Thank you to those who submitted nominations for NAR Fair Housing Champion Award.
This year’s pool of nominees was an impressive reflection of REALTORS® hard work and dedication to advancing fair housing and expanding homeownership. For more information about NAR’s fair housing efforts visit nar.realtor/ACT.
Team Leader, Shad Bogany Team at Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, Houston, TX
Shadrick Bogany, a prominent figure in Houston real estate, advocates for homeownership as a means of empowerment, particularly within marginalized communities. Bogany's upbringing in subsidized housing instilled in him a desire to achieve stability through homeownership. Witnessing his father's success in property ownership motivated Bogany to purchase his first home at 18, leading to a career in real estate. He now heads the Shad Bogany Team at BHGReal Estate Gary Greene, working to empower others, especially in the Black community, to attain homeownership and financial security. Drawing from his experience, he educates others through workshops and a long-running radio show, challenging misconceptions and promoting fair housing practices. Bogany's dedication extends to political involvement, where he works to create affordable housing initiatives and dismantle systemic barriers. Bogany's commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized communities continues to leave a lasting legacy of empowerment and social change.
Eve B. Lee & Associates, Lake County, IL
Eve B. Lee, a Lake County, Illinois, community leader, has spent over 60 years expanding housing opportunities. She developed a passion for fairness and equality from her upbringing in a financially strained household. Despite challenges, including leaving her sorority over discriminatory practices, she pursued education and became involved in civil rights efforts. In the 1960s, Lee promoted the collaboration between real estate organizations and fair housing advocates, leading to significant agreements. Recognizing the need for affordable housing, she spearheaded initiatives that resulted in the creation of over 1,300 affordable housing units across Lake County. In 2017, she orchestrated the merger of three housing nonprofits, forming CPAH, which offers various housing services. Lee's advocacy extended to calling for mandatory fair housing training, which led to NAR's adoption of required training in 2023. Throughout her life, Eve B. Lee's dedication to housing equity has left a profound legacy in Lake County and beyond.
President of Patriot Real Estate, Medway, MA
Paul Yorkis, inspired by President Kennedy's call to make the world a better place, has dedicated his life to advocating for equitable housing policies and expanding access to housing opportunities. His journey from higher education administration to real estate was motivated by a desire to help others pursue the American dream. Yorkis’ commitment to change was ignited during a home showing to an immigrant family, leading him to lobby for translated forms to aid non-English speakers. As president of the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®, Yorkis leveraged his position to advocate for language access and equitable housing policies. Through his efforts, numerous forms have been translated into multiple languages, improving access to resources for diverse communities. Yorkis's passion transcends policy advocacy to inspiring the next generation of real estate professionals. Collaborating with colleagues, he initiated a training program in American Sign Language to better serve the deaf community. For Yorkis, making a difference means empowering others to create positive change, echoing President Kennedy's vision for a better society.
In 2021, as part of its ACT! Fair Housing Initiative, NAR began profiling REALTOR® fair housing leaders who are “being the change” in their businesses and communities. These video profiles continued into 2022 and with the partnership of realtor.com, became the Fair Housing Champion Award.
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