Prior to becoming a REALTOR® at age 40, Emmy Sorrells wasn’t necessarily looking for a career change. At the time, she owned and operated a preschool program. But encouragement from longtime friend and now-broker at Three Sixty Real Estate, Nonet Reese, inspired her to consider a new direction.

“Nonet recognized that my experience, personality and ability to connect with people might translate well into real estate,” Sorrells said. “Thankfully, she was right!”

More than a decade later, that career pivot has led to a legacy defined by leadership, professional service and a commitment to making a difference beyond her own business. As Alabama’s 2026 REALTOR® of the Year, Sorrells is being recognized for her many contributions to the industry and communities she serves.

“It’s an incredible honor, particularly because this recognition comes from my peers — people who understand firsthand the demands of our profession and the commitment required to serve beyond your own business," she said.

Throughout her career, Sorrells has taken on numerous leadership roles dedicated to advancing the profession. Her involvement began with the Women's Council of REALTORS®, where she eventually served as Alabama state president in 2019.

In 2025, she served as president of the Lee County Association of REALTORS® (LCAR). She has also spent many years representing her local association on the state level and attending National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) legislative meetings. In addition to her association leadership, Sorrells has served as associate broker for her team since 2021 and as qualifying broker for Three Sixty’s Florida brokerage.

Among her proudest accomplishments was encouraging the LCAR board of directors to complete NAR’s Fairhaven fair housing training program before it became a mandatory education requirement. The board achieved 100% completion, setting an example of accountability and professionalism for all association members.

“We benefit every day from the work of REALTORS® who came before us — people who advocated for property rights, established professional standards and built the organizations we rely upon today,” she said. “It’s our responsibility to continue that work and leave the profession stronger for those who follow.” 

Sorrells’ commitment to service extends well beyond real estate. Since 2018, she has served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of East Alabama, including as board chair.

The work is especially meaningful to Sorrells, who believes every child deserves encouragement and the chance to reach their potential, regardless of their circumstances.

“I’m proud of the organization’s growth and the work we’ve accomplished together, but what matters most is knowing we’re investing in young people whose lives may be positively influenced by opportunities they might not otherwise have had,” she said.

While industry leadership and community involvement have defined Sorrells’ career, she considers the relationships she’s cultivated as the most rewarding aspect. It's fitting, given that her ability to connect with others was what first inspired Reese to encourage her to pursue real estate.

Over the years, Sorrells has helped people navigate some of life's most significant transitions. For her, however, the trust those relationships represent is what means the most.

“When someone trusts me enough to recommend me to the people they care about, that means more than any sales statistic,” she said.

That appreciation for people also shapes her approach to leadership. Over the years, Sorrells has come to recognize that leading effectively means making room for others to contribute, listening to different perspectives and working toward a common goal.

“Real estate gave me the opportunity to take leadership qualities I’ve had most of my life and use them in ways that have been personally fulfilling and, I hope, beneficial to others,” she said. “I’m tremendously grateful for this recognition, but I’m even more grateful for the people, experiences and opportunities that brought me here. And I certainly don’t consider myself finished yet!”