Chicago’s real estate market isn’t just about brick and mortar—it’s about courage, persistence, and the people reshaping the landscape one bold move at a time. Maggie Antillon-Mathews, a powerhouse Realtor and Managing Broker, is bringing that truth to life in Latinas in Real Estate Vol. III, the final chapter of a groundbreaking anthology series published by Fig Factor Media.
Antillon-Mathews, who has spent 24 years building her reputation as one of Chicago’s top real estate professionals, has curated twelve deeply personal stories of Hispanic women navigating the high-stakes, competitive world of real estate. These narratives are raw, inspiring, and unapologetically honest—capturing the grit it takes to break barriers in an industry where Hispanic women remain underrepresented.
According to data from 360training, while Hispanics make up 18.9% of the U.S. population, they represent only about 13% of real estate agents nationwide. This statistic underscores why Antillon-Mathews’ vision matters. Through Latinas in Real Estate, she’s amplified the voices of women who’ve dared to challenge the odds and claim their space in a demanding business.
To celebrate the release, Antillon-Mathews will host an in-person launch on Thursday, August 28 at Chicago Theater Works, located at 1113 W. Belmont Ave. The event promises an evening of author panels, story highlights, book signings, networking, and light refreshments—bringing the community together to honor the journey of these trailblazing women.
The participating authors featured in this latest volume include:
Fannie Loyola, Sofia Chacon, Maggie Harris, Magda Esola, Leda Quiaro, Rosemary Del Cid, Nina Gonzalez, Samantha Esparza, Daniella Recillas, Brisia Guzman, Patty Chavez Delgado, and Emelin Brown.
Reflecting on her journey to complete this trilogy, Antillon-Mathews emphasizes the word that defines her path: courage.
“Courage, to me, is doing it even when you’re scared or don’t feel like it,” she said. “This year, I had to push through moments where I didn’t think I had anything left. But we did it—we finished it. That, to me, is courage: not giving up, no matter what.”
Her work has not only sparked conversation but also earned acclaim, achieving Amazon Best Seller status in seven categories and earning features from NBC 5, Telemundo, and even a spot in the National Association of REALTORS® library.
Latinas in Real Estate Vol. III is now available on Amazon, closing out a trilogy that has featured 42 authors to date. More than just a book series, it’s a movement—an invitation for women everywhere, especially those eyeing a career in real estate, to take their shot at building their version of the American Dream.
For Antillon-Mathews, a former social worker turned industry leader, her mission is simple yet profound: to be the change. Through her writing, leadership, and unyielding drive, she’s paving a path for others to follow—and showing them that courage is the key to every door worth opening.
Retired U.S. Army Combat Veteran | NAHJ Member | Writer | Cultural Advocate
I’m Daniel Crespo-Montero Sr., although many know me as El Indio Gordo. I’m the Managing Editor of OMG Magazine, a retired U.S. Army combat veteran, a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and a writer with a passion for culture, community, and storytelling.
My journey hasn’t exactly followed a traditional path, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I spent more than three decades in the U.S. Army, working in military law enforcement, paralegal services, and human resources. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish and an Associate degree in Small Business Entrepreneurship. Those experiences have shaped how I understand people, leadership, and the world around me.
As a proud Boricua with Indigenous Taíno roots, cultural preservation is especially important to me. Within the Higuayagua Taíno community, I’ve served in several leadership roles and currently serve as Pennsylvania’s Regional Kasike and Bahari for Atunwa.
My community involvement has also included serving as a New York City Ambassador for the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce. I’m also a former Boy Scout and proud Scout dad.
As Managing Editor, I enjoy exploring entertainment, lifestyle, food and beverages, travel, business, and culture. I believe journalism should inform, entertain, challenge perspectives, and give a voice to stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Beyond the magazine, I’m a father, grandfather, cultural advocate, and independent writer who enjoys sharing observations, experiences, and occasionally a little humor.
I certainly don’t know everything, but I’m always willing to learn something new. And if something catches my attention, chances are I’ll have a few words to share about it.
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