As we near the end of March and Women's History Month, we have the opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions women have made to our shared history. Women in this country have made huge strides, fighting for equality because we believed in our capabilities.
Our grandmothers fought for their right to vote. Our mothers fought for entry into, and participation in, the workforce. And we have fought to break the glass ceiling, being recognized as equally capable and valuable as our male counterparts.Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Indianapolis women REALTORS® began to make their mark on the industry, following the establishment of the first Women’s Council of REALTORS® in 1938. Indianapolis women realized what many other women across the nation did: real estate was a business in which they could break through the income cap placed on many other positions and reach success in the business world.
Though it was not without challenge, Indianapolis women did just that. Helen Hirt, who organized the Indianapolis chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, was the first woman to receive the REALTOR® of the year award in 1970 and served as the first female president of the then Indianapolis Real Estate Board in 1973. Her daughter, Kaye Hirt Eggleston, carried on the tradition by leading the organization as president in the early 1990s. Now expanded to the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS® (MIBOR), the organization celebrates its centennial in 2012 and I am proud to serve as President in the 100th year.
At our Centennial Celebration gala this January, in which we celebrated the 100-year history of MIBOR, the impact that women have made on this industry was striking. Interestingly, each of the six awards, given annually to real estate professionals who have made an impact in the last year to the industry and the community, was awarded to a woman.
I am thankful to the strong women who preceded me and fought for my right to earn a living as a REALTOR®. They paved the way so that our daughters and granddaughters can choose to work as REALTORS® — or in other any profession they desire. Debbie Morris
2012 President
Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS®
It's YOUR Turn: What do you think? Do you have any stories to share about contributions women have made in your profession and/or in this industry? Post a comment below!
I love seeing this video clip. It makes me think of the hours spent interviewing members. Such dedication they had over the years, such great stories they shared. Thanks for sharing Debbie.
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