About Us
The Women’s Council of Associated Real Property Brokers (ARPB) is the local chapter of the Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and an affiliate of the Associated Real Property Brokers (ARPB), Oakland Bay Area Chapter. ARPB is the local chapter of NAREB, an organization founded in 1947 by eleven men and one woman to promote democracy in housing and equal opportunity in real estate.
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In 1948, at the first NAREB convention, a major highlight was the role of women in the organization. It was officially determined that women brokers would be recognized in two capacities: (1) participation in the election process as officers; and (2) appointment to leadership offices within NAREB. As the 1950s progressed, women joined NAREB at an unprecedented rate. Through the vision, advocacy, and determination of these women leaders, the Women’s Council of NAREB became a reality, formally organized at the 1971 NAREB Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Today, the Women’s Council represents the largest of NAREB’s eight affiliate organizations. The mission of the Women’s Council of ARPB is to elevate the standards of women in the real estate industry while advancing community-centered initiatives that expand access to homeownership, financial education, and economic opportunity for low- to moderate-income individuals and historically underserved communities throughout the Bay Area.
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Membership in the Women’s Council places its members at the forefront of advocacy for fair housing, economic equity, professional education, and social dignity. Members are encouraged to become premier leaders in their communities with the understanding that collective action and unified voices generate greater impact, increased visibility, and lasting results.
​​Community Impact and Signature Programming
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Proceeds and sponsorship support from the Women’s Council of ARPB’s annual fundraisers — including the Annual Prayer Breakfast — are reinvested directly into programs that advance the Council’s community impact mission. These resources support initiatives designed to promote homeownership readiness, financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and economic empowerment for individuals and families traditionally excluded from these opportunities.
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The Annual Prayer Breakfast also serves as the official launch of Realtist Week, a multi-day initiative featuring:
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Homebuyer education workshops
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Financial and wealth-building seminars
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Community economic empowerment programming
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Engagement with industry professionals, community leaders, and housing advocates
Together, these efforts reflect the Women’s Council of ARPB’s commitment to strengthening communities, closing opportunity gaps, and fostering generational wealth across the Bay Area.
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Programs and Advocacy
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The Women’s Council of ARPB:
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Offers educational programs and seminars addressing current and emerging issues impacting women in real estate and the communities they serve.
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Engages in key legislative and policy matters affecting housing and real estate through its parent organizations—WCNAREB, ARPB, and NAREB.
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Provides guidance and resources for entry into specialized real estate fields and professional designation pathways.
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Partners with like‑minded women’s organizations aligned with its housing and equity philosophy.
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Promote real estate as a profession through mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities for high school seniors and college students.
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Encourages and supports homeownership through direct access to homebuyer programs and community education initiatives.
Members of the Women’s Council of ARPB are dedicated to the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional excellence. Through collective action and intentional investment, the Council remains committed to delivering high-quality service and measurable impact for the communities it proudly serves.
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We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.