Create professional development programs that help REALTORS® strengthen their businesses.
Protect private property rights and promote the value of REALTORS®.
Advance ethics enforcement programs that increase REALTOR® professionalism.
Protect REALTORS® by providing legal guidance and education.
Stay current on industry issues with daily news from Illinois REALTORS®, network with other professionals, attend a seminar, and keep up with industry trends through events throughout the year.
REALTOR® Joy Axelson aims to combine her language skills, real estate knowledge and passion for history to connect with international real estate professionals during the 2018 MIPIM conference in Cannes, France.
As the March 13-16 conference draws near, the CEO and managing broker for Axelson Realty LLC in Northbrook is eager for the new adventure to begin. It will be her first MIPIM trip.
How did you become interested in MIPIM?
“I became interested in MIPIM because I feel it is the perfect nexus of three things that define me: real estate, French and Illinois roots,” said Axelson. “I have been a REALTOR® for 15 years in the Chicagoland area where I grew up. I attended the University of Illinois in Champaign where I earned a bachelor’s degree in French. I went on to receive a master’s degree in French, and I became a certified French teacher and translator. During my studies, I lived in France and experienced what it is like to be an international in a foreign country.
“When people ask me my ethnic background, I say, ‘American,’” Axelson said. “I traced my family line back to Jamestown and many of my ancestors came over from England in the 1600s. Many more died fighting for American freedom in the Revolutionary War. I am also from Illinois. I have more than 50 ancestors who lived in Illinois before 1900 and three died in Illinois in 1817. Others, like Zeke Sims, was born in Macoupin County in 1829.
“Can I sell real estate? Yes. Can I sell Illinois? Yes. Do I love and understand internationals and speak multiple languages? Yes, I do.”
What makes MIPIM relevant for you?
“I am very grateful to have received a stipend to attend MIPIM in March, and I hope to show the world what an attractive place Illinois is to put down roots. In addition, I hope to network with internationals needing a real estate point of contact in the United States. I am a proud member of the North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS®. As the owner of my own company and as the managing broker, I am very concerned with integrity, so I volunteer on the Ethics Citation board. Once our board has a Global Council, I will be the first to sign up.”
Background
Axelson is one of 10 REALTORS® who will receive reimbursement of up to $1,500 in trip costs through Illinois REALTORS® stipends.
She became a REALTOR® in April 2003.
