Greater Bergen REALTORS® celebrated Pride Month in June with the third annual Lunch and Learn event, Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices & Homeownership at GBR headquarters in Saddle Brook. This year, the event was co-hosted by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the Young Professionals Network (YPN).

Members in attendance heard from keynote speakers, Roderick Logan, the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Business Enablement at Anywhere Real Estate Inc., and Christian Fuscarino, the Executive Director of Garden State Equality. The speakers provided insight into the importance of DEI in real estate business practices, as well as resources for REALTORS® to best serve clients in the LGBTQ+ community.

Following the keynote speakers, 2024 DEI Committee Chair, Andre Porter moderated a REALTOR® peer panel discussion among speakers, Sergio St. Jean, Luisa Gonzalez, and Ira Goodman. Panelists highlighted ways those in the real estate industry can adapt DEI resources, education, and advocacy into working with clients in the LGBTQ+ community to foster successful transactions and meaningful working relationships.

"In our business, allyship, leading with intent, and fostering an inclusive environment are paramount; and it all starts with us," stated Andre Porter as a closing remark.

Proceeds from the event supported Garden State Equality, the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in New Jersey, with over 150,000 members. Garden State Equality lifts up the diverse voices of LGBTQ+ communities through education and advocacy to advance the movement for equality in New Jersey and nationally.

Click HERE to view event photos!

For more information on Greater Bergen REALTORS®, visit www.greaterbergenrealtors.com