Purpose

The AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award recognizes one young executive professional who has fostered greater involvement and increased professionalism among his or her YPN AE peers and REALTOR® members.

Congratulations to the 2024 Recipient of the AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award

Jakeeva Lee
Jakeeva Lee, CAE

Jakeeva is the chief executive officer of the Greater Louisville Association of REALTORS® (KY), a position she has held since 2023. She received the 2024 AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award because she’s dedicated to creating pathways for the next generation to grow, and has worked tirelessly to promote young member involvement at the local, state, and national level. Her innovative thinking and communication skills help make her a top collaborator and dedicated mentor who ensures diverse voices are heard.

Eligibility

  • Only full-time association executives (chief staff or staff specialists) of a REALTOR® association or MLS will be considered.
  • Nominee must be age 40 or under.
  • Nominee must have previously or are currently participating at the local, state, and national levels of the REALTOR® association.

Award Criteria

To achieve recognition, it must be demonstrated that nominees:

  • Provide greater exposure and awareness of REALTOR® association management to attract and support young executives to the profession.
  • Promote young member involvement at all three levels of the REALTOR® association to ensure a strong base of volunteer leaders
  • Solidify the legacy of YPN staff involvement to ensure a voice for the younger generation in REALTOR® association management

Nomination Procedures

Nominations for the AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award are now closed. The 2025 nomination process will open in Fall 2025. Nomination forms are submitted online. The Recommendations and Recognition Advisory Board believes that "honor seeks the candidate," not the reverse; therefore, politicking and campaigning are strongly discouraged.

Selection Timeline and Winners

Selection(s) will be made by the AEC/Recommendations and Recognition Advisory Board during NAR NXT. The honorees will be recognized at the AE Institute.

If you have questions regarding the AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award, please contact Courtney Wilson Fett at 312-329-5972 or cwilson@nar.realtor.

View a list of past recipients