ELAINE SWEENEY PAGELS earned her real estate license in the early 2000s after relocating with her family numerous times and after determining that she could leverage her experience to help others. Elaine also grew up in the business— her mother, Lucy Hilt, owned a boutique Hinsdale-based brokerage and her great aunt also owned a brokerage. Her two daughters, Brita and Cara built careers in real estate.

How do you impact your clients?

Dedicated to my clients’ goals, I am a partner in their journey and make the process fun—resulting in a memorable experience. This is one reason why so many of my clients become friends and are repeat customers. By leveraging my background in the arts, I can assist clients with staging by envisioning property transformation while showcasing individual rooms at their highest potential.

What is your fashion style?

Wearing clothes designed by my son, Jon, a women’s wear designer, makes me smile. The aesthetics tastefully vary from casual, business, or formal depending on the occasion.

What organizations do you enjoy contributing to?

Organizations that benefit civic, arts, nature, animal welfare, Be the Match, and breast cancer awareness captivate me the most. Having been a previous board member of the Hinsdale Center for the Arts, I recognize and understand the critical development that happens when children are involved with the arts.

What advice would you give to future Power Women?

Be kind, creative, optimistic, courteous, humble, ethical; invest in deepening your skill set; celebrate who you are!

For more information, visit elainepagels.bhhschicago.com.