Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate everything women have achieved and recognize the challenges that lie ahead. An example of the former is the fact that women have overcome historic barriers to home buying. The female population went from being unable to solely own homes to now being more likely than single men to own property. Not only that, but in 2025, female REALTORS® made up 57% of this once-male-dominated industry. Female homeowners are also making strides, as single women are now more likely to own a home than single men.
However, there’s still work to be done. Single women home buyers are generally older than their male counterparts, proving that the dream of home ownership takes longer for females to achieve. One of the many reasons for this gap is that women earn less than men on average, meaning it might take longer for a single woman to be able to afford a home.
While we celebrate the progress that’s been made, we also acknowledge that more needs to be done to achieve gender equality within real estate. Orange County REALTORS® is dedicated to creating an environment in which homeownership is an achievable dream for everyone.
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Female Leaders Inspire Others
Female leadership doesn’t solely benefit women; it enriches everyone - from the Orange County community to our industry and beyond. Throughout Women’s History Month and year-round, we take pride in celebrating our female leaders and their significant contributions.
NAR's First Female President
Dorcas T. Helfant-Browning became the National Association of REALTORS®' first female President in 1992. At 45 years old, she was also one of NAR's youngest Presidents, shattering two records simultaneously. Today, Dorcas is a Managing Partner and Principal Broker with Coldwell Banker Professional REALTORS® in Virginia Beach.
Learn more about Dorcas T. Helfant-Browning and her NAR Presidency.
Opportunities for Involvement
The Women’s Council of REALTORS® serves as a dynamic network of accomplished professionals dedicated to propelling women forward as influential business leaders within our industry and communities. Proudly, the Orange County Network stands among our esteemed industry partners. Explore their website to learn about their impactful initiatives and discover opportunities for engagement!
Women's History Month Virtual Backgrounds
Represent OC REALTORS® and celebrate Women's History Month with one of these branded backgrounds when attending a virtual meeting with OCR.
Women's History Month Events
Saturday, March 7 | 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Oasis Community Center | 801 Narcissus Ave, Corona Del Mar
Launched in 2020, She Is by Junior League of Orange County, CA (JLOCC) was created as a benchmark of empowerment, leadership, and connection for women in the community. This transformative event goes beyond the traditional conference format, offering a dynamic platform where women from diverse backgrounds come together to foster personal and professional growth. Each year, She Is adopts a new theme to reflect the ever-evolving journey of women and to keep the event dynamic, relevant, and deeply impactful.
Join OC’s most engaged and energetic women with opportunities to network with sponsors, event organizers, and attendees.
Mastermind Insights: Creating Balance to Achieve Success on Your Own Terms
Wednesday, March 25 | 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
OC REALTORS® Fountain Valley | 10540 Talbert Avenue, Suite 225 West Building
There's an ideal out there that's talked about and tough to shake - the aspiration to be that 24/7, always available agent who has everything put together and ready to go whenever a client calls. Truthfully, how realistic is that image? In celebration of Women's History Month, we are showcasing three high-producing real estate women who implemented strategies that made them successful and are applicable to all REALTORS®. Hear them share their journey navigating that holy grail of work/life balance, conquering imposter syndrome, managing the unique expectations placed on women in leadership, and redefining what success looks like for them.