ARA's First Black Woman President Named a Woman of Influence by Atlanta Business League

ATLANTA - Oct. 7, 2022 - PRLog -- On October 4th, the Atlanta Business League (ABL) recognized "Atlanta's Top 100 Black Women of Influence" at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Atlanta REALTORS Association's first Black-woman president of the organization,  Karen Hatcher, is among the honorees.

The list reflects the names of Black women in the metro Atlanta community who have reached senior-level positions within their profession, are leading in their industry, or have attained the ability to influence large public bodies politically and in government.

Karen Hatcher, CPM, who serves as CEO of Sovereign Realty + Management, made history as the first black woman president and woman-owned brokerage to serve in this role since the organization began 112 years ago.

She is also appointed as 2023 Chair of the Small Broker Committee for the National Association of REALTORS®; currently serving as Vice Chair. In addition, within the first six months of Karen's presidency and pledge to lead ARA towards its promise of making historical strides towards inclusion on inclusion, an MOU establishing voting rights to local Multicultural Realtor® Associations and ensuring all ARA members who actively participate on committees can impact decisions by having a vote. Hatcher notes the most impactful change was converting the non-voting seats of Multicultural Association representatives on ARA's Board of Directors to voting seats. This allows the underrepresented constituents a true and full seat at the table on issues impacting communities today, such as housing affordability, equity, and inclusion.

She has also been a staunch advocate for equitable and affordable housing as a developer and through her appointment as Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) for Congresswoman Nikema Williams, appointed by the National Association of Realtors®.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, ABL recognizes Karen's demonstrated commitment to the citizens of metro Atlanta through her involvement and participation in community and civic activities. She co-founded the Keep Building Foundation with her husband, Dr. Michael Hatcher. Their nonprofit is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity for future builders, focusing on instilling best-practice construction innovation in sustainability, and affordable housing, including opportunities for advancement through DEI for future builders. Along with Habitat for Humanity, Hosea Feed The Hungry, and other charitable organizations in Atlanta.

ABL will induct one outstanding woman into the Women's Hall of Fame. This year's inductee, Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College, will join Hall of Fame inductees from 2000 through 2021.

The Atlanta REALTORS® Association and its members congratulate Karen Hatcher on receiving such honorable recognition.

To learn more about Karen Hatcher and the Sovereign companies, click here (https://www.karenhatcher.com/).

All media inquiries should be directed to T.MORRISON GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS.