Women’s Council of REALTORS® Members Rise to Support Carolina Mountains Network After Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on North Carolina, a newly chartered Women’s Council of REALTORS® network, Carolina Mountains, found itself at a crossroads. This fledgling network, still acclimating to its role within the larger Women’s Council community, faced the daunting task of rebuilding—not just homes and businesses but their sense of normalcy.

Enter Heather Gool, 2025 State Liaison, North Carolina, and a dedicated Women’s Council member with a heart for lifting others within the Council. At the National Conference in November, Heather sat down with a few of her 2022 Leadership Institute classmates, Alexis Bolin, and Cathy Heshmat, to pose a simple question: “How could Women’s Council members help this fellow network?”

The Power of Stepping Up

Heather recognized that this brand-new network had yet to experience the transformative power of Women’s Council. She empathized with their dilemma—when faced with choosing between basic survival, rebuilding their businesses, and investing in their membership dues, Women’s Council understandably fell to the wayside. But Heather knew the value of the network. She knew how vital it was for these members to remain connected during such a critical time.

“We just stepped up and said, ‘Hey, how can we help?’” Heather shared. And help they did.

With the help and support of the 2022 Leadership Institute Class, Heather suggested a practical and generous idea: cover the 2025 membership dues of the Carolina Mountains Network so they could focus on recovering from the hurricane’s aftermath. This sparked immediate action from Women’s Council members attending the National Conference in Boston. National leaders began sharing the story from the main stage, inspiring members onsite to contribute. What made it even more special was that this initiative was a total surprise for the Carolina Mountains Local President, Michelle Ranieri. Michelle immediately felt the support from the members, and in no time, cash donations totaling $1,300 started pouring in from attendees eager to help. A GoFundMe campaign was launched and shared widely across North Carolina, amplifying the reach of their efforts.

A Nationwide Wave of Support

The response was nothing short of extraordinary! Women’s Council members across the country united, demonstrating the deep-rooted sense of community that defines our organization. Thanks to the collective efforts, all 36 members of the Carolina Mountains network had their membership paid in full for 2025. This support allowed them to redirect their energy toward rebuilding their homes, businesses, and lives.

For many of these members, this was their first real experience with the power of the National Women’s Council network. It was a powerful introduction, showcasing how the Council’s mission of empowering and supporting one another extends far beyond professional development.

Beyond Carolina: A Call to Action

Even as the Women’s Council rallied to support the Carolina Mountains network, other regions faced their own challenges. From hurricanes in the Carolinas to the devastation in California, members of the Women’s Council consistently ask, “How can I help?” Whether through financial contributions, organizing relief efforts, or simply offering a kind word, the impact of these gestures resonates deeply.

Heather’s initiative serves as a reminder that every action counts. Sometimes, all it takes is one person asking a question, one donation, or one conversation to spark meaningful change. For those unfamiliar with Women’s Council, this story is a testament to its true purpose: building a community that uplifts and supports its members. We truly are stronger together!

If you or your network have exemplified a strong sense of community and would like to be featured in REconnect, we’d love to hear about it! Share your story by emailing jthomas@wcr.org.