As women like this Chicago luxury broker step into real estate, Melanie Klein writes, they continue to redefine success and carve out pathways to lasting financial independence.
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“Women, Wealth and Real Estate” is a special series for Women’s History Month spotlighting the diverse stories of women who created wealth for themselves and their communities through real estate and power moves.
For centuries, women were excluded from wealth-building opportunities, especially in real estate. In the United States, it wasn’t until the 19th century that laws began shifting to allow women to own property independently. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 were pivotal in ensuring women could buy homes and invest in property without male co-signers. Today, women are leveraging real estate as a means to financial independence, wealth-building, and personal freedom.
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One of those women is Daniela Pagani, a successful real estate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty in Chicago. Her journey into real estate is deeply personal and a testament to the transformative power of homeownership and investment.
Finding strength through real estate
Growing up in Mexico, Pagani dreamed of becoming a doctor, but societal expectations dictated otherwise. “Women were supposed to prioritize family over ambitious careers,” she recalls. Instead, she pursued nutrition, a field that aligned with her interests while fitting within traditional gender roles.
After marrying and dedicating herself to her family, Pagani faced a painful realization — no matter how much she contributed to the household, her financial role was undervalued. Like millions of women around the world, she was engaged in unpaid labor — work that is essential to family and society but is often taken for granted because it does not generate a paycheck. According to a variety of research studies, if unpaid domestic labor were compensated, it would add an estimated $1.5 trillion to the economy annually.
“I knew I needed to take control of my own financial future,” she says. That turning point led her to real estate, a career that offered her both financial independence and the flexibility to be there for her children.
Overcoming challenges in a competitive industry
Navigating the real estate industry as a woman has not been without its challenges. “One of the biggest obstacles has been power dynamics in negotiations,” Pagani explains. Male counterparts have attempted to undermine her expertise or intimidate her into backing down. “I stay calm, rely on facts, and focus on my client’s best interests,” she says, reinforcing that confidence and preparation are key to success.
Additionally, the industry’s financial unpredictability posed difficulties. Unlike salaried jobs, real estate income fluctuates. As a single mother, Pagani learned financial discipline, ensuring she had a financial cushion to weather slow periods in the market. “It’s about planning ahead and staying strategic,” she emphasizes.
Building wealth and creating opportunities
For Pagani, real estate is more than just a job — it’s a means of empowerment. “Real estate has given me financial independence in a way I never experienced before,” she says. It has allowed her to invest, plan for her children’s future, and create long-term wealth.
Beyond financial stability, her career has enabled her to connect with diverse clients and guide them through some of the most significant decisions of their lives. “Women have a natural ability to build trust and relationships,” she says. “People don’t just remember the deal; they remember how you made them feel throughout the process.”
Advice for women entering real estate
For women considering a career in real estate, Pagani offers three key pieces of advice:
- Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: “Real estate is a learning process. Every setback is a chance to grow.”
- Be financially prepared: “The market has ups and downs, so plan ahead and save during the strong years.”
- Prioritize relationships: “Trust is everything. Clients will return and refer you if they feel valued.”
The future of women in real estate
Pagani sees real estate continuing to be a powerful tool for women’s financial empowerment, but she also recognizes the need for industry-wide change. “We need more women in leadership — owning brokerages, leading investment groups, and making key decisions,” she asserts.
She also advocates for greater transparency in business practices and stronger mentorship networks to support women entering the industry. “The more we support each other, the more we can change the landscape for future generations.”
At its core, real estate is not just about buying and selling properties — it’s about guiding people through life’s biggest transitions. For Pagani, and many other women in the industry, it is a career that offers not only financial security but also the chance to make a lasting impact on people’s lives.
As more women step into real estate — whether as agents, investors or homeowners — they continue to redefine success and carve out pathways to lasting financial independence.
Melanie C. Klein, M.A., is an empowerment and mindset coach.
