In honor of March being Women’s History Month, we here at Nan and Company Properties thought what better way to celebrate than to take a look back at some of the most influential trailblazers in the real estate industry throughout history. Join us as we highlight these influential women, as well as analyze the impact women have on the industry today.
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Dorcas Helfant
When the NAR (The National Association of Realtors) was founded in 1908, it was made up of entirely men. There had been females in real estate since the industry’s beginning in 1794, but for a long time they had been unable to become involved in official organizations and service on boards. Dorcas Helfant broke the mold in 1992 when she became the first woman president of the National Association of Realtors. Dorcas served as president for a multitude of boards throughout her life and currently is vice-chair of the Foundation Board of Virginia’s Community Colleges. Dorcas’s determination helped highlight and reaffirm a women’s place in an industry where women were oftentimes not recognized.
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Abby Hamlin
Abby Hamlin has revolutionized what the real estate industry is capable of doing with her work in areas of Downtown Brooklyn. She has been recognized for her development of homes for formerly homeless and low income individuals. Abby’s firm is one of few remaining successful female-owned firms in Brooklyn, New York and continues to set the bar for agencies around her. A true trailblazer and civic leader in her industry, Abby Hamlin continues to enrich and renew New York’s downtown areas with art, public works, and real estate.
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Nancy Almodovar
The next trailblazer on our list is none other than our very own CEO, Nancy Almodovar. Nancy launched Nan and Company Properties in 2014 and hasn’t stopped revolutionizing the industry since. She has been recognized as Houston Business Journal’s #1 real estate agent in luxury, an outstanding leader in real estate as part of “Women Who Mean Business” in 2017, and has been named the national winner of the 2018 Enterprising Women of the Year Award in Miami, Florida. Under her leadership, Nan and Company Properties was awarded the highly prestigious global award of Christie’s Affiliate of the Year for 2019. Nancy also pioneers multiple foundations including the Nan Cares Toy Drive, an annual fundraiser that collects then donates toys to underprivileged elementary school students in Houston.
According to the National Association of Realtors, as of May 2018, 63% of all realtors were female. The number has only steadily increased and now real estate is one of the most women-dominated industries. It’s thanks to women like whom we’ve mentioned who have pioneered the way and solidified space for women in this industry. We want to take time to thank them, as well as all the other women realtors out there for being pillars of strength and perseverance, and recognize the vital role they have played in history.