Breaking Barriers: Chicago to Host 2026 Minority Homeownership Conference
CHICAGO, IL — The landscape of American real estate is shifting, and this spring, the Black Mortgage Professional Alliance (BMPA) is set to lead the charge.
On March 19–20, 2026, the Minority Homeownership Conference will take over the Wind Creek Chicago Southland, bringing together industry titans, policy advocates, and the next generation of financial leaders to tackle one of the most pressing economic challenges of our time: the homeownership gap.
More than just a meeting of professionals, the event—themed Origination, Ownership, and Opportunity—is being framed as a "pledge for progress" in an industry currently navigating the complexities of AI, fluctuating markets, and evolving consumer advocacy.
Event Details at a Glance
Feature Information
Dates March 19–20, 2026
Location Wind Creek Chicago Southland, East Hazel Crest, IL
Theme Origination • Ownership • Opportunity
Registration Tickets available via BMPA
A Convergence of Industry Giants
The 2026 speaker lineup reads like a "who’s who" of real estate and financial empowerment. Headlining the event is Dr. Boyce Watkins, Founder of the Black Business School, whose keynote will focus on transforming first-time buyers into generational wealth builders.
Joining him is Kevin Brown, the 2026 President of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), and Ashley Thomas III, President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Their presence signals a unified front among the nation's most influential housing organizations.
Where Tech Meets Advocacy
The conference agenda reflects a modern approach to mortgage professional development. Sessions will dive deep into:
The AI Revolution: Marion L. Singleton will lead discussions on how automation is reshaping the borrower experience.
Legislative Advocacy: Rachel Clark and Nick Framarini of the Broker Action Coalition (BAC) will address the critical need for defending consumer choice in the mortgage process.
Cultural Competency: Specialized tracks led by Rogelio Goertzen II and Jay Rodriguez will explore strategies to support the rising demand in Hispanic homeownership.
Empowering the Next Generation
In a move to ensure the industry's longevity, the BMPA is offering Complimentary Student Admission. Under the leadership of Kelvin Oliver and Major Singleton, the conference will feature a dedicated track for students from HBCUs and higher education institutions, offering a direct pipeline to internships and mentorship programs.
More Than a Meeting: The Experience
The event isn't strictly business. It kicks off with an exclusive VIP reception at The Embassy and concludes with a high-energy Casino Mixer and Awards Ceremony. The BMPA Awards will honor "Pioneers of Progress" and "Influencers of Impact" who have made tangible strides in community lending.
"We aren't just here to talk about the gap," says Jennifer Gormer, Founder and CEO of BMPA. "We are here to bridge it, ignite the future, and ensure that ownership becomes a legacy for every community."
About BMPA:
The Black Mortgage Professional Alliance is a dedicated collective of mortgage and real estate professionals committed to increasing minority homeownership through education, advocacy, and professional development.
