Webinar | Beyond the Front Door: A Discussion on Housing
April 2 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Housing is more than just a place to live—it shapes communities, opportunities, and economic well-being. In this engaging session, Alexia Smokler, Director of Fair Housing Policy & Programs at the National Association of REALTORS®, and Tikola McCree, NC REALTOR® and Vice Chair of NAR’s Fair Housing Policy Committee, will explore the evolving landscape of housing access, affordability, and industry practices. Gain valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s market and how real estate professionals can be part of the solution.
Presented by
Tikola McCree
Tikola McCree is a dedicated real estate professional with North Group Real Estate in the Greater Charlotte Area and a proud soccer mom to her 16-year-old son. With nearly two decades in education, she has trained young artists and scholars, shaping her passion for mentorship and community empowerment.
A graduate of Rutgers University and Sarah Lawrence College, Tikola holds certifications in administration, special education, and movement for students with disabilities. She actively champions fair housing and diversity, serving as the 2024 Chair of the NC REALTORS® Diversity Committee, 2025 Vice Chair and 2026 Chair of the NAR Fair Housing Policy Committee, and President of the Charlotte Crown REALTIST Association (2022-2024). She also serves on the Canopy MLS Board of Directors and is part of NAR’s 2024 Leadership Academy.
Committed to fostering generational wealth, Tikola educates agents nationwide on serving diverse communities and the impact of policy on the industry, making her a leading voice in real estate advocacy and inclusion.
Alexia Smokler
Director of Fair Housing Policy & Programs
National Association of REALTORS®
Alexia Smokler is the Director of Fair Housing Policy & Programs at NAR, advocating for fair housing policies in Congress and federal agencies. She leads NAR’s ACT! Initiative (Accountability, Culture Change, and Training) and spearheaded the development of Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation and Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing. Alexia also oversees NAR’s discrimination self-testing program, real estate licensure reform efforts, and initiatives to close racial and ethnic homeownership gaps. As staff executive to NAR’s Fair Housing Policy Committee, she frequently writes and speaks on fair housing issues.
Previously, she worked in fair housing enforcement at HUD, for Congressman John Conyers, Jr., and with civil rights nonprofits. A Maryland-licensed attorney, Alexia holds a J.D. from UC Berkeley, an MPA from Princeton, and a B.A. in government from Smith College. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia.