About
Our Mission
Founded in 1971, the Women’s Council of NAREB’s mission is to elevate the standards of women and men in the real estate industry by encouraging leadership, education and the exchange of information through group learning techniques; and to provide the opportunity for women to increase their knowledge and expertise in all facets of real estate.
The History of the Women's Council of NAREB®
The genesis of the Women’s Council of NAREB was born over 50 years ago with the inception of the parent organization NAREB. NAREB’s formation in 1947 involved eleven men and one women. In 1948, at the first NAREB convention, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a major highlight was the role of women in NAREB. It was officially determined that women brokers would be recognized in the election process as officers, as well as the appointment of women to offices in NAREB. By the time the fifties roared in, women were joining NAREB at an incredible rate. The vision and determination of a few women made the Women’s Council of NAREB a reality; and at the NAREB Convention in 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia, the Women’s Council was formed and organized. Today, the Women’s Council of NAREB® represent the largest of the 10 affiliates of NAREB®.
1947NAREB Founded
1971WC of NAREB Founded
1950sDetroit Brokerettes
60%Comprised of Women
THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL OF THE
National Association of Real Estate Brokers
The genesis of the Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers was born over 50 years ago with the inception of the parent organization NAREB®. NAREB’s formation in 1947 involved eleven men and one women, Mrs. Naomi Black of Detroit, Michigan.
In 1948, at the first NAREB Convention held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a major highlight was the role of women in the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. It was officially determined that women brokers would be recognized in two capacities: (1) The participation of women in the election process as officers; and (2) The appointment of women to offices in NAREB.
By the time the fifties roared in, women were joining NAREB at an alarming rate. The early fifties indeed gave women inspiration, confidence and hope for better business opportunities in real estate. It was within this period that the “Detroit Brokerettes” were formed. The Brokerettes were the “first” supported group of minority women bonding together to organize a women’s group in real estate. Several members of the Brokerettes aided in the forming of the Women’s Council of NAREB®
In 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the NAREB’S Annual convention, Daisy Donavan of Detroit Michigan, Laura Seale of Brooklyn, New York and Iris Yateman of Indianapolis, Indiana founded the Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Officers and bylaws were established and Laura Seale became the first president of the Women’s Council of NAREB®.
Today, women comprise of approximately sixty percent of the National Association of Real Estate Broker’s and represent the largest of NAREB’s ten affiliate organizations with women participating in all divisions and aspects of the organization.
Just as the need to exist compelled the development of the Women’s Council many years ago, the need continues to exist today; not necessarily for the same issues, but for as many equally compelling reasons.
We invite you to become an active member in the nation’s most effective minority women’s real estate organization in Joining the Women’s Council of NAREB®.