Empowering Women: Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Wells Fargo EVP Georgette Dixon Shine at NAREB Convention
Jo-Carolyn Goode | 3/7/2024, 12:49 p.m.
In a celebration of women's remarkable societal contributions, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Wells Fargo EVP Georgette Dixon took center stage at the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) Midwinter Convention. Wells Fargo proudly sponsored the session, underscoring its commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity.
The captivating "Fireside Chat with Women of Impact" followed the unveiling of NAREB’s groundbreaking 2023 Women Investing in Real Estate (W.I.R.E) report. Revealing profound insights, the report showcased the significant strides made by Black women in homeownership, with a remarkable 5.6% increase between 1990 and 2019, solidifying their status as the largest segment of new Black homeowners. Additionally, the report highlighted the educational, employment, and entrepreneurship gains enjoyed by Black women, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping communities nationwide.
Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, NAREB’s President, set the stage for the session by highlighting the wealth of data provided by the W.I.R.E report. She emphasized, "We're able to draw conclusions from that data and gain an understanding of what her needs are," enabling NAREB to develop tailored programs and initiatives to support Black women in their homeownership endeavors.
Against the backdrop of Women’s History Month, Mayor Lyles urged women across the city to embrace their potential and seize opportunities for growth, emphasizing, “We care about where you're going, not where you've come from.”
Mrs. Dixon shared her inspiring journey from a segregated community in Greenville, South Carolina, to her leadership role at Tennessee State University. Reflecting on her activism to preserve the university's HBCU legacy, she remarked, "All of that led to the corporate career that I have today," underscoring the transformative power of education and advocacy.
Mayor Lyles and Mrs. Dixon embody the resilience and determination of women, particularly Black women, in American society, paving the way for future generations to thrive.
The W.I.R.E. report showcased the economic strides made by Black women, highlighting their significant presence in the labor force and educational achievements. Additionally, the report underscored the entrepreneurial spirit of Black women, with a notable 50% increase in businesses owned between 2014 and 2019, solidifying their position as trailblazers in the business world.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and beyond, let us continue to champion the achievements and contributions of women, recognizing their invaluable role in shaping our communities and driving positive change. With leaders like Mayor Lyles and Mrs. Dixon at the forefront, the future is indeed bright for women across all walks of life.
For more information, visit NAREB.com