Scholarships
🎓 NAREB Louisville Scholarship Programs
Presented by the NAREB Louisville Scholarship Committee
The NAREB Louisville Scholarship Program was created to support the next generation of diverse professionals who are committed to growth, excellence, and community impact within the real estate industry. Each year, the NAREB Louisville Scholarship Committee proudly awards two scholarships: the Sherrida Burrus Scholarship and the Dell Rauch Houekpon Appraisal Scholarship, to deserving individuals who demonstrate leadership, purpose, and a passion for creating positive change. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our community and our signature fundraising event, the Annual NAREB Louisville “Dunk Into Solutions”, where style meets purpose. The event celebrates unity, creativity, and empowerment, raising essential funds that help make these educational opportunities available year after year.
Sherrida Scott-Burrus: January 15th, 1966 - April 11th, 2021
The Sherrida Burrus Scholarship, presented by the NAREB Louisville Scholarship Committee, honors the life and legacy of Sherrida Burrus, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, whose dedication to real estate, equity, and community upliftment transformed countless lives. For over 25 years, Sherrida built a distinguished career in the mortgage industry, serving in key roles such as Senior Mortgage Banker at Stockton Mortgage and previously with American Mortgage. Her expertise and integrity helped countless families realize the dream of homeownership. Her excellence was repeatedly recognized by the Kentucky Housing Corporation, where she earned multiple Top Producer honors.
A proud and active member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) Louisville Board, Sherrida was instrumental in advancing its mission. NAREB Louisville was founded out of necessity, when African Americans were historically excluded from the National Association of REALTORS®. Through her service, Sherrida helped dismantle barriers, open doors for African American professionals, and foster opportunities for greater representation in the real estate and lending industries.
The Sherrida Burrus Scholarship continues her legacy by empowering aspiring professionals who share her passion for community impact, homeownership education, and fair access to opportunity. This award supports individuals pursuing a career in real estate, those who embody Sherrida’s spirit of perseverance, excellence, and service to others. Through this scholarship, NAREB Louisville proudly honors Sherrida’s enduring influence as a mentor, leader, and trailblazer who believed that strengthening communities begins with empowering people.
Dellaphine Rauch-Houekpon - "Woman King"
The Dell Rauch-Houekpon Appraiser Scholarship was established in loving memory of Dellaphine “The Woman King” Rauch-Houekpon, a remarkable woman whose life embodied service, leadership, and compassion. Known affectionately as “The Woman King” for her strength, wisdom, and grace, Dellaphine led with conviction and a deep commitment to empowering others. She dedicated her career to international development, serving in transformative roles across Africa, Indonesia, Eurasia, and the former Soviet Union. Her work strengthened communities and reflected her lifelong mission to advance equity, unity, and cross-cultural understanding. Beyond her professional achievements, Dellaphine was a coach, mentor, and passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She believed in uplifting others, championing multiculturalism, and creating opportunities for people from all walks of life to thrive. During her time working abroad, Dellaphine introduced those around her to the Wolof language, sharing two profound phrases that captured her life philosophy:
“We are together.” & “We are moving.”
These words became a guiding light, a reminder that true progress happens when we move forward together, including every voice, every culture, and every stakeholder, while striving to be role models for others. The Dell Rauch-Houekpon Appraiser Scholarship honors Dellaphine’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer and visionary. This award supports aspiring or current real estate professionals pursuing education or certification in the field of real estate appraisal, helping to diversify and strengthen the appraisal industry.
Applicants are encouraged to reflect Dellaphine’s values of integrity, inclusivity, leadership, and community impact in their personal and professional journeys. Through this scholarship, NAREB Louisville proudly carries forward the mission of “The Woman King”, ensuring that as we move forward, we move together.
