Jillian Williams

Associate general counsel, Hubbell Realty Co.

Age: 36

Education: University of Iowa College of Law, Juris Doctor; Wartburg College, Bachelor of Arts, accounting and business administration degrees along with a finance concentration, graduated magna cum laude 

Husband: Josh Williams

Children: Bryson

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

As associate general counsel at Iowa’s longest-tenured real estate company, Hubbell Realty (which turns 170 soon), I am a leading team member who helps oversee 18 divisions under Hubbell’s umbrella. 

I serve on the board of directors for Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Iowa as well as lead as events chair, which oversees around 20 events each year for our chapter of almost 200 members.

I am proud to serve on the board of directors for Greater Iowa Apartment Association (GIAA) as its legislative chair, and I am responsible to review and provide feedback on a multitude of bills, foster relationships with industry partners and legislators, and work strategically with our lobbyists to get the best outcomes for our stakeholders.

I am a board member on the Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) Real Estate and Corporate Counsel Section councils and am on the legislative committees for both groups.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

I'm passionate about living a healthy, balanced life — fueling my body through exercise, my mind through real estate and legislative advocacy, and my heart by uplifting women in my field. Above all, family, faith and relationships ground me, driving my commitment to building stronger communities and better opportunities for others.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

Success is continually working to improve yourself, creating consistent habits that lead to growth. If you grow from failure, you’re still on the path to success. I want to be proud of where I started, the difference I’ve made during the journey and feel excitement about what’s ahead of me.

Tell us about an issue you think more people should know about.

Affordable housing is one of the most complex challenges existing today. Creating and maintaining housing solutions has no one-size-fits-all solution. Every stakeholder — landlords, residents, cities, lenders and beyond have a role to play to cross party and industry lines to find creative solutions to make progress.

What's an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

When my son, Bryson, entered this world, I saw my community and others through an entirely new lens. My urge to encourage greater change and improvements in our communities for future generations has increased significantly.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I am committed to excelling in my career, making a lasting impact in my community, deepening my faith and building meaningful relationships. With purpose and determination, I strive to create positive change and pave the way for the next generation of women to rise even higher.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

Work hard and don’t be afraid to ask questions to help further your growth. Nobody cheers for consistency or the habits you practice to improve yourself, but your hard work will pay off.

What's one regular habit that's made you successful?

I am a chronic scheduler. Prioritized lists and time management save me — even when day-to-day chaos occurs.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

Leaders from all sectors need to refocus and address the development and management of affordable housing. This ensures a stable, steady and strong workforce that has access to a way of life that makes sense for their families and their needs and can help our communities thrive.

What's one fun fact about you?

I’m a boxer — I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee at Title Boxing Gym several times a week. I can pack a punch!

Hobbies:

Running, traveling, baking/cooking.

What is one word that best describes you?

Determined.

What’s one food (meal, snack, dessert, whatever!) you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

Christopher’s is a hidden gem for Italian food, Americana has an amazing brunch, Wasabi sushi … I could go on! We’re fortunate to have a lot of creative chefs, well-curated menus and locally raised food in Des Moines!

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

I won the award for Best Hair Bow at the Bourbon and Bowties event!

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Dam to DSM (formerly known as Dam to Dam). I ran this race 34 weeks pregnant in 2023!