Saddle Brook, NJ – June 14, 2023 - Last week, GBR co-hosted the Second Annual DEI Real Estate Summit, a regional two-day diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) summit, designed to build curiosity while exploring understanding of DEI within personal and professional careers, while reviewing the correlation between fair housing and DEI, how DEI makes business sense, and the implicit biases that continue to plague the real estate industry.
The two-day summit included an afternoon of continuing education courses and a networking reception on Monday, June 5th, as well as a full day of speakers, discussion, and break-out sessions on Tuesday, June 6th.
After a welcome to over 200 attendees, and an introduction by 2023 New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) President, John Vernazza, and New Jersey REALTORS® (NJR) 2023 Immediate Past President, Robert White, day two of the DEI Summit continued in the main conference room.
Opening keynote speaker, Deanna Singh, Chief Change Agent and Best-Selling Author, opened the event with "Actions Speak Louder", giving a background on her experience with DEI as it pertained to business obstacles, growth, and changes within the real estate industry. She provided the audience with tactical skills and understanding to better navigate DEI in their professions. "There is absolutely a moral grounding in DEI, but it is way more powerful to talk about DEI as a skillset" said Singh.
The afternoon keynote speaker and best-selling author, Kelly McDonald, led "How To Make Progress On DE&I In Your Organization" with expert insight into the rewards and benefits of implementing a strong DEI program within a real estate association, or business. McDonald also made available to attendees signed copies of her latest book, It's Time To Talk About Race At Work.
Closing speaker of the DEI Summit, Co-founder and Unmanageable Partner of btcRE, LLC, Ryan Gorman, spoke on "DE&I Leadership Lessons Learned", fueling the audience with an energized presentation where he provided tools to utilize DEI in their every day lives and professional careers.
Throughout the full-day summit, several time blocks for break-out sessions were held for members to sit in on a variety of informed discussions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion within real estate. Greater Bergen REALTORS® Chief Operating Officer, Jorge Ledesma, joined as one of three esteemed speakers on the mid-morning panel, "Building The Confidence To Do 'It'" Building A DEI Committee", moderated by NAR Fair Housing Policy, and Programs Analyst, Brennon Thompson.
"It is vital to an association that you are providing your staff, and your members the door for open communication, and a means to grow through any adversity. Our staff works directly with GBR’s diverse group of REALTOR® members on these committees to implement the mission of GBR, which echoes the ethos of inclusivity. We come together as a united front of professional REALTORS®. Working together and compromise are key initiatives to solve an issue that may arise. There is a reason why the letters in the word “listen” are the same as those in the word “silent”. The road to resolution for most obstacles starts with listening."
- GBR CEO, Jorge Ledesma
"The importance and need for DEI, and DEI Committees is ongoing, and Greater Bergen REALTORS® continues our work toward diversity, equity, and inclusion on a local level, and within the real estate industry."
For pictures from the Second Annual DEI Real Estate Summit, click HERE!
To learn more about Greater Bergen REALTORS®, please visit our website: www.greaterbergenrealtors.com
About Greater Bergen REALTORS®
Greater Bergen REALTORS® is a not-for-profit trade organization that serves more than 8,500 REALTOR® members throughout Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties in New Jersey. We empower the success of those we serve by focusing on Connections, Advocacy, Resources, and Education. As the leading voice of real estate in Northern New Jersey, we advocate to protect private property and home-ownership rights.
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