Reflecting on the Inspiring Women of Compass Retreat — Boise 2025

As a licensed broker serving Arizona and Illinois, I’m always on the lookout for meaningful ways to deepen my national network and elevate how I serve clients. Attending the Women of Compass Retreat in Boise — October 14–16, 2025— was exactly that kind of opportunity: an immersive gathering of women agents from across the country, a chance to make real connections, recharge our purpose, and bring fresh energy back into our markets.

Arrival and Opening Moments

Walking into the opening session, the energy was electric. Women from states I serve — Arizona and Illinois included — gathered with a shared mission: to support buyers and sellers by leveraging a nationwide network, learning from one another, and building lasting relationships. It felt like a reboot for how I can better connect my clients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, North Central Phoenix, the Biltmore neighborhood, and Chicago’s North Shore with top‑tier agents across the country.

  

Keynote Moments

Vanessa Cornell

 

Vanessa Cornell’s keynote felt like both a breath of fresh air and a call to action. Known for her work with NUSHU and her emphasis on authenticity and radical self‑honesty, Vanessa reminded us that the power we bring into our relationships matters deeply — whether that’s with clients, colleagues, or our own teams. Her message: show up as your full self; lean into your strengths; don’t shrink to fit an expected mold.

Ruth Reffki 

Ruth Reffkin’s keynote struck a deeply professional chord. With over 25 years of brokerage experience and as President of Compass Plus (a division serving older adults in transition), she spoke to legacy, service, and strategic growth. Her insight: real estate isn’t just about transactions — it’s about meaningful transitions.

Connection in Action

The retreat wasn’t only about inspiration — it was about connection. From breakout sessions to shared dinners, laughter, and new friendships, the event reminded me that this business is built on people first. We hiked under Idaho’s big skies, swapped stories over happy hours, and celebrated each other’s wins. I met agents from coast to coast — California to Florida — who now feel like partners in helping my clients relocate, invest, or simply find their next dream home.

 

Making Real Connections for Client Advantage

As a broker specializing in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, the Biltmore, and Chicago’s North Shore, what this retreat reinforced for me was the power of networked reciprocity.

• When a client of mine wants to move from Scottsdale to, say, Austin or Denver, I now have vetted, trusted Compass women in those markets who understand high‑end, lifestyle‑driven real estate.
• Conversely, when I get referral leads from elsewhere, I can provide seamless service locally because of the shared mindset from this retreat: focus on story, stage, and connection — not just square footage or comps.
• The hikes, the keynotes, the dinners — they weren’t fluff. They built relational capital. Now I have names, faces, and stories to go with those referrals.

What I’m Bringing Back Into My Business

• A renewed commitment to intentional connection — monthly check‑ins with the new colleagues I met so referrals become active, not passive.
• A deeper focus on client life stage — asking about where clients are moving from, why, and what chapter they’re entering — echoing Ruth’s guidance.
• A stronger brand of authenticity — inspired by Vanessa, I’ll share more of my story as someone who serves both Arizona and Illinois, loves lifestyle‑driven homes in Scottsdale, and values community roots in Chicago’s North Shore.

The Women of Compass Retreat in Boise was far more than a networking event — it was a strategic investment in how I can best serve my clients wherever life takes them. The energy, insights, and new relationships will ripple through my business for years to come.