Hundreds of Florida real estate professionals gathered in Tampa for the 2026 Women in Real Estate Conference, a statewide event focused on leadership, career development and connection. The gathering also coincided with recognition for Southwest Florida executive Corey McCloskey, named among HousingWire’s 2026 Women of Influence.
Key takeaways
The conference and recognition events highlighted the expanding influence of women across Florida’s housing industry.
- Florida REALTORS® brought together women from across the state for education and networking.
- Speakers addressed resilience, purpose, leadership and professional growth.
- Corey McCloskey of John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate earned a national HousingWire honor.
- The events underscored the importance of mentorship, service and collaboration in real estate.
Conference emphasizes leadership and connection
Florida REALTORS® hosted its Women in Real Estate, or WIRE, conference in Tampa during the summer. The program combined leadership development, training sessions and networking opportunities designed to help attendees advance their careers and broaden professional relationships.
Cyndee Haydon, the organization’s 2026 treasurer, delivered opening remarks and moderated a discussion featuring Brooke Hunt and Leigh York of the National Association of REALTORS® and Monica Hands of RWorld. The session gave participants an opportunity to consider leadership pathways and changing expectations across the industry.
Speakers focus on resilience and purpose
The conference featured Lauren Sisler, an ESPN broadcaster and author, as a keynote speaker. Her presentation centered on resilience and finding purpose in the workplace, themes that resonate in a real estate sector shaped by shifting markets, technology and customer demands.
Real estate leadership consultant Jamie Johnson also addressed attendees. Along with the conference’s training sessions, the presentations encouraged participants to build practical skills while developing the confidence and perspective needed for long-term success.
McCloskey earns national recognition
The leadership theme continued with news that Corey McCloskey, president of John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate, was selected for HousingWire’s 2026 Women of Influence. The annual program recognizes 100 leaders across real estate, mortgage and homebuilding for professional achievement, industry leadership, community involvement and influence.
McCloskey has spent more than two decades with the Southwest Florida brokerage, working in sales, education and operations before becoming president in 2024. The company said she oversees a culture focused on accountability, performance and professional development across a workforce of roughly 900 agents and staff.
A record of regional and industry leadership
Under McCloskey’s leadership, the firm reported more than $4.3 billion in closed sales volume during 2025, representing 4,252 residential transactions. It also marked the company’s fifth consecutive year as the leading residential brokerage by sales in Collier and Lee counties, according to the company.
Her industry involvement includes past service as president of the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® and Florida REALTORS® District Five vice president. She has also participated in national and state committees and was named NABOR Realtor of the Year in 2022.
HousingWire plans to celebrate its 2026 honorees later this year, extending a statewide conversation about women’s leadership from Florida’s conference rooms to the national housing industry.
- Florida REALTORS® holds Women in Real Estate Conference, South Florida Agent Magazine.
- Naples realtor named HousingWire’s 2026 Women of Influence, Florida Weekly.