Shawnna Murrell Empowers Women Through Real Estate Initiatives

In celebration of Women’s History Month, LISC Greater Kansas City (LISC KC) recognizes the importance of having motivational women in the community. This March, LISC KC shines a spotlight on Shawnna Murrell, the trailblazing founder of Murrell Homes Real Estate Group, a dynamic real estate business. Murrell is committed to building the community through various impactful initiatives. 

Murrell Homes Real Estate Group is a Black woman-owned and community-led real estate brokerage. Murrell launched her business collectively with a team of diverse and motivated women in the real estate industry. Additionally, Murrell gives back to other Kansas City residents seeking a career in her field through mentorship. Murrell explains that having a good mentor and creating a comfortable environment for your employees is a key component to success. 

Outside of Murrell Homes, Murrell is the program chair for Urban Land Institute (ULI) Real Estate Diversity Program. Through this organization, Murrell offers the Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI) program. This annual, 15-week initiative provides a step-by-step process of real estate development and access to industry leaders and knowledge. Further, it is a training and mentorship program with the goal to increase the number of women and minorities in the commercial real estate development industry.  

“With women, there is a stigma that we can't work together, or it is a competition. When a person joins my team, I want them to understand that this transaction is challenging, but having a support system can help you grow and put things in place. I wanted to create that safe space.” 

LISC KC is a sponsor of ULI. LISC KC professionals may come in and facilitate certain topics about financing during the REDI program. The organizations also are collaborating on future community engagement efforts within the brokerage. ULI also has participated in LISC KC’s neighborhood events. 

“It's important to collaborate with community partners such as LISC KC and other community-based organizations that focus on attainable housing and economic resilience,” Murrell said.  

“Having those particular partnerships with local organizations helps us to reach our mission.” 

Many participants who go through the REDI program have gone on to purchase commercial buildings. Participants also gain a greater understanding of site selection. One student in particular acquired and redeveloped several multi-family units that are also being used for affordable housing throughout Kansas City. 

Despite her massive success, it was a long road for Murrell to reach this point. Being a Black woman, Murrell faced numerous barriers to reaching her goals, including struggling to gain access to available resources. 

“The barriers are going to be there, but I had to get out of my head and shift my focus towards a solution,” Murrell said.  
“I've noticed that the more I raise my hand to seek help, the more I find people willing to help. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but you have to be persistent, resourceful and fearless.” 

Despite the hard work, Murrell came out on top. She advises women entrepreneurs to actively look for grant opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses. An example includes SCORE Kansas City, an organization that helps entrepreneurs build and scale their businesses with resources like helpful newsletters and monthly mentorship classes. 

Murrell also encourages aspiring women entrepreneurs to seek out those that truly support them. While it's possible to grow your business independently, having a support system encourages empowerment and enables growth. 

“As women, we always want to do everything on our own. We wear so many capes every day as moms, business owners, wives and more. What we don't realize is that, although you can do it on your own, it's even better when you can do it with the woman who mirrors you, your values and your goals,” Murrell said.