The Women’s Council of REALTORS® was born from necessity, but it thrives today by design. In 1938, women were still barred from joining many local Realtor associations. So, in true entrepreneurial spirit, they formed their own network — a place not just for belonging, but for building. Over the decades, that legacy has transformed. Today, we are a leadership organization first and foremost, one that invites both women and the men “man enough” to champion our mission to advance women as business leaders in the industry and the communities we serve.

At its core, the Women’s Council of REALTORS® is more than a professional organization. It’s a proving ground. A space where leaders are forged through education, advocacy, mentorship and real-world experience. And in 2025, our mission is more focused than ever: to elevate our programming to reflect the high caliber of our members — individuals who lead not just in transactions, but in transformation.

In luxury real estate, details distinguish us. Relationships define us. Trust cements our value. These are the same values that underpin every initiative at Women’s Council. What started as a response to exclusion is now one of the most dynamic leadership incubators in real estate. We host curated events that are far more than social mixers, they are immersive experiences designed to foster strategic collaboration, sharpen professional insight and deepen member connection.

Because just like in high-end real estate, connection is everything.

Yet what truly sets Women’s Council leaders apart is our deep commitment to advocacy. We don’t just market beautiful spaces, we fight to protect them. Whether it’s in Springfield, in Washington, D.C., or at National Association of REALTORS® conferences, we show up. We listen, we learn, and we lead. Our members engage with lawmakers on housing policy, property rights, fair lending and economic development — issues that touch every client we serve and every community we represent.

As Realtors, we are the stewards of the American dream. Advocacy isn’t an optional part of our business, it’s a professional imperative. In my role as the Illinois state legislative contact for Sen. Mattie Hunter, I’m honored to serve as a conduit between our industry and our legislature.

And here’s a powerful truth: Congress listens to Realtors.

Contrary to public perception, when we speak with unity, facts and professionalism, our voice carries. We’ve seen it firsthand. When the TRID regulations were set to upend the transactional process in 2015, our industry didn’t panic. We collaborated. Realtors, lenders, attorneys and title companies joined forces, took our concerns to Washington, and helped reshape the final disclosure forms. Today, those very forms — the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure — are models of transparency that help us empower clients and close with confidence.

That’s what leadership looks like. It’s not about position, it’s about purpose.

At Women’s Council, we don’t wait for change. We lead it. We are one piece of a massive national network of 1.6 million Realtors, but our voice is amplified by focus, unity and mission. We are not just participating in the future of real estate, we are shaping it.

So whether you’re a broker, a lender, a title officer or a new agent, if you believe in building a better, stronger, more inclusive industry, there is a place for you here. Because in this business, leadership is not about a title on a business card. It’s about influence, integrity and impact.

At Women’s Council of REALTORS®, leaders are made. And we are always, unequivocally, stronger together.

Brett Decker is the 2025 president of the Illinois Women’s Council of REALTORS®.