Taste of Nations

Diversity Committee “A Taste of Nations” Event

The Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® Diversity Committee began with a well-attended kick-off event, “A Taste of Nations.”  This diversity potluck mixer was held on February at J. Rockcliff REALTORS® in Walnut Creek.  Other events will include seminars and workshops and a Fair Housing Month event in April.

The mission of the Diversity Committee is to promote diversity awareness and fair housing practices through educational and networking events among members, as well as outreach and educational events in the community.  Its vision is to enhance and advance sustainable homeownership among minorities by establishing a network with ethnic real estate professional organizations in the Bay area–as well as minority groups that are not represented by any organization–to address and resolve common concerns in serving all consumers.

“’A Taste of Nations’ was a fun way for REALTORS® and Affiliates to get together to learn about and appreciate how many ethnicities there are in the real estate profession in the area.  A diverse environment is an enriching environment,” said Ellen Osmundson, the chairperson of the Diversity Committee. “Developing a basic understanding of and appreciation for our diverse community is crucial for us to better serve all our clients.”

Kish Rajan, a Walnut Creek City Councilmember, spoke at the event and commended the committee’s efforts in promoting diversity awareness.

Ellen Osmundson, an immigrant from Hong Kong twenty years ago, observes that the United States is a country formed by immigrants from all over the world.  They come for safety and freedom or to reunite with their families.  While homeownership is a significant symbol of stability that we call “American Dream,” in the immigrant community it means more than stability for their families.  It is a major step that people take to get out of uncertainty.

“While the term diversity is often viewed as a combination of ethnic minority groups in America, we must keep in mind that diversity is an all-encompassing term.  We must treat all consumers fairly regardless of their race, color, cultural origin, religion, age, gender, marital status, and sexual orientation.  They all deserve utmost care and due diligence when being served in the home-buying and home-selling process.  We Realtors® are their link to their respective American dreams,” Osmundson stressed.

Barry Zwahlen, president of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®, said in his inaugural speech that “Real estate isn’t a job; it’s a calling.  It is the quiet voice that we hear, and feel, which says that we are called to serve others.”  When asked about the connection between diversity and his vision that real estate is a calling, he said, “As the demographics continue to change, we continue to serve a more and more diverse market, with high ethical standards and professionalism.  The Diversity Committee is bringing the reality of diversity to the forefront of our day-to-day service as REALTORS®.  With clarity, we can and will better serve our clients.”

At the “A Taste of Nations” event, there was food from more than 25 different countries and the costumes that were displayed reminded the attendees that the REALTORS®’ community is changing, too.

View photos from the event here.

Mar 24, 2010 | Categories: CCAR Committees, Events, Misc |