About

The genesis of the Women's Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers was born over forty-plus years ago. However, the vision and determination of a few women made the Council reality years after the inception of our national organization NAREB®.

NAREB's history states that at their organizing meeting in Tampa, Florida, in 1947, the following National Business League's Convention, there were twelve representatives from different states that committed themselves to the formulation of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Among those founders was a woman, Mrs. Naomi Black of Detroit, Michigan.

A year later at the first NAREB® convention held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, one of the highlights of that convention was the role of women in the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. At that meeting, it was agreed that women brokers be recognized officially in two capacities. One that women participate in the election process as officers and two as appointed officers 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 53 percent of the National Association of Real Estate Broker's membership with women participating in all divisions and aspects of the organization.
 
Women’s Council of the Empire Board of Realtists, Inc.

Women’s Council of the Empire Board of Realtists was founded in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia. The original organizers were Ms. Dorothy L. Kelly, Mr. Joe Richardson, and the late Jocelyn C. Peters. Women’s Council of Realtists was cultivated under the leadership of the Empire Real estate Board President Mr. W.C. Ponder (deceased). 

Ms Jocelyn C. Peters was elected to serve as the First President upon the inception of the Women's Council of EBR, the "Stay at Home Tea" was established as the Council's major fundraiser. The "Stay at Home Tea", continued for several years, and the Council looked forward to this event as membership grew.

In 1989, Mary Nell Austin was elected President of the Women’s Council of Realtists and the Annual “Rose Ball” became the Women’s Council’s newest and most popular fundraiser. The “Rose Ball” provided educational college scholarships for deserving young students in Atlanta. During this time, several community outreach programs were developed. One such program was “The Women’s Homeless Shelter”. Past President Bobbie Kennedy Sanford is attributed with its implantation. Women’s Council of Realtists became very instrumental in preparing the community for home ownership by providing education and information through Homebuyer’s seminars.  

Other community outreach ventures are continuously held at the Empire Board of Realtists® Headquarters at 686 Ashby Street (currently known as Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard). Blood Drives are held to assist the American Red Cross with needed donations. With the Women’s Council headquarters being in the West End community, makes it a convenient location to donate blood through the assistance of the Women’s Council of Realtists.  

In 2002, during a period when the lives of men and women living in the United States of America changed forever, President Cassie Chappelle Stanley launched the “911 Prayer Breakfast”. After Mrs. Stanley’s period in office as President of the Local Women’s Council of Realtists ended, she was elected as the President of the Women’s Council of the National association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)

The Atlanta Chapter (Empire Board) has been extremely active with the National organization. They were so active that five (5) of the Atlanta Chapter members were elected to serve as Presidents on the National Level. These great leaders were: Jocelyn C. Peters (deceased), Mrs. Barbara A. Alexander, Connie Stokes (Dekalb County Commissioner/Former State Senator), Mrs. Jean Brooks-Eberhardt and Mrs. Cassie Chappelle-Stanley. 

The Empire Board of Realtists Women’s Council empowers a dynamic group of professionals, both men and women to achieve true leadership. This very unique organization celebrates the diversity in the market and the interests of the community. The Women’s Council of Realtists is a positive force amongst Real Estate professionals.