Women’s Council of REALTORS®
REALTOR® COMMUNITY
STORY BY KEVIN GREEN | PHOTOS BY LILY CHRIS PHOTOGRAPHY
HISTORY AND MISSION
In the throes of 1938, a time when women faced barriers in local REALTOR® associations across the nation, the Women's Council of REALTORS® emerged as a beacon of empowerment.
Founded with a mission to unite and uplift women in the real estate industry, Women's Council of REALTORS® has evolved into a nationwide community of 12,000 professionals, fostering leadership, networking opportunities and community involvement.
Women's Council of REALTORS® Tulsa, under the leadership of President Tracey Payne of InVision Realty and President-Elect Shannon Odell of Darling Properties, stands as a testament to the organization's enduring mission. As women now make up almost 70% of REALTORS®, Women's Council of REALTORS® continues to be a vital affiliate under the National Association of REALTORS®, representing a formidable force in the industry.
March, known globally as Women's History Month, adds a layer of significance to Women's Council of REALTORS® Tulsa's mission.
The organization pays homage to the trailblazing women who have shaped the real estate industry and continues to celebrate the achievements of its members. During this month, Women's Council of REALTORS® Tulsa reaffirms its commitment to providing a platform for women to thrive, excel and lead.
Alongside Payne and Odell are their fellow Women's Council of REALTORS® board members: First Vice President Debbie Daniels, Treasurer Shelly Gerjes, Membership Director Stacy Arnold and Event Director Donna Barbier.
“What it was is a group of ladies that got together and said we gotta support one another, and we need to bring our leadership skills, our multitasking and all of the things that it takes in the industry,” Odell said. “So they banded together, created this network and now it has become a nationwide network, and men are welcome. We don't turn them away. In fact, we do have a lot of men that come and support us and our mission.”
EXPANDING HORIZONS
Payne and Odell have their sights set on expansion, aiming to bring Women's Council of REALTORS® empowering network to Oklahoma City.
As part of this endeavor, an interest meeting is scheduled for March 14 at First United Bank in Moore, welcoming all interested individuals, whether REALTORS® or affiliates. The duo envisions this expansion as an opportunity to share the mission of Women's Council of REALTORS® with a broader audience, fostering unity and leadership beyond Tulsa.
“That's to anyone in the OKC area to go and see if this is something that they would like to come to the area,” Odell said. “Tracey and I will be going down there to kind of help orchestrate the meeting and share what it's about, what it's for and how to operate those types of things.”
LEADING WITH PURPOSE
Payne's journey with Women's Council of REALTORS® began in 2018, driven by a desire to deepen her involvement in the real estate industry.
After a brief hiatus during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned in 2022, spurred by a renewed sense of purpose.
“I would say COVID changed me,” Payne said. “This is a story that I share a lot because I was very outgoing and very involved; I'd love to go and do and be out in the public and all the things. But when COVID hit and everything got shut down, it forced you to stay home, which was not the type of person I was. I like to be going and doing all the things, so I ended up reaching out to Pamela Jean, who is a life coach and business coach, and she and I started working together. She is the one that actually pushed me to get back involved — to kind of come out of my shell and to attend the events and be around people. That's why I ended up back at Women's Council again.”
As the current President, Payne’s role involves guiding the board, filling gaps and supporting fellow members in their leadership journey.
“Overall it’s just helping the members of the board grow their leadership skills, learn their positions and kind of make everybody's ideas come to life,” Payne said.
Reflecting on the past year, Payne emphasizes the organization's commitment to growth. With a focus on attracting younger REALTORS® and infusing excitement into the organization, Women's Council of REALTORS® Tulsa underwent a transformation, marked by events like the Havana Night Gala in the previous year and the upcoming Puttin' On the Ritz-themed gala.
Payne’s goal is simple yet profound — to let more people know about Women's Council of REALTORS®, its offerings and the valuable opportunities it provides to real estate professionals.
“I really just want to continue to bring attention to it, and I want people to hear about us and know about us,” Payne said. “There's still so many people that don't even know who Women's Council is. We go to our trade show and people will walk up to our booth and ask, ‘Who are you? What is this about?’ I want more people to know about us because we do have so much to offer. We have great speakers, great leadership opportunities for REALTORS® in the industry and it's just a beneficial place to be. It can really benefit a lot of people.
“I just want to continue to grow it, bring attention and light to the organization and just leave it better than I found it.”
Payne recognizes the profound impact that real estate has had on her life.
Beyond financial success, it has paved the way for meaningful relationships, friendships and a better life for her and her son. Her presidency is not just about leading an organization but leaving a lasting legacy by amplifying the organization's reach and impact.
“I have been very blessed with all of the clients that I have met along the way,” Payne said. “Most of them are friends after the deal is done, and we all stay in touch. I've met such amazing people, including REALTORS®. I've made some really great friendships.”
NURTURING CONNECTIONS
For Odell, Women's Council of REALTORS® became a pivotal network after she obtained her real estate license in 2015.
Joining as a way to connect with leading professionals and cultivate relationships, Odell appreciates the organization's emphasis on shared learning and collaboration. Her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to the owner of Darling Properties reflects the diverse paths within the real estate industry that Women's Council of REALTORS® celebrates.
After years of encouragement from her family, Odell finally decided to delve into real estate not only because she loves connecting with people, but also because of the flexibility it provided in allowing her to stay involved and present in her three children’s personal and school lives.
“I went to one of the fundraising galas and a couple of the lunches and finally decided I just need to join,” Odell said. “I liked the idea of the leadership aspect, the different speakers and I can go regularly every month. I know like clockwork, what to expect and also get to build relationships with other leading professionals. You think you know everything and you don't, so you'll never meet somebody that doesn't know something or hasn't experienced something that you could lean on, even if they're in the same industry. I really wanted that aspect that just because we are in the same industry, we don't have to be competitive — we can learn from one another and lean on one another. We really push our network to join together even if we are at different companies, just to band together as women and lean on one another.
“I have gained some amazing relationships and friendships through doing so, and you can't replace that.”
In her role as the President-Elect, Odell’s responsibilities involve planning luncheons and fundraising events, facilitating exclusive networking events, and ensuring that the organization is following national guidelines. These events, which go beyond speakers and sponsors, are designed to bring Women's Council of REALTORS® members together to network, share experiences and build relationships in a casual setting.
Beyond the realms of real estate, Odell’s commitment to community engagement is evident in Women's Council of REALTORS® support for local nonprofits.
The organization's fundraising gala, themed 'Puttin' On the Ritz' this year — which promotes everything glam and glitzy from the 20s, 30s and 40s — not only contributes to Women's Council of REALTORS® growth but also supports the Greater Tulsa Association of REALTORS® Foundation's 'Backpacks for Kids' program.
“They are a separate nonprofit that we've decided to partner with since they are within our industry, and they are our local association,” Odell said. “They raise funds for backpacks, and they're actually tailored specifically to children. The backpacks have names on them, and they're tailored to a specific child. It has an outfit, it has shoes, it has undergarments and it has toiletries along with some school supplies.”
BUILDING BRIDGES, FOSTERING GROWTH
The Women's Council of REALTORS® Tulsa, led by Payne and Odell, stands as a dynamic force, striving to empower and connect real estate professionals.
With a rich history, Women's Council of REALTORS® continues to evolve, embracing diversity, unity and professional development. As Payne and Odell steer the organization towards expansion, their vision encompasses not just geographical reach but also a broader impact in fostering leadership, camaraderie and growth within the real estate community.
“It is mainly to build leadership for women and bring them together,” Odell said.
