For Winnie Paris, service has never been limited to one role or one season of life. From serving in the United States Navy to raising her family, staying active in the community, and building a career in real estate, her path has been shaped by helping others through important moments. This week’s Director Spotlight shares Winnie’s perspective on leadership, client care, community impact, and why staying connected to Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® matters.
What did you do before transitioning into this profession? Before real estate, I proudly served in the United States Navy, and that season of my life shaped much of who I am today. It taught me a lot about myself and what served me as a person. From there, my life consisted of various career choices geared towards serving others. For a while, I took a step away from working a traditional 9-5. I devoted my time to raising my family and being deeply involved in my community. This made stepping into real estate feel natural because, at the core, I’ve always loved serving and helping people navigate big life moments with confidence and care.
What is your favorite part of being a REALTOR®? My favorite part is being able to walk alongside people during one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Real estate is so much more than contracts, keys, and pictures — it’s new beginnings, fresh starts, and sometimes healing. I love creating relationships that go far beyond the closing table. I want my clients to feel seen, protected, educated, and celebrated through the entire process. I don’t walk away from the table, and they never hear from me again. They have a friend in me.
Why did you choose to serve the Association in a leadership capacity? Originally, it was a huge push from my broker/friend Steven Sharpe. It wasn’t on my bingo card of things to do, but he saw something in me early on. I understood and accepted because I believe leadership is about impact and representation. I wanted to help our industry grow while also encouraging collaboration, relationships, and community among Realtors. The Greater Chattanooga Realtors community has poured into me, and serving in leadership is one way I can give back while helping create opportunities and support for others coming behind me.
What would you like your fellow REALTORS® to know about the benefits our Association offers its members? I think sometimes people only see the surface of what the Association provides, but the value goes so much deeper. From education and advocacy to networking events, leadership development, and staying informed on industry changes, the Association truly equips us to better serve our clients and community and strengthen our businesses. You have to plug in so that you can get the full experience.
What is something our Association does in the community that you want others to be aware of? Of all of the opportunities, I wish that more people knew about the Placemaking committee and the good that they do. There are a lot of areas in the community that could benefit from the grant, but people aren’t aware that it exists. In 2026, we partnered with Walker County to provide fencing and water stations for the Walker Rocks Park playground. This playground is the first of its kind in Walker County and is geared to support the physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive, and communicative needs of all children, including those with disabilities. The impact from that grant will last for years to come.
Have you read any recent books or listened to a podcast you'd recommend? Growing up, I learned from Dr. Seuss: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” I never forgot that. That quote influenced me to always keep a book, or in these times, a podcast, that can take me more places. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed listening to podcasts and books centered around growth, leadership, mindset, and faith. One thing I’ve learned is that personal growth and business growth go hand in hand. I’m always looking for ways to become a better leader, better communicator, and better human overall. Currently, my Bible, Gary Vee, Jay Shetty, and Jackie Hill Perry tend to be my top go-tos.
Winnie’s spotlight is a reminder that leadership often begins with a willingness to serve where you are needed. Her commitment to clients, fellow REALTORS®, and the community reflects the heart behind the REALTOR® profession. Whether she is helping families feel supported through a major life decision or bringing attention to programs like Placemaking that leave a lasting impact, Winnie shows how service and leadership can work hand in hand. We are grateful for her voice, her perspective, and her dedication to Greater Chattanooga REALTORS®. #That'sWhoWeR
Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® is The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with nearly 3,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is one of some 1,200 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net or call 423.698.8001