in Peoria, a master’s degree in nonprofit management from DePaul University, a certificate in commercial real estate from the University of Washington and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification from ASAE.