For the past nine years, Swati Saxena has made it her mission to help individuals and families realize their real estate goals. “There are people behind every transaction,” says Saxena. “I’m always mindful of what buying or selling a home means to each client, and my objective is to help them maximize their goals while minimizing any stress or anxiety. I want every client I work with to have an easy, joyful real estate experience.”

The combination of a client-centered approach and powerhouse negotiating skills helped Saxena, a managing broker with Baird & Warner, become the No. 1 producer in her office and earn membership in Baird & Warner Founder’s Club for the past four years.

Saxena is a former semiconductor engineer who was born in India and came to the U.S. to earn her master’s degree in electrical engineering. While she left the technical world behind, many engineering skills shine through in her work today: her analytical, solution-based approach; attention to detail; sharp eye for structures and spaces; and ability to break down and communicate complex situations.

“I love helping people, and I’m an extrovert, so I knew my next career would involve assisting people,” Saxena says. “Being an immigrant with my family in India, diversity is important to me. I’m passionate about racial and gender equality, veganism, and improving education in underprivileged communities in India.” Saxena volunteers for many organizations that support those causes, and she quickly pivoted to providing on-the-ground support to health care workers at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.

Focusing on serving her clients and community in the Near West suburbs — from first-time buyers to luxury clients to downsizing homeowners — has allowed Saxena to flourish personally and professionally. The vast majority of her business now comes through referrals and her extensive personal network. Along with her spouse and their rescue mutt, Kona, Saxena resides in Oak Park.