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.
Join Us At The Titans Of Industry: Women in Real Estate Brunch
During the Titans of Industry: Women in Real Estate Brunch, we’re creating a space for people at all career levels to be empowHERed, educated and engaged. Make meaningful connections with industry peers, while enjoying a buffet brunch. This year’s program will feature:
- An inspirational, influential keynote speaker
- Interactive activities and conversations
- Panel discussions based on today’s market
- Raffle giveaways
- And more!
Discover the History of Women in Real Estate
1910
The first woman to join the National Association of REALTORS® was Seattle broker Corrine Simpson.
1920
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.
1950
With a 46 to 8 vote by the Board of Directors, women were officially allowed to join our association, 67 years after it was formed.
1974
Sex was added to the list of federal protected classes under the Fair Housing Act. This ultimately made it illegal to discriminate in housing and legalized fair opportunity for women to apply (and co-sign) on a mortgage application and obtain any housing.
2001
Gender identity was added to the list of federal protected classes.
Meet Our Women Leaders
Get to Know Women Homeowners
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.
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!
