Women of PAR Lead by Example

This March, PAR celebrates Women’s History Month by recognizing a few of the women who help lead the association. Although the National Association of Realtors® reports that 65% of all Realtors® are female, women remain outnumbered by men in industry leadership roles. Last year, RISMedia reported that a survey revealed only 26% of leaders at brokerages were women. 

Installed in January, here are four women from the 2025 PAR Leadership Team and the ways real estate has impacted them. 

Heather Petrone-Shook, Treasurer 

Heather Petrone-Shook is PAR’s 2025 treasurer. An industry veteran, she’s a member of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors®, where she served as president in 2007 and 2017. She was also a district vice president for District 1 from 2019-2022. 

“I was born into a family rooted in real estate,” Petrone-Shook says. “From an early age, I understood that guiding someone through buying or selling their biggest asset is a significant milestone in their life, and I wanted to be part of it.” 

“This industry has given me financial freedom, introduced me to incredible people and taught me resilience through market highs and lows. But more than anything, it has given me purpose, helping others navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives and making a real impact on their futures.” 

“Women make up a large portion of the real estate workforce,” she said. “However, we need more women in leadership positions. Real estate impacts many and having women in leadership positions can help ensure that a diverse perspective is voiced.”

“Women make up a large portion of the real estate workforce. However, we need more women in leadership positions. Real estate impacts many and having women in leadership positions can help ensure that a diverse perspective is voiced,” says PAR Treasurer Heather Petrone-Shook.

Dayna Gray, District 3 Vice President 

A Realtor® for 10 years, Dayna Gray is the current DVP for District 3. She’s a member of Bucks County Association of Realtors®, where she served as president in 2021 and a board member from 2018-2019. She also served on PAR’s Board of Directors from 2018-2024 and is currently on the Bucks County Real Estate Institute Board of Trustees. 

Why did she become a Realtor®? 

“At the time, I was looking to go out on my own and saw real estate as an opportunity to be self-employed and own my own business,” she says. “Why did I stay in real estate? I’ve found that real estate has checked so many boxes for me – social, entrepreneurial and in the areas of community and consumer advocacy.” 

How has real estate changed Gray’s life? 

“I guess one way would be that I’m a little more comfortable with the discomfort that comes with change,” she reflects. “First through a career change, then COVID. But the real estate industry itself is ever-changing, challenging at times and never boring. It can be so fulfilling. Malleability is an invaluable life lesson.” 

Gray believes it’s important for the right people to be leaders – people who bring value to the industry, the Realtor® association and its members. She encourages the recognition of women in real estate who are doing great things and who inspire others to seek out leadership positions with the intention of bettering the industry.

“I’ve found that real estate has checked so many boxes for me – social, entrepreneurial and in the areas of community and consumer advocacy,” shares District 3 Vice President Dayna Gray.

Terry Solomon-August, District 5 Vice President 

Terry Solomon-August has been a Realtor® for 25 years and serves as the DVP for District 5. In 2020 and 2021, she served as president of her local association, Luzerne County Association of Realtors®. She’s also served on LCAR’s Board of Directors since 2005 and PAR’s Board of Directors since 2021. 

“I was always involved with my children’s activities as they were growing up,” Solomon-August says, recalling how she got into real estate. “When they graduated high school, I was left with a lot of time on my hands. A friend suggested real estate, and I’ve been hooked ever since.” 

“But I wasn’t content just being a Realtor®. I needed to be involved at all levels,” she continues. “I enjoy every moment of being a Realtor®! The best feeling in the world is being able to hand over the keys at the closing table to make someone’s dreams come true!” 

As a woman and a leader in real estate, Solomon-August strives to be someone other women can look up to and be inspired by. 

“I have always felt that it is important to lead by example,” she reflects. “There have been many women in my career who I have looked up to. I really hope that I am setting a good example for others to do a good job and to get involved.” 

“I have always felt that it is important to lead by example. There have been many women in my career who I have looked up to. I really hope that I am setting a good example for others to do a good job and get involved,” says Terry Solomon-August, District 5 vice president.

Dawn Avery, District 7 Vice President 

Serving as DVP for District 7, this year will mark a decade as a Realtor® for Dawn Avery. Avery is a member of the North Central Penn Board of Realtors®, where she served as president from 2021-2022 and has been a board member since 2018. She has also served on various local committees, as well as PAR’s Finance Committee, Legislative Committee and, currently, Standard Forms Committee. 

“I was always interested in the housing market in the area and knew all about everything that was for sale,” Avery shares. “When I finally decided to take the real estate classes, it was partly because I just needed a career change. But, in the end, I became a Realtor® to help people reach their goals, whether those goals were to own a home, sell a home, invest or something else.” 

“Being a Realtor® has allowed me to have a little more freedom,” she continues. “Freedom both in time and money. I can schedule my days, and I can work more to make more.” 

Avery believes women have many strong skills that make them effective leaders. She says, “Women offer a different perspective to life and leadership.”

“I became a Realtor® to help people reach their goals, whether those goals were to own a home, sell a home, invest or something else,” says Dawn Avery, vice president of District 7.