Ladies Who Lead

LADIES WHO LEAD

A Leadership Conversation + Interactive Workshop

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 10:00 AMSlyman’s Tavern | 6901 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131

What does it really take to become a leader?

Maybe you already hold a leadership title. Maybe you’re leading in ways you’ve never stopped to recognize. Or maybe there’s a voice in the back of your mind telling you it’s time to raise your hand for something more.

Ladies Who Lead is an interactive Women’s Council of REALTORS® Northeast Ohio Business Resource Meeting created to bring women together for an open, meaningful conversation about leadership, growth, service and stepping into new opportunities.

And this will not be your typical sit-and-listen meeting.

FIRST, HEAR FROM WOMEN WHO LEAD.

We’re bringing together women currently serving in leadership roles throughout Northeast Ohio’s real estate and mortgage industries for a candid panel conversation about how they got there, what they’ve learned and what leadership really looks like behind the title.

Leadership Panelists

Mena Ruggiero | President, Women’s Council of REALTORS® Northeast Ohio

Feliz Colon | President, NAHREP Cleveland

Jeannet Wright | President, Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS®

Candice Eberhardt | Past President, Akron Realtist Association & ACAR

Courtney DeMarco | President, Northeast Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association

Opening Remarks + Host: Kim Ule

Additional Facilitators: Danielle Valentine, Laura Coy and Carly Sablotny

Our leaders will share their perspectives on raising your hand, finding your leadership style, overcoming challenges, learning through service and recognizing when it’s time to step into something bigger.

THEN, YOU JOIN THE CONVERSATION.

Following the panel, we’ll break into smaller table conversations with our leaders and facilitators.

This is where Ladies Who Lead becomes a workshop.

Together, we’ll explore questions like:

• What does being a leader mean to you?• Where are you already leading without realizing it?• What kind of leader do you want to become?• What might be keeping you from raising your hand?• Where could leadership fit into your career, industry or community?• How can women do a better job of encouraging other women to lead?

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, learn from other women in the room and hear directly from women who have stepped forward to serve.

COLLABORATION ACROSS OUR INDUSTRY

Ladies Who Lead brings together leaders and members connected to:

Women’s Council of REALTORS® Northeast OhioAkron Cleveland Association of REALTORS®NAHREP ClevelandNortheast Ohio Mortgage Bankers AssociationAkron Realtist Association

It’s an opportunity to build relationships beyond our individual organizations and strengthen the community of professionals serving Northeast Ohio real estate.

REGISTRATION

Continental breakfast, coffee and water are included.

Current Women’s Council Northeast Ohio Members + Strategic Partners: FREE

REALTOR® Guests: $10

Space is limited. Advance Eventbrite registration is required.

You don’t need a title to be a leader.

Sometimes leadership begins when you raise your hand. Sometimes it begins when you use your voice. Sometimes it begins when you help someone else succeed or decide you’re willing to take responsibility for making something better.

Come ready to listen, participate and leave asking yourself one important question:

Where am I already leading, and where am I ready to lead next?