National Women’s Council of REALTORS® Leadership Institute Shapes Confident, Connected Leaders
Confidence. Connections. Cooperation. Personal growth.
These aren’t just words but the outcomes for graduates of the National Women’s Council of REALTORS® Leadership Institute, a program that has shaped confident leaders for seven years.
A launchpad for future leaders
Relying on six education pillars—team building, presentation skills, conflict resolution, storytelling, strategic thinking, and empowerment of others—the 10-month-long Leadership Institute launches future leaders in their associations, communities, and companies.
Recent graduates gained new skills and found a network of people who will walk alongside them in their careers and support and encourage their success.
Helping others grow
Throughout her career, Alma Porras, a 2022 Leadership Institute graduate, and REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker West, San Diego, has found purpose and satisfaction in mentoring and coaching others.
While she was eager to enhance her own leadership skills, an equally important goal in applying for the Leadership Institute was gaining tools and greater insight—like emotional intelligence, consensus-building, and spotting leadership characteristics—that she could use to support other women rising through the leadership ranks.
“This industry has been good to me and good to women, and I want to help and support other women,” says Porras, PMN, ABR, MRP, AHWD, Green, the Women’s Council of REALTORS® California 2025, State First Vice President.
Keisha Williams, a broker with FULTONGRACE, Chicago, and 2025 President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Chicago, applied to the Leadership Institute in anticipation of running for president-elect in 2024. “I wanted to prepare myself as much as possible for that role,” she recalls.
It did.
The program emphasized cooperation, flexibility, and adaptability—essential leadership skills for real estate. Through group projects, she learned to take a deep dive into a topic, collaborate with strangers, reach consensus, and present ideas creatively.
It also pushed her to become a better listener.
Learning to listen to understand, not just respond, was a game-changer at work, with clients, and with loved ones. “Giving someone your undivided attention makes all the difference,” comments Williams.
Linda Lizzio, PMN, AHWD, ABR, CRS, GRI, GREEN, RENE, RSPS, Associate Broker of Long and Foster, in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, had a similar experience at the 2024 Leadership Institute and says, “The program significantly improved my communication and active listening skills.”
Through extensive group teamwork, she became more adept at leading with empathy and fostering consensus. She notes that the most valuable takeaway is understanding that effective leadership is less about having all the answers and more about empowering others to succeed.
Lizzio has had many opportunities to employ her education. She serves on the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR) Global Business Alliance Committee, chairs one of its subcommittees, and serves on a National Women’s Council Task Force Committee. In addition, she is a member of the 2025 Women’s Council Network 360° Leadership Conference Faculty, a 2025 member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Organizational Sustainability Task Force, and was the 2023 President of Women’s Council of REALTORS® Sussex County.
Spotting strengths, empowering others’ success
Though Elizabeth Cooper, PMN, C2EX, CLHMS™, GREEN, already had an MBA, the 2023 Leadership Institute offered industry-specific insights, including hands-on, real-world applications that set the program apart for her.
It also deepened her relationships with colleagues, helped her find a leadership style—one marked by compassion—and taught her to lift others up.
Cooper, team partner and founder of the Dayton Real Estate Crush Team with Glasshouse Realty Group, Dayton, Ohio, co-leads a team of 20. She remembers routinely wearing herself down by trying to do everything independently. “I used to think I had to be the leader to make an impact, but I’m not really helping others grow that way,” she comments.
Her volunteer work includes serving on the Dayton REALTORS® Board of Directors 2025, acting as Past President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Dayton, and serving as Women’s Council of REALTORS® Ohio State Treasurer. She’s also running for Women’s Council of REALTORS® Ohio State President-Elect.
After attending the Leadership Institute, she shifted away from a “do-it-all” mentality.
She started stepping back, asking for help, and creating more opportunities for others to lead and share ideas both with her team and at REALTOR® organizations.
The power of vulnerability
Opportunities to share personal stories and open themselves up to vulnerability created trust and connections during the leadership training, allowing everyone to find a new group of people—nationwide connections—to support them.
The program’s alumni now provide a continuous source of support and inspiration, and many still call one another, Zoom, and bounce ideas off each other.
“The connections I formed with my fellow class members have been invaluable,” says Lizzio. “They’ve provided guidance, shared resources, and offered encouragement every step of the way.”
Stage fright to spotlight
The newfound confidence and the trust they built with one another also gave participants the courage to face a shared source of anxiety: public speaking.
The Leadership Institute’s speaker training quelled some of their uneasiness.
“It gave us a lot of opportunities to practice and prepare, and I am nowhere near as afraid as I used to be speaking in public,” comments Williams. Since graduating, she’s stepped on stage at in-person and virtual events and notes how much more comfortable and confident she is.
Similarly, Lizzio continues to rely on the tips and practical examples she learned from the spokesperson training session on speaking with impact.
Porras found satisfaction in supporting others. Beyond practical skills—like smart strategies for using QR codes, Jotform, and Canva for greater efficiency—one of the most compelling Leadership Institute benefits was learning to help others identify their strengths.
“People don’t see the leader within. When you start talking to them, encouraging them, and identifying things they never really thought about, you see leaders that blossom. It’s the most beautiful thing,” says Porras.
For those considering leadership training but hear the nagging question, “Am I good enough?” in their head, Cooper says, “Just do it. You have a unique point of view, and if you have an interest, absolutely apply.”
Discover how this program benefits your leadership journey—learn more and get involved today. The application period will open on June 3.