When I first became a REALTOR in 2001, my broker husband told me to join WCR. He said it would give me something I could not get from him- other women connections in the industry. I had no idea when I joined how it would enrich my real estate career with knowledge and life-long friendships all over the country! Right before one of my installations he actually joked, "I didn't mean for you to get this involved!" Ha! But that's what you do when you love it!!
I know that much of my confidence in this industry came from the involvement and many offices I held up to 2005 Metro St.Louis President and those up to the 2010 Missouri President. I remember those years with great pride! I gained so much during my travels to meetings across the state and country. The education was some of the most valuable
I have had and I have used what I learned in the years since. It gave me the confidence to run for office and lose! I discovered I could pick myself up and run again! And I discovered my leadership abilities! It gave me the desire to serve on my local board as an officer, to become the Missouri CRS President in 2015, the Council of Independent Real Estate Brokers- CIREB President in 2018, be on NAR committees, as well as serving on the St Louis Association and Missouri REALTORS Boards for many years. I am sure many of you have similar stories!
Since Covid I have been quarantined a lot to protect an immune-compromised son who has come to live with me. But I still try to keep up with the great progress the rest of you have made carrying the WCR torch forward. And I am proud of all of you who give your time to this wonderful organization. It is truly a training ground for leadership! I learned early on that when I immersed myself that I was the happiest. And I can truly say I always gave much but got rewarded so much more in return!