We are proud to honor the remarkable legacy of Iris Yateman, an iconic trailblazer, fierce advocate, and community champion whose contributions inspire generations.  A proud daughter of Indianapolis, Iris Yateman broke barriers in the real estate industry and beyond. In 1971, alongside Daisy Donavan of Detroit and Laura Seale of Brooklyn, she co-founded the Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Her vision was clear: to elevate and empower women professionals within the industry, promote leadership, and create space for education, advocacy, and collaboration. Today, the Women's Council of NAREB stands strong as a national network because of her courageous leadership and unwavering determination.

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But Iris’s impact didn’t stop at the national level—she was deeply invested in the local community here in Indianapolis. From celebrating young achievers to supporting economic growth in historically underserved neighborhoods, Iris dedicated her life to uplifting others. She believed in building not just homes but futures.

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To carry her mission forward, the Women’s Council of CIRA established the Iris Yateman Scholarship in her honor. In our inaugural year, we awarded six $1,000 scholarships to exceptional high school seniors pursuing higher education, empowering them to take the next steps toward their dreams. These scholarships directly reflect Iris’s belief in investing in young minds and creating pathways to success.

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We invite you to the Second Annual Iris Yateman Scholarship Luncheon on August 14, 2025, at the 502 Event Center. It will be a day of celebration, purpose, and promise as we honor Iris’s legacy and continue investing in the future of our youth—just as she would have.

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Want to make an impact? We welcome your support through donations and sponsorship opportunities for the luncheon. Your contribution helps us provide even more scholarships and continue the work Iris began—building futures, one student at a time.

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Together, we’re not just remembering a legacy but living it.

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