The genesis of the Women's Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. However, the vision and determination of a few women made the council a reality years after the inception of our National Organization (NAREB). NAREB's history states that at their organizing meeting in Tampa, Florida, in 1947, following the National Business League's Conference, twelve representatives from different states committed themselves to formulate the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. Naomi Black, of Detroit, Michigan. A year later, at the first NAREB convention held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, one of the highlights of that convention was the role of the women in the Nation Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. At the meeting, it was agreed that women brokers be recognized officially in two capacities. One is that women participate in the election process as officers and appointed officers in NAREB. By the time the fifties roared in, women were joining NAREB at an alarming rate. The early fifties gave women inspiration, confidence, and hope for better business opportunities in real estate. It was within this period that the "Detroit Brokerettes" was formed. The Brokerettes were the first group of minority women bonding together to organize a
women's group in real estate. Several members of the "Brokerettes" aided in the forming of the Women's Council of NAREB. Today, women comprise fifty-three percent of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers membership, with women participating in all divisions and aspects of the Organization.
