Honoring Rosa Hawes: A Pioneer of Housing Equity in Dayton A Legacy of Service and Advocacy

A Legacy of Service and Advocacy

Rosa L. Jones Hall Hawes stands as a trailblazer in Dayton's real estate community. As the second president of the Greater Dayton Realtist Association (GDRA) in 2007, Rosa brought passion, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to Democracy in Housing, inspiring countless Realtists and homeowners alike.

Born and raised in Dayton, Rosa Hawes understood firsthand the struggles many Black families faced trying to secure stable housing. She dedicated her professional life to changing that reality, empowering clients, educating the community, and mentoring new agents who shared her vision for a more just and inclusive housing market.

Champion for Black Homeownership

During her time as GDRA president, Rosa:

• Expanded GDRA's outreach, organizing homebuyer workshops that helped dozens of Dayton families navigate credit, mortgages, and closing processes.

• Advocated tirelessly for fair housing policies, working alongside city officials to address

  discriminatory practices in appraisals and lending.

• Strengthened GDRA's relationships with lenders, nonprofits, and civic leaders, laying the

  groundwork for initiatives that continue today.

Rosa's commitment extended beyond individual clients: she championed systemic change,

recognizing that expanding Black homeownership was key to closing the racial wealth gap in

Dayton.

A Family and Community Legacy

Rosa was married to Frank Hawes, and their partnership was one of mutual support and shared dedication to community progress. Together, they raised their daughter, Ro Nita Hawes Saunders, who has continued the family's tradition of leadership and advocacy.Through her work and family, Rosa's impact rippled far beyond individual transactions-she inspired a generation to see homeownership as a right, not a privilege.

Carrying the Torch Forward

Today, as GDRA continues its mission, Rosa Hawes' legacy guides our every step. Her belief in the power of education, advocacy, and community-building remains at the heart of our programs. We honor her memory by striving to:

• Increase access to affordable homeownership opportunities.

• Provide culturally relevant education for Black families navigating the housing market.

• Advocate for fair policies and challenge systems of inequity.

Thank You, Rosa

Rosa Hawes showed Dayton what is possible when commitment meets compassion. GDRA salutes her extraordinary contributions and pledges to keep her vision alive as we work to build a more equitable housing future for all.

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The Greater Dayton Realtist Association is the local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the oldest national trade association for Black Americans. The goal of GDRA is to provide its members with opportunities for networking, education, sharing best practices, and financial wellness while advocating “Democracy in Housing” for the underserved. Learn more about GDRA at https://greaterdaytonrealtist.com.