----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Stephens
Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2011 5:18 PM
Subject: DIVERSITY WITH REAL ESTATE
I have long been interested in diversity in our real estate industry. I started getting indoctrinated into this facet when I was on a committee for fair housing over 30 years ago at the Phoenix Association. I found that clients present issues for agents that may require special training for an agent to have a better understanding of all issues on diversity. Tina Robbins was the very excellent chairperson at that time at PAR. Many years later around 2008, I attended a class taught by Tina and as always, it was an "eye-opener".
It was about 10 years ago that I obtained the "At Home With Diversity" designation from NAR in a 6 hour, in person class, which I later renewed 2 years later online. This was the most amazing class I ever attended and it makes a real believer out of attendees.
I recommend it for everyone and you will definitely become a much more versatile and accomplished REALTOR.
I have asked for stories from foreign born agents that they would allow me to publish. I am interested in how they got here and why they chose real estate as a profession. The discussions were very revealing and interesting which some of them shared with me.
Here is a really nice story about Claudia Morgado from Chile, now working in our Mesa office. She wrote it and I edited it very slightly.
I urge you to get to know all of our people on a personal basis, whether foreign or not. Last Friday I was talking to 2 ladies at the same time--1 from the Philippines and another from Sri Lanka. We have much representation from around the world at West USA and welcome all those who would join us.
If you have a story to share, please put it into writing for me and in fact, I will help you with it. Call me or email me bob@westusa.com
or 602-942-4200
Claudia's story is attached and is just 1 page but very enlightening!
BEGIN--THE REST IS EASY
Bob Stephens CRB e-PRO
Managing Broker
West USA Realty
