Sam Powell has been a real estate professional since 2002, and is now the president of the Chicago chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors ( WCR ). She previously has served as the organization's vice president of membership and secretary.
Powell also is involved with the Chicago Association of Realtors.
"To be president of the Women's Council of Realtors Chicago Chapter is truly an honor," Powell said. "I take pride in the years I have been engaged and involved in this organization, the heart, sweat and tears that have gone into all that we have accomplished as a group, [which] makes me so proud.
"It is up to me to continue to facilitate the direction that our chapter has taken, and leverage responsibilities to the talents of those involved in the chapter, and those who raise their hand expressing an interest in being a part of our chapter.
"In order to grow we have to continue to put systems and processes in place to handle the growth and success that the chapter has been experiencing. Empowering our chapter on a committee level, and enlarging our voting board are my first two steps. I have the honor of being surrounded by truly amazing men and women who dedicate their time and have dedicated their time to help me create an amazing team around me."
Powell said the best part of her job is, well, there isn't just one best part.
"It's a lifestyle, a career. My life is my job; work and play go hand in hand," she said. "I enjoy what I do, and that's why I do it. I volunteer in my industry and outside of my industry because it is true to who I am. I work with really cool clients who enjoy my company as much as my skills in real estate. Being good at what you do and enjoying it at the same time is always my goal. I learn every day; I succeed and fail every day and in every transaction I take something away from that experience whether it be sharing something I did different, to learning how I could have done something different, [and more]."
Powell said she is known for her casual dress and her bulldog negotiation style. "I enjoy the analytical part of my career ... and the relationships," she said.
THE STATS
Age
40
Neighborhood
West Loop/Fulton River District
Relationship status
Partner of 21 years with Jen Thompson
Job title
Real Estate Professional at Ask for Sam LLC, powered by Dream Town Realty
Hobbies
Volunteering, eating, drinking local brew beers, factory tours, and "chillaxing in the Lazy Lagoon at Six Flags."
Favorite color
Yellow
Favorite pizza
Amy's brand of a cheese-less mushroom and caramelized onion
Overcoming obstacles
"Realizing that I had more to offer than I gave myself credit for. I was never given the guidance and encouragement from my immediate family. I looked for that elsewhere, and it took a while for me to realize that I did not have to look far, that the self-confidence
Little-known fact
"My father was in the Air Force and after being charged with sexual abuse by my sister and myself, spent years in Leavenworth Penitentiary and tore our family apart. Choosing not to be a victim and focusing on creating my own version of 'family' brought me strength and empowerment to grow into the 'kid' I am today."