Her Voice, Her Power

Kerry Protain is a dedicated real estate professional and passionate advocate for the industry. As a seasoned Realtor®, she proudly serves as President of the Women’s Council of Realtors, where she champions leadership development and the advancement of women in real estate.

Kerry’s commitment to the profession extends well beyond her local marketplace. She serves on the Board of Directors for both the Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) and the New York State Association of REALTORS (NYSAR), helping shape policy, advocacy, and professional standards at both the local and state levels. Through her leadership and committee involvement, she works to strengthen the industry and support fellow Realtors® across New York.

In addition to her real estate career, Kerry is a successful business owner, operating a thriving pet sitting and dog walking company. Her genuine love for animals and dedication to exceptional care have allowed her to build lasting relationships with both clients and their beloved pets.

Above all, Kerry is a devoted wife and mother of two. She values family deeply and treasures the time spent creating meaningful memories with those she loves.

Susan Helsinger, Associate Broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Merrick, has been a respected REALTOR®, business leader, and community advocate for more than 30 years. Before beginning her distinguished real estate career, she was a founding partner of Gruen Optika Corporation in New York City and Hi-D and Su-Z Toys in Great Neck. Following the tragic loss of her teenage son, Jason, Susan made the courageous decision to sell both companies and pursue a new professional path. She went on to earn a paralegal degree from Adelphi University, became a Notary Public, and obtained her Real Estate Broker’s license. Together with her late husband, Jay, she founded the Custom Real Estate Group and JSC Building Corporation, assuming full ownership in 2004 before the company was acquired by Douglas Elliman.

A Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) member since 1994, Susan’s leadership has been both extensive and influential. She began her service on the Legislative and RPAC committees, later becoming Nassau South Shore Chapter President in 2007. Elected to LIBOR’s Board of Directors in 2005, she went on to serve four years as Nassau County Vice President, two years as Treasurer, and ultimately as LIBOR President in 2021. A member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, she continues to serve on the Boards of Directors of LIBOR and New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) and has previously served on the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Board. Her sustained commitment has earned her ten consecutive years in the NYSAR REALTORS® Honor Society and induction into both the NYSAR and NAR RPAC Halls of Fame.

Beyond real estate, Susan is Founder and CEO of The Jason Gruen Foundation, which pioneered pediatric cardiac screenings across Long Island and helped establish Children’s Heart Centers at major medical institutions. She is active in numerous civic and nonprofit organizations and is the author of the memoir Glass Half Full.

A recipient of LIBOR’s REALTOR® Spirit Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, NYSAR’s Humanitarian of the Year, and NAR’s prestigious Good Neighbor Award, Susan embodies leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her industry and community.

A top-performing Associate Broker and proud partner at Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate in Shoreham, NY, Gina is a member of the prestigious International President’s Circle, ranking among the top 4% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide, and is a Certified Global Luxury Specialist. With over 30 years of experience, she is a trusted advisor known for her market expertise, strategic approach, and unwavering dedication to her clients across Long Island’s eastern North Shore. 

Gina’s passion for leadership is demonstrated through her service at the local, state, and national levels, including her role as Past President of LIBOR. She remains deeply vested in her community, proudly serving on her Shoreham Wading River school district’s legislative committee and as President of the SWR Wildcat Athletic Booster Club, where she continues to make a meaningful local impact. 

A steadfast champion of the REALTOR® Party, Gina invests at the Golden R level as an RPAC Major Investor, is a member of the President’s Circle, and has been recognized at the national level with RPAC Hall of Fame honors. She is also the recipient of NYSAR’s Alan Yassky Distinguished Service Award, reflecting her exceptional leadership and enduring commitment to advocacy. A proud career milestone was being named LIBOR’s inaugural REALTOR® of the Year in 2025. 

Driven by purpose and guided by service, Gina continues to use her voice to elevate the profession, strengthen her community, and support the next generation of leaders always committed to lifting others up and championing the advancement of women within the real estate industry.

Andrea Bharucha is driven Long Island real estate professional with over 14 years of experience serving buyers and sellers with a thoughtful, strategic, and relationship-driven approach. Known for her ability to guide clients through important life transitions with clarity and confidence, Andrea has built her business on trust, market expertise, and a deep understanding of the emotional and financial impact of homeownership. She currently serves as President-Elect of the Women’s Council of Realtors and is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and elevating others within the industry. Beyond her real estate work, Andrea mentors middle school girls in her community, helping them develop confidence, leadership skills, and a broader vision for their futures. She is also expanding her entrepreneurial footprint through staging, and educational platforms, all rooted in her belief that real estate is not just about property, but about creating opportunity, building wealth, and strengthening the communities we call home.

