2024 NAR Fair Housing Champion Award - Paul Yorkis

Paul Yorkis, inspired by President Kennedy's call to make the world a better place, has dedicated his life to advocating for equitable housing policies and expanding access to housing opportunities. His journey from higher education administration to real estate was motivated by a desire to help others pursue the American dream. Yorkis’ commitment to change was ignited during a home showing to an immigrant family, leading him to lobby for translated forms to aid non-English speakers. As president of the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®, Yorkis leveraged his position to advocate for language access and equitable housing policies. Through his efforts, numerous forms have been translated into multiple languages, improving access to resources for diverse communities. Yorkis's passion transcends policy advocacy to inspiring the next generation of real estate professionals. Collaborating with colleagues, he initiated a training program in American Sign Language to better serve the deaf community. For Yorkis, making a difference means empowering others to create positive change, echoing President Kennedy's vision for a better society.