History of the Women's Council of  REALTOR®

In 1924, the California Real Estate Association formed a Women's Division, after members founded the idea on a train ride home from the National Association's convention in Washington, D.C. Fourteen years later, Joseph Catherine, the 1938 president of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (then called the National Association of Real Estate Boards), encouraged the formation of the Women's Council after being impressed by the California group and the immense potential of women in real estate.

At the time, NAR was already 30 years old and most decisions were still made at the Local Board level. Unfortunately, most Local Boards were still resistant to women; however, the National Association was ready to recognize women in real estate and a positive vote resulted in the formation of a women's division at the Annual Convention held in Milwaukee in November of 1938. Thirty-seven ambitious women represented nine states at that meeting and WCR's inception. Through the decades, WCR's membership growth reflected the vast number of women choosing a career in real estate.

Women began to recognize the immense benefits of careers in real estate: combined with a WCR membership, including:

• Salaries equitable to men's since "commission is commission."

• Flexible work schedules allowing REALTORS® the ability to raise a family and have a career instead of choosing one or the other.

• A support system of women in the same field garnering many friendships, networking capabilities - and referrals.

• Gaining confidence through association with other professional women REALTORS®. Recognition for their own achievements and success, as well as inspiration and courage to strive for greater successes.