‘Go-to person’ with ‘huge heart’: Woman of Distinction Dawn Bremer ‘finds a way to rally people’

Officials with the city of McHenry were working on plans for a mural and running into a brick wall with the project. Dorothy Wolf, the economic development coordinator for the city decided it was time to reach out for help, contacting Dawn Bremer, a local business owner, member of the city’s planning and zoning commission, school board member and philanthropist.

Bremer “is a is a go-to person. She is a phenomenal community organizer,” Wolf said.

Bremer is the among 11 members of the current class of Women of Distinction Award winners, recognized by the Northwest Herald. The honor highlights women in McHenry County, nominated by their peers, friends and loved ones, who provide leadership in their fields of expertise, serve as role models and mentors, advocate positive social change or give back to their community through time, talent and resources. The 2025 honorees will be recognized at an awards banquet Wednesday.

Whether it’s helping one individual or serving an organization, Bremer finds herself called to serve the community and make a difference to those around her. She grew up in Buffalo Grove but has lived in McHenry County since 2000 and said it is where she feels at home.

“I think everything I’m involved in gives me an incredible circle,” Bremer said.

In 2015, she decided to pivot in her career, got her real estate license and launched her office, The Bremer Team-Keller Williams Success Realty, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It’s more than a business to Bremer and her team members, who relish being a part of community activities, from volunteering with other local organizations or hosting community-wide events, like a Trunk or Treat.

“We are all community stewards and we love where we live,” Bremer said.

Bremer services the city and the school community in volunteer roles as well. She was appointed to the City of McHenry Planning and Zoning Commission, where she utilizes her connections and her real estate savvy as she and fellow commissioners review zoning requests.

Her desire to serve the school community led her to run for McHenry Community High School District 156 school board. In that role, Bremer isn’t merely present for meetings and committees; she’s truly a part of the high school community, whether it’s celebrating graduates or serving as a community champion for the school’s InCubator class, where students develop and compete to pitch business concepts.

In 2019, Bremer connected with Kids In Need McHenry County, which was established to support foster and adoptive families in the community. Today, Bremer serves as president of the organization’s board of directors. She called on her community connections to facilitate the local businesses that supported the construction of the visitation home, where families can access services and therapies.

“She finds a way to rally people,” said friend Melissa Bodzioch.

And even as full as her plate may seem, when another opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others fell onto her desk, she knew she couldn’t take a pass. Last fall, she had a call from a local business owner who wanted to help a veteran, offering the company’s service at no cost. Bremer started making some, calls and it wasn’t long before she connected with several more local businesses. It was the launch of 30 Days for 30 Vets, supporting local veterans who need help with their homes, including repairs, appliances.

“Her work with 30 Days for 30 Vets is phenomenal,” Wolf said. “She’s got a huge heart and she’s full of compassion.”

That project came together rather quickly, oncer again with Bremer as a “go-to” person connecting businesses and people. But in her view, it’s not about her, it’s about the greater community.

“This is what this community is all about,” Bremer.