Is it possible for an old dog to learn new tricks when it comes to practicing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the business of real estate? That would be an emphatic “YES!” said Pam Cass, keynote speaker of NEFAR’s Fair Housing Luncheon.
Approximately 177 real estate professionals turned out to hear Cass speak during the annual event that was held on May 3 at Marriott Jacksonville in Southpoint. Also included in the program was the coronation of Marissa Scott as NEFAR’s first elected RPAC Queen, the induction of 11 new members of NEFAR’s EDGE (Ethics, Diversity, Goals, Excellence) professional society, and the recognition of 57 NEFAR members into Florida Realtors’ Honor Society.
NEFAR’s new DEI committee also had a booth where they handed out information about DEI initiatives and distributed “Kindness is Cool” stickers to those who attended the buffet luncheon.
Cass, a national speaker, coach, and real estate leader discussed how to build a resilient career by transforming adversity into opportunities for growth and success.
“Self-aware REALTORS® are more likely to recognize when they are making assumptions based on a client’s race, nationality, religion, or family status,” she said. “By understanding and controlling our biases, we can make more objective, equitable decisions to correct behaviors and ensure we offer equal service to all clients.”
Cass also noted that REALTORS® who prioritize empathetic engagement were able to report a 30% higher rate of return clients. She recommended that REALTORS practice “active listening” and “acknowledge feelings” while making an effort to become more “curious” about others. “Curiosity is not merely a trait but a professional tool that drives us to ask questions, seek new information, and challenge assumptions,” she said.
A highly skilled REALTOR® with Kentwood Real Estate in Fort Collins, Colorado, Cass discussed how she overcame dyslexia as a child. She eventually became a national speaker, coach, and real estate leader by using fair housing principles to navigate through some of the industry’s most challenging times.
RPAC King and Queen contest
Via video from Washington DC, RPAC Committee Chairman Tiea Vincent welcomed the group and introduced NEFAR’s first winner of its King or Queen contest. In total, the contest in its first year raised $11,237 of its $15,000 goal for the REALTOR® Party.
Marissa Scott of United Real Estate Gallery was crowned NEFAR’s REALTOR® Party queen after raising $3,531 of her $5,000 goal. During the final minutes of the contest, Marissa was in a tight race against Gonzalo Mejia of Watson Realty Corp., who led most of the month and finished with $3,410.
Clark LaBlond of The Legends of Real Estate placed third by raising $2,113. Sharon McNeal of EXIT Inspired Realty placed 4th with $1,011; Wil Singleton of Dream Big Realty of Jacksonville LLC was 5th raising $802 and April Hall-Lloyd of Empire Network Realty placed 6th with $300.
By winning the King or Queen Contest, Marissa was awarded a crown and sash and was able to invite her court – seven real estate friends – who joined her at a special table at the luncheon. She will also appear at other NEFAR events throughout the year. Comprising Marissa’s court were Ray Rivera, Mindy Dickson, Edwina Burch, Felicia Reuschmyer, Mark Scott, Cesar Cruz, and Donny Griffin.
The King and Queen election required all voters to invest a minimum of $20 toward the REALTOR® Party. Each dollar that was invested represented one vote toward the specified candidate.
EDGE
Another highlight of the luncheon was the induction into NEFAR’s EDGE (Ethics, Diversity, Goals, Excellence) Professional Society of 11 new members.
Fulfilling the qualifications of EDGE membership were Cassandra Brown of Watson, Realty Corp., Tiea Vincent of NXT Level Real Estate, Cornilus Burr of Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage, James “Rick” Foister of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Jamesha Jackson of eXp Realty LLC, Lesley Davidson of Manifest Realty, Canard Thomas of Residential Movement RE Group, Bailey Jordan of Navy to Navy Homes LLC, Shelly Sharp of Watson Realty Corp., Galeann Montague of La Rosa Realty North Florida and Jacquelyn Boyd of Residential Movement RE Group.
Including these 11 new inductees, 64 NEFAR REALTOR members have joined EDGE since its inception in 2021.
Florida Realtors Honor Society
Fifty-four NEFAR members qualified for the 2023 Florida Realtors® Honor Society. They were recognized and received their pins after the luncheon. The recognition is to salute members for their participation at the local, state, and national levels of the REALTOR® organization as well as for activity in NAR’s Institutes, societies, and councils, designations earned, educational activities and political involvement.
1st year REALTORS®
Tara Braithwaite, Neil Bridgers, Deanna Foerman, Bailey Jordan, Angela McKee, Sharon McNeal, Anthony Stroud, Canard Thomas, Erin Torres, Amy Trahan, Angela Wakefield-Manning, and Danielle Wolbert.
2nd year REALTORS®
Christine Baranofsky, Amanda Feagle, Samantha Heflin, Cynthia Kaneer, Rae Laws, Ray Rivera, Lauren Rohman, India Vance, Carray Young.
3rd year REALTORS®
Eric Cavanagh, Margarita Cavanagh, Paula Givler, Christian Oliva, Richard Zeisel
4th year REALTORS®
Cole Slate
5th year REALTORS®
Jan Jenkins and Scott Nyman
6th year REALTORS®
DeDee Harper, Wanda McReynolds, Tiea Vincent
7th year REALTORS®
Mario Conzalez, Joyce Roberts, Janna Thomas
10th year REALTORS®
Diane Cook, Kim Knapp, Mark Rosener
11th year REALTORS®
Diana Galavis, Marc Jernigan, Gonzalo Mejia
12th year REALTORS®
Ronald P. Harris, Clark La Blond
13th year REALTORS®
Ben Bates, Jr.
14th year REALTORS®
Audrey Lackie, Missi Howell, Andrew Bell
After 15 years, recipients receive a pin every 5 years to commemorate 15+, 20+, 25+, etc. After 25 years, REALTORS® become life members of the Florida Realtors® honor society.
16th year REALTORS®
Rory Dubin, William A. Watson, Jr.
18th year REALTORS®
Millie Kanyar
23rd year REALTORS®
Russell Grooms
Life Members
Wendell Davis – 28 years
Dee Bumbarger – 28 years
William Glenn East – 32 years
Beverly Garvin – 36 years, charter member
Cathy Whatley, 37 years, charter member
