On Tuesday August 26th, we celebrate Women’s Equality Day — a day to honor all the women who paved the way.   

As the child of a divorced mother of four, I watched my mom face hurdle after hurdle just to keep us fed and safe. She couldn’t have a checking account, mortgage, or credit card in her name. This wasn’t ancient history — this was my childhood.

• Before 1973, women couldn’t serve on a jury.
• Before 1974, they couldn’t apply for credit without a male co-signer.
• Before 1977, women could get fired if they refused sexual advances from their boss.
• Before 1978, they could legally be fired for being pregnant.

The Women’s Liberation Movement of the late ’60s and ’70s changed that. The Equal Credit Act (1971) meant women could apply for credit cards and mortgages without a male co-signer. The Equal Opportunity Act (1974) broadened access to jobs, including real estate.

Growing up in the ’70s, I saw the inequity firsthand. Things weren’t fair for women. Truth is — they still aren’t. Leadership roles remain disproportionately occupied by men. Today, across all industries, women hold only 29% of C-suite positions and a mere 9% of CEO roles in S&P 500 companies. In government, women make up just 25% of the U.S. Senate, 29% of the House, and 31.9% of statewide elected executives.

Thirty years ago, I chose real estate. It was one of the few industries where I saw women truly thrive. Today, two-thirds of all Realtors® are women — 66% to be exact. But this didn’t happen by accident. The profession evolved because women fought for a seat at the table.

Founded in 1908, NAR was men-only — “uniting the real estate men of America.” In 1973, it opened membership to women; by year’s end, women were 17% of members, advancing to what it is today. As the Women’s Liberation Movement gained momentum, real estate became a pathway to financial independence and entrepreneurship for women.

But women didn’t just enter the industry — we changed it. We took a business that didn’t see us as equals and made it one of the few places where women dominate. We shattered stereotypes, built careers, and for those of us who grew up hearing the slogan, “You’ve come a long way, baby” — damn straight, we have.

Here’s to the women who fought their way into the room, the women now building the room, and the women who will open the doors even wider for those who come next.