Denise Nostrom’s journey into the world of finance began as a teenager when her grandfather bought her a mutual fund. This early exposure to the power of investment sparked a lifelong fascination with finance. Although she initially pursued foreign languages in college, a realization about her true interests led her to switch her major to business management with a concentration in finance. This decision laid the foundation for a career defined by a passion for financial planning and a commitment to helping others.

In the early stages of her career, Denise made the bold decision to start her own firm, despite skepticism from her peers. Her determination and vision were soon rewarded when she had the serendipitous opportunity to acquire an established practice, significantly accelerating her business growth. Among her new clients were the iconic Village People, a surprising yet validating milestone in her journey. This experience underscored her ability to seize opportunities and navigate the complexities of the financial industry with confidence and skill.

Denise’s dedication to her profession extends beyond her practice. She is a prominent figure in her community, known for her willingness to help and connect people. She runs a women’s nonprofit organization, Power of Women Exchanging Resources (POWER), which celebrates its 14th anniversary and provides scholarships to high school students. Denise also serves on the Women’s Advisory Board in her town, supports Dress for Success, and participates in the Women’s Impact Network. Her extensive community involvement reflects her belief in giving back and empowering others.

The pandemic presented Denise with a new challenge and opportunity: starting her own radio show, “The Financial Chick.” Launched in August 2020, the show has become a platform for her to educate a wider audience on financial matters. It has also enhanced her visibility and established her as a trusted voice in the community. This venture highlights her innovative approach to financial education and her ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Denise has seen her clients successfully send their children to college, pay down debt, buy their first homes, retire, and much more. Her goal is to provide clients with an easier life, because once their finances are in control, they have more room to enjoy the simple things. Speaking of simple things, Denise also enjoys the simple pleasures of life. She loves spending time with her husband and daughter, and enjoying summer weekends on their beautiful boat, sweetly named “M ’luv”. She also loves hanging out with her adorable puppy, Winnie. And, of course, after a long day at the office, Denise looks forward to her weekly yoga sessions and meditation to keep her Zen!

Looking to the future, Denise is focused on building a strong team within her organization to ensure its continuity as she considers eventually stepping back. On a personal level, she plans to relocate to a warmer climate in the near future.  Her journey is marked by a blend of professional success and personal fulfillment, driven by a mantra of perseverance: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Denise Nostrom’s story is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her clients and community.

As a REALTOR®, Gina Marie Bettenhauser has built a career defined by the seamless integration of real estate excellence and impactful advocacy. While she has proudly volunteered with LIBOR for many years, her formal leadership journey began with the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, where she developed a deep commitment to service, collaboration, and mentorship along with a passion for uplifting others and supporting the advancement of women in the real estate industry. These principles continue to guide her today. 

A top-performing Associate Broker and proud partner at Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate in Shoreham, NY, Gina is a member of the prestigious International President’s Circle, ranking among the top 4% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide, and is a Certified Global Luxury Specialist. With over 30 years of experience, she is a trusted advisor known for her market expertise, strategic approach, and unwavering dedication to her clients across Long Island’s eastern North Shore. 

Gina’s passion for leadership is demonstrated through her service at the local, state, and national levels, including her role as Past President of LIBOR. She remains deeply vested in her community, proudly serving on her Shoreham Wading River school district’s legislative committee and as President of the SWR Wildcat Athletic Booster Club, where she continues to make a meaningful local impact. 

A steadfast champion of the REALTOR® Party, Gina invests at the Golden R level as an RPAC Major Investor, is a member of the President’s Circle, and has been recognized at the national level with RPAC Hall of Fame honors. She is also the recipient of NYSAR’s Alan Yassky Distinguished Service Award, reflecting her exceptional leadership and enduring commitment to advocacy. A proud career milestone was being named LIBOR’s inaugural REALTOR® of the Year in 2025. 

Driven by purpose and guided by service, Gina continues to use her voice to elevate the profession, strengthen her community, and support the next generation of leaders always committed to lifting others up and championing the advancement of women within the real estate industry.