Event Coverage
Joint SILVAR GBC-YPN Program Features Diverse Leaders in Real Estate
Last Friday's "Showcase of Diverse Leaders," co-hosted by SILVAR Global Business Council (GBC) and YPN brought Silicon Valley's diverse real estate leaders and multicultural real estate associations and groups together. The program began with Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian sharing his tips on successful political advocacy with the real estate professionals. The leaders then shared their cultural background, how they got involved in real estate, and their thoughts on leadership.
In many cultures, real estate is not a popular profession. Joe Han, chief growth officer of Climb Real Estate, said like many Chinese, his parents wanted him to pursue a traditional career, like be a doctor or lawyer. Han felt the pressure, but upon moving to California from Pennsylvania, Han was recruited into real estate. He decided to try it for a few months and liked it. Han said it was the best decision he made, though it took a while before he told his parents about his new career.
In Japan, family is the main source of honor, so Ryan Iwanaga, executive VP and co-founder of Sereno Group, said he felt the pressure to succeed and heed a cultural message passed down to him from his Japanese grandmother and parents: Don't bring shame to the family.
"In everything I do, I must never dishonor my family," said Iwanaga.
A leadership role can be daunting for real estate professionals from other cultures, according to Tess Crescini, chair of SILVAR's Global Business Council and co-founder of the Filipino American Real Estate Professional Association Silicon Valley. "Non-native speakers are afraid people won't understand their accent, or are not familiar with how REALTOR® associations conduct their meetings. It's like being in the middle of a game and not knowing all the rules. So they would rather watch than participate, and feel more comfortable in their own ethnic association," said Crescini.
There is always risk in stepping up, according to Iwanaga. But he noted, "Only two things happen - either you become successful, or have an opportunity to learn."
Jeff Vo, president of the Vietnamese National Association of Real Estate Professionals, and SILVAR Young Professionals Network president Jose Padilla, both said being a leader has contributed to their own personal growth and development.
"As a minority leader in a not minority focused group forced me to speak out and in turn brought me a sense of gratification, acknowledgment of my accomplishments," said Gregg Fujita, past national president and regional VP of the Council of Residential Specialists.
"WCR gave me the confidence to speak out and later lead with passion," said Women's Council of REALTORS® president Anna Maria Valenzuela.
Asked about leadership traits, FAREPA incoming president Cheryl Javier said no matter where they are from, "a leader must have persistence, perseverance, and personality, and more importantly, create long-term relationships."
Dennis Delisle, president of the Asian Real Estate Association of America Silicon Valley, said leaders need to be focused, yet able to balance that role with work and family. He makes sure he takes off Sundays to enjoy his family for the whole day.
These leaders also make sure their groups give back to the community. A recent FAREPA trade mission to the Philippines distributed over 300 backpacks to low-income elementary students there. "These children never owned a backpack and carried their school supplies in plastic bags," remarked Crescini.
AREAA SV is contributing to the "Walk to End Alzheimer's" this year, and WCR is conducting a fundraiser for a member who experienced a recent loss.
The Chinese American Real Estate Association is focusing on educating members to serve clients better, said association president Jennifer Chen. Vo said VNARP partners with the Outreach Program to package 100,000 meals for underprivileged families.
The event was sponsored by TourFactory - Darrell Monda, Farmers' Insurance - Kyle Chuang, Prime Lending, Bank of America, and YPN sponsors Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, 365 Staging, Alain Pinel Realtors and Keller Williams Bay Area Estates.
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The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
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