NDILC Responds to Systemic Racism & Sexism

The NAWRB Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Council (NDILC) is united against racism, racial discrimination and bias, sexism, and the ways in which race and gender intersect to impact of lived experiences of women of color. The NDILC understands the importance of this time for the progression of racial and social justice, and together share their wisdom for how leaders can do better to support diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, and in the real estate and housing ecosystem. Below are personal reflections from some of the NDILC Members.

Tami Bonnell CEO of EXIT Realty Corp. Intl.

“Tami Bonnell recorded the following video https://youtu.be/aXwQX37L-cE on working together during this time to combat racism and promote equality and inclusion. Her company released the following statement: We at EXIT Realty stand in unity with you. We hear you. We would like to express our deepest sympathies to all the individuals and families affected by the pain that is racism. Our neighbors in the communities where we work and live across Canada and the United States should feel safe and free from discrimination. Fair housing, equality and inclusion are among our core values. We ask that you listen, learn, and work with others to be a part of the solution. Be a leader in your community and promote equality, inclusion, and acceptance. #togetherwearebetter

We are here to talk. Please feel free to reach out to us at exit@exitrealty.com”

Desirée Patno CEO & President of NAWRB Chairwoman of NDILC

“The protests happening now are the result of people voicing their outrage against racial injustice that has occurred unchecked for centuries. History is demanding to be heard and we need to answer the call by educating ourselves in how systemic racism has influenced our society.

Only by educating ourselves about the mistakes of our past will we be able to create a more equitable future. We teach our children to be better than us, by passing down the legacies, our mistakes, and future paths so they grow and advance for the greater good.

We need to have open discussions between lawmakers and citizens about physical commemorations of our history and decide how to move forward, together.

We must listen to the stories of the unheard. As I watch the various news channels and media outlets covering the stories of the multiple inequalities as history repeats itself time and time again, I find myself yearning to hear the depth of each of the stories to make sure they are not lost in the mix. We need to discuss accountability without polarization or fear of speaking up.

By bringing the stories to the table, showing the patterns that have marked our history of racial oppression, and listening to the necessary changes, we can and must make this better.”

Rebecca Steele President & CEO of National Foundation for Credit Counseling

“At times like this it’s important not to stay silent on the issue of equality and inclusion. We, as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, are not a neutral party and we want to share and speak up. The work we do has been and continues to be focused on leveling the playing field for black and brown communities and all who face the grim reality of economic marginalization in our society. We do this by providing open access to everyone who needs financial guidance as they struggle with debt and barriers that stand in the way of their goals.

Increasingly, we see communities of color burdened with disproportionate levels of high-interest debt, record low levels of homeownership, and higher barriers to entry when growing small businesses. There is no quick solution and no easy answers, therefore, we will continue to aggressively pursue opportunities to reach those who struggle and provide the tools and means for financial empowerment. We strive to level the playing field to help heal the wounds of division and create financial stability. We will not rest until there is financial health for all.

Please help us accomplish these important goals by sharing the positive impact of credit counseling. Together we can all be part of the solution.”

Marcia Davies COO of Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Founder of mPower

This has been a tough week for me, and suspect many of us in this community. A purported "leader" in the industry did and said some truly despicable and misogynistic things about the wife of one of our colleagues. And while he has been rightfully castigated by some and ultimately forced to step away from his position, I have been saddened by the willingness of too many in our industry to excuse the behavior and instead try to sweep his actions under the rug, I can only assume in the interests of maintaining a business relationship.

Our industry needs to be better than this. We cannot wax poetically about the nobility of our industry's mission and then turn a blind eye when someone in a position of power and leadership demonstrates such a vile and disgusting behavior.

For those individuals and companies who were in a position to say, "we will not tolerate this" and then put action behind their words, I applaud you and thank you for holding him and his organization accountable. You have made our industry, in this moment, a more inclusive and better place. For those who didn't, and went on with business as usual with this man and his group, I have to wonder what it will take to get your attention to the injustices in our world.

We built this mPower community in part to make ourselves and our industry more accountable and a more welcoming place. I can't think of anything less welcoming and more discouraging than the events that unfolded this week.

Kellie Aamodt Board Member of Marine Research and Exploration (MARE) Retired UPS Vice President of Corporate Inside Sales

“As a member of the NAWRB Diversity & Inclusion Council, we work to ensure the elimination of all ‘isms,’ racism, sexism, ageism, classism etc. We will not accept a world where these continue to be allowed and accepted.”

About NDILC

The NDILC is dedicated to raising the number of women leaders and growing women’s employment and empowerment at all levels in the housing ecosystem. The Council, composed of senior executive women, works diligently toward gender equality and obtaining equal opportunity for women across America.

To learn more about the NDILