I
vy Rice, a former physical therapist turned full-time realtor, has found her passion in residential real estate after just one year in the industry. "There were so many things I didn't know when I bought my first property," she said. "Now, I'm able to help my clients navigate that process." Rice is among several women at the WIRE (Women Investing in Real Estate) is Fire conference, where they're learning from experts in residential and commercial real estate.

    Rice says the biggest takeaway for her so far is that women have the power to succeed in real estate. "We can do it," she emphasized. The Birmingham Realtist Association organized this first-of-its-kind conference during Magic City Classic to bring an educational component before the festivities begin.

    Tonya Smitherman, the association's first vice president, notes a significant gender gap in the industry. While women make up a large demographic of homebuyers, particularly in the African American community, they're underrepresented as investors, making up only about 8% of real estate investors. Smitherman aims to increase this number by highlighting developments and land ownership in Birmingham. Rice is taking note, saying she's excited about the commercial side and looking forward to seeing where it leads her.