For Katy Banks, MPA, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling homes; it’s a way to create meaningful change. A third-generation REALTOR® with a passion for making housing more accessible and strengthening communities, Katy sees her work as an opportunity to shape the future.

Katy grew up in a household where the line between family and business was seamless. With her parents running a real estate office for over thirty-five years, Katy’s life was shaped by the industry from the very beginning.

“My mom’s assistant would help me write ‘real estate contracts’ for my Barbie dolls,” Katy recalls, laughing. “I spent my childhood visiting construction sites and attending showings—even during family vacations.”

Katy officially joined the family business at just fourteen, learning everything from transferring calls to photographing homes and balancing earnest money deposits. At twenty-one, she earned her real estate license while still in college. In a true trial-by-fire moment, her parents left her in charge and went on a three-week vacation the day after she was licensed.

Her academic and professional journeys reinforced her belief in using real estate as a tool for systemic change. “I originally thought curing diseases would be the ultimate way to help others, so I briefly considered pursuing biomedical engineering,” she shares. “But I quickly realized how real estate could also create immense change in people’s lives.”

A Camras Scholar at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Katy pursued their dual degree program: a bachelor of science degree in business administration and a master’s in public administration, specializing in housing policy for underserved populations. While juggling her studies, she managed to sell over thirty homes.

“It was quite interesting to balance classes about business theory, continue running a complex business, and deeply research the effectiveness of community programs and laws for people in different housing situations,” she says. “The combination of academic knowledge and real-world experience gave me a unique perspective on housing policy and client needs.”

After graduating, Katy began blending innovation with service on her family’s team. Her parents, Cindy and Tony Banks, have been instrumental in shaping her vision. As leaders of the Cindy Banks Team, they’ve established a strong foundation of innovation and ethics that Katy proudly carries forward. “Watching my parents navigate this business with integrity and compassion has been invaluable,” she says. “They’ve shown me that success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about relationships and the ripple effect of doing good work.”

Today, Katy plays a key role in the Cindy Banks Team. Known for their innovation, the team integrates cutting-edge technology, like data-powered tools and advanced CRM systems, to create seamless client experiences. Whether helping the team be most efficient or studying construction and rehabbing properties, Katy approaches real estate with a focus on finding solutions.

She’s also passionate about mentoring new agents, emphasizing the importance of ethics and innovation in real estate. She values the unique opportunities her career has brought her—from attending conferences on AI automation with clients to collaborating with thought leaders on housing solutions.

Katy’s vision for the future is as ambitious as it is inspiring. She dreams of expanding her family business while developing programs to address housing and food insecurity in Chicago. She’s currently working on a project to design 24/7 food access for Chicago’s food deserts, with hopes of developing modern community centers and transitional housing in the future. Katy also plans to leverage technology like human-centric AI to create equitable solutions for people. “The world is changing fast, and I want to make sure those changes benefit everyone,” she explains.

Her dedication to service is further reflected in her involvement with organizations like A Safe Haven, which provides comprehensive support for individuals facing homelessness. “Their holistic approach to helping people rebuild their lives is incredibly inspiring,” Katy says. She also supports the Sweet Water Foundation, which revitalizes urban neighborhoods through innovative community programs.

Outside of work, Katy enjoys photography, bodybuilding, robotics, engineering, and producing community events with her husband, Joes Domingo, through the GoodBus—a school bus converted into a mobile stage with 360-degree sound. Together, they’ve organized fundraisers and festivals that bring people together through art and music. “Community is everything. It’s wonderful to hear residents say that they’ve never had anything comparable designed for their community, their neighborhood. For me, it’s a particularly special moment when I know I recently sold a house in that same neighborhood,” Katy says. “Whether it’s through real estate or events, I’m always looking for ways to connect people and create positive change.”

Katy’s passion for helping others is matched only by her drive to leave the world better than she found it. She lives by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” For Katy, every transaction, connection, and project is a step toward creating a more just and compassionate world.