Coffee & Conversation: Law Day Debrief - Zoom

A staff member with Mainstreet since 2003, Kate is the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer. Kate’s responsibilities include providing strategic management for the Professional and Ethical Practices, Education and Member Outreach Departments. Kate develops and executes programs and services related to the mission of the Organization in accordance with the strategic goals set by the Board of Directors. Additionally, Kate focuses on finding and developing innovative resources and strategies primary to the operation of Mainstreet. Overall, Kate helps Mainstreet REALTORS® succeed in their business, while keeping them professional. Kate serves as the staff liaison to the Broker/Lawyer Committee, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and Education Advisory Group. Kate also holds the CIPS and RCE designations.

Kate resides in the western suburbs with her husband and daughters and enjoys boating with her family. 

Kenya Williams, a seasoned professional in the real estate industry for over two decades, has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2014. She is recognized for her in-depth knowledge and experience, which she has further enhanced by actively participating in various committees at Illinois REALTORS® and Mainstreet for the last four years. Demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the field, Kenya currently serves as the Chair of the Broker Lawyer Committee for 2023-2024 and as the Vice Chair of the RPAC Committee for the same term. Additionally, her dedication to maintaining high standards in the profession is evident in her ongoing involvement with the Professional Standards Committee since 2020.

Joseph R. Fortunato, Jr., B.A. (Political Science), Northern Illinois University, 1970 and J.D. 1973, John Marshall Law School. Principal - Fortunato, Farrell, Davenport & Arnold, Ltd. (1983-2007); Fortunato, Knobbe, Davenport & Arnold, Ltd. (2007-09). August 2009 joined Momkus McCluskey as partner heading the Real Estate Practice Group. Concentrates in real estate transactions (commercial and residential) and real estate litigation. Experience and achievements include:

• Outside general counsel to Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® since 2001
• President of Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association (2002-04); member of the Board of Directors since 1998
• Received Board of Directors Award from the DuPage County Bar Association (2003 and 2014) for outstanding service 
• Received ISBA Board of Governors Award for outstanding service (2008)
• Recipient for Outstanding Service Award from the REALTOR® Association of the Western Suburbs (2000)
• Chair, DuPage County Bar Real Estate Law Committee (1988, 1989 and 1995)
• Chair of ISBA Real Estate Section Council (2005); Member of Section Council for many years
• Special Assistant State’s Attorney for DuPage County Division of Transportation (1996-2001)
• Member – ISBA Standing Committee on Legislation
• Member – ISBA Subcommittee in Liaison with Illinois Association of Realtors®
• IICLE Chapter Author (Disclosures and Representing the Seller)
• Published many articles for Illinois Bar Journal and ISBA Real Property Newsletter; coauthored IBJ Real Estate Column 
• Co-author of Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contracts 3.0, 4.0. 5.0 and 6.0
• Frequent lecturer - ISBA, IICLE, local bar associations and REALTOR® groups; 
• Presenter at Realtor® Law Day Seminar 1999 - present
• Taught Real Estate licensing for Coldwell Banker and Century 21
• Testified as expert witness in real estate title insurance matters
• Former Member ISBA Assembly (18th)
• Justinian Society of Lawyers (DuPage Chapter) Member and Past President