For the past decade, Swati Saxena has taken a similar approach to real estate as she has to fashion — be authentic, treat others well, focus on quality and lifestyle and have fun! In business and in style, her personal brand has led to great success, as Saxena is currently the top agent in her marketplace as well as in Baird & Warner’s Oak Park/River Forest office for the second year running. She has also amassed an enviable shoe collection that has its own closet and rivals any trendy boutique.

Saxena, a former semiconductor engineer, was born in India and came to the U.S. to earn a graduate degree. When it was time to switch careers, she chose real estate, which allows her to more directly engage with and assist others. “I’m a true extrovert,” Saxena said. “It’s a joy to get to know my clients and to help make what is often the biggest, most important purchase of their lives as easy and stress-free as possible.” Saxena also loves fashion and sees it as an opportunity to have fun and spread joy, while also furthering her commitment to veganism, anti-cruelty, sustainability and equitable fashion. “We are fortunate to live in a time when we have so many choices to do good in so many ways, including how we live, shop and dress,” she noted.

Finalists
Brandy Isaac, Compass
Kathryn and Kelly Mangel, @properties