Every REALTOR® knows that real estate is about more than closing deals—it’s about opening doors. And for two Tennessee REALTORS®, those doors lead to an impact bigger than they could have ever imagined.
This year, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) honored Murfreesboro’s Jantrice Johnson and Knoxville’s Cindy Bradley as finalists for its prestigious Good Neighbor Awards, which celebrate REALTORS® who are making extraordinary differences through charitable work. Out of 1.5 million REALTORS® nationwide, only ten individuals earn this distinction each year—making their recognition both rare and deeply meaningful.
“The Good Neighbor Awards remind us that the heart of real estate is people and communities,” said NAR President Kevin Sears. “These honorees go far beyond helping clients buy or sell a home. They’re building hope, opportunity, and stronger communities every single day.”
Photo Credit: Tennessee REALTORS®
Turning Compassion Into Action
For Jantrice Johnson, real estate was always about connection. But a straightforward back-to-school drive changed everything.
In 2014, she organized a small giveaway to help local kids in need—a few backpacks, some supplies, and a big heart behind it. That seed grew into WE GIVE, a nonprofit that has now served more than 10,000 vulnerable students across Middle Tennessee.
From school supplies and winter coats to free haircuts, Johnson’s mission is simple but powerful: to make sure every child, especially those experiencing homelessness or poverty, feels seen, valued, and supported.
“Kids deserve more than the bare minimum,” Johnson said in an interview. “They deserve to feel confident walking into school. When you help them start the year feeling cared for, it changes everything.”
That ripple effect is what makes her work so impactful. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a community-wide movement, bringing together volunteers, local businesses, and families each year to give back.
Will Sliger, President of Tennessee REALTORS®, said Johnson’s recognition shines a light on the deeper purpose behind their profession. “This honor highlights not only her compassion and commitment,” he said, “but also the vital role real estate professionals play in improving lives and strengthening communities.”
Photo Credit: Tennessee REALTORS®
From Loss to Legacy
On the other side of the state, Cindy Bradley of Knoxville has turned heartbreak into hope.
After losing her husband, she found herself confronting the challenges of end-of-life care firsthand. What began as grief soon became a mission: to make sure other families could face those final moments with dignity and peace.
Bradley founded and funded the only hospice center in her area, creating a sanctuary for patients to spend their last days surrounded by comfort and compassion. In just four years, her center has served nearly 800 patients, offering not just medical care but a home-like environment where families can gather, grieve, and celebrate life.
“Cindy’s efforts go far beyond real estate,” said Sears. “She saw a gap in her community and built a solution that continues to touch hundreds of lives.”
Sliger added, “This honor highlights how REALTORS® often identify needs that others might overlook. Cindy’s leadership shows what happens when you take the initiative to make your community better.”
The Bigger Picture: REALTORS® as Community Builders
Both Johnson and Bradley embody the spirit of the Good Neighbor Awards, a program established by NAR to honor members who use their skills, time, and resources to serve others. Winners receive national recognition, grants for their charities, and the opportunity to inspire REALTORS® everywhere to do the same.
As part of this year’s competition, the public can vote for their favorite finalist to win an additional Web Choice Favorite award and up to $2,500 for their charity by visiting through November 6. The five national winners, as well as the Web Choice recipients, will be announced on November 10, 2025.
While the recognition is significant, it’s the reminder behind it that truly matters: real estate has always been about people first. REALTORS® are often among the first to know when families are struggling, neighborhoods are changing, or opportunities for improvement are waiting to be seized.
From housing affordability initiatives to food drives and educational programs, REALTORS® across the country use their connections and expertise to create lasting impact. The Good Neighbor Awards simply put a national spotlight on what’s happening every day in local markets—people helping people.
Tennessee REALTORS® Lead by Example
Tennessee has a long history of REALTORS® stepping up to serve beyond the transaction. Whether it’s organizing disaster relief after tornadoes, supporting veterans’ housing initiatives, or mentoring young professionals, the REALTOR® community consistently goes above and beyond the job description.
For Johnson and Bradley, that service comes naturally. Both women credit their careers for giving them the platform—and the network—to do good on a larger scale.
“When you sell homes, you see the real needs of a community,” Johnson explained. “You meet families who are struggling and others who want to help. Being a REALTOR® gives you the power to connect those dots.”
Bradley agrees. “I never expected my career to lead me here,” she said. “But it’s given me a voice and a community that I can rally behind, something that really matters.”
Their stories are reminders that real estate isn’t just about property lines. It’s about people’s lives, hopes, and second chances.
A Legacy of Service
As NAR continues to celebrate its Good Neighbor Awards honorees, the stories of REALTORS® like Johnson and Bradley stand as powerful examples of what happens when professionals turn compassion into community action.
It’s easy to measure success by sales, but these Tennessee REALTORS® are proving that the true value of their work lies in how they make others feel at home, even beyond the walls of a house.
Because in the end, the best neighborhoods aren’t just built, they’re nurtured.