Growing up in India, Swati Saxena was encouraged to be a doctor or engineer. Excelling in electrical engineering, she moved to the U.S., earned her master’s degree and started a career designing semiconductor chips. “I appreciated the challenge of engineering, but I felt something was missing and I craved more human interaction,” Saxena remembers. “I knew that if I was going to make a change, it was going to have to allow my extroverted nature to thrive.”

For more than 14 years, she has applied that extroversion to being a Realtor with Baird & Warner. Specializing in residential real estate, she says her favorite part of every sale often comes once the deal is closed. “I love hearing from clients who are pleased with my services and with their results,” she remarks. “Referrals are a key part of my business, and knowing that a client is so happy that they recommend me to their friends and family is the best feeling and highest compliment I could ever receive.”

Saxena has been the No. 1 agent at the Baird & Warner Oak Park-River Forest office for seven consecutive years, as well as in the Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park areas for the past four years. She’s recognized for her dedication to a vegan lifestyle, advocacy for equity issues and support of nonprofits such as Hephzibah, the Animal Care League, Housing Forward and Sarah’s Inn. Known in her community for her fabulous parties and enviable shoe collection, Saxena lives in Oak Park with her spouse and their rescue mutts, Kona and Chester.

“Real estate is truly a perfect fit for me, because I enjoy meeting new people,” she shares. “The fact that I love what I do keeps my passion and dedication strong, making my work and continuing education more enjoyable.”