Celebrating our 2025 Impact Icons: proof of the power of yes

The word “yes” holds great power. 

Yes, I’ll help.

Yes, I believe in this mission.

Yes, opportunity matters.

That spirit was at the heart of the 2025 Impact Icon Challenge. This year, IREM set out with a bold goal: to raise $130,000 to fund 130 additional IREM Foundation scholarships. The IREM community showed up in a big way. Supporters came together, shared the mission, encouraged each other, and said “yes” to helping future real estate managers learn, grow, and thrive.

Thanks to 15 incredible competitors who poured their time, creativity, and passion into raising funds and awareness over a 12-week competition, the goal was surpassed. Together, the community raised more than  $160,000. All the people who said yes will change futures. 

Leading this incredible effort were the top three finishers: 

Lillie Norton, CPM^®, ACoM^®

First Place: Lillie Norton, CPM^®, ACoM^®, representing IREM Houston Chapter
Total raised: $35,936.06

Norton, the 2025 Impact Icon Champion, put her heart into this challenge, and it showed. Norton has always believed in helping others rise, and throughout the challenge, she reminded everyone why supporting education and opportunity matters. She is deeply passionate about educating and mentoring real estate professionals at every stage of their careers, paying forward the guidance and support she once received.

Norton often says, “I’m here because someone once said yes to me.” That belief, and her experience as a Foundation Scholarship recipient fueled her efforts. She shared stories, connected personally with supporters, and inspired so many people to join her in giving back. People like loyal local vendors, encouraging colleagues, and her generous IREM Houston chapter all rallied behind her. 

Her impressive total reflects her determination, but even more, it reflects her leadership and her belief that a single “yes” can change someone’s life.

Norton serves as 2026 IREM Houston Chapter President and a director on the IREM Foundation Board. As managing director for Lee & Associates in Houston, Norton is grateful for the unwavering support of her leadership team and their shared commitment to the mission of IREM and the IREM Foundation.

Sheena Boone, CPM^®

Second Place: Sheena Boone, CPM^®, representing IREM Western Washington
Total raised: $18,123.76

In second place, Boone brought warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine care to the challenge. She has a gift for bringing people together, and she used that gift to rally support for a mission she truly believes in.

Her approach was simple: show up, share the impact, and invite others into the story. And people responded, not just because Boone asked, but because they could feel her passion.

She shares: “Thank you all for this incredible honor. Competing in the IREM Foundation Impact Icon Challenge was not just a personal achievement; it’s a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of aspiring professionals through scholarships. I’m grateful for the support of the IREM Foundation and everyone who believes in investing in our future. Together, we can empower the next generation to thrive in this industry.”

Mark Brahm, ARM^®

Third Place: Mark Brahm, ARM^®, representing IREM Columbus Chapter
Total raised: $16,789.26

In third place, Brahm showed us how far kindness and steady leadership can go. He doesn’t seek the spotlight. “I set out to help because I believe one person’s effort can spark real change,” he says. He simply believes in helping others, and he leads through genuine commitment.

His outreach was thoughtful, personal, and heartfelt. Brahm’s “yes” came from a place of service, and it reflects the best of what this challenge represents: supporting people, building opportunities, and giving back to a profession he cares deeply about. 

“Sending a very special thank you to Cortland and my IREM Columbus Chapter for their incredible support,” he says. “Seeing our professional community come together reinforces why all of this matters. I’m excited for what IREM and the IREM Foundation will accomplish next.” 

A thank you to all 15 Impact Icon competitors

While we celebrate our top fundraisers, this challenge isn’t only about numbers. It’s about choosing to say “yes” to lifting up others. Because of you, more people will have access to IREM education, earn credentials, build careers, and find their place in this profession. Your “yes” matters and it will continue to make an impact long after this challenge ends. To everyone who donated, competed, shared, and cheered: thank you. Your generosity helps shape careers, strengthen our profession, and build a future full of leaders who will pay that “yes” forward.

Congratulations to Lillie, Sheena, Mark, and all our competitors who stepped up to make a difference.