Chicago realtor Debbie Hymen has been through a lot of different markets during her days in real estate — but through it all, she has a knack for remaining positive yet realistic. “The ‘we will find something for you’ or ‘we will find the right buyer’ attitude has served me well,” she says.

Hymen’s father thought she would be good in sales, but it was tricky to break into the industry and she worried about selling something she didn’t believe in. When she found real estate, it seemed like the perfect fit. “Everyone needs and deserves a place to live,” she says. “I love people and helping them acquire their most expensive purchase or a suitable place to rent is both challenging and personally rewarding.”

Having grown up along the North Shore, Hymen is intimately familiar with the area and each neighborhood’s quirks. She takes her role as an agent very seriously — yes, it’s how she earns her living, but she sees herself as a public servant to the people of Illinois first and foremost.

Clients say Hymen is endlessly patient and a skilled educator. “I don’t connect with every person I meet but when we do, the experience is strong and successful.”

An active member of NSBAR, IR and NAR, Hymen has received many industry awards during her 26 years in the industry, including numerous accolades from Five Star Professional dating all the way back to 2010.

Outside of real estate, Hymen has served on local school boards for a total of 20 years. She also served on the leadership council of a local special education cooperative, serving 18 school districts across Chicagoland. She’s also an active member of the Realtors Political Action Committee, advocating for the public on real estate-related issues.

Hymen’s philanthropic efforts include breast cancer research, the Lynn Sage Cancer Foundation and TruNorth 804 Foundation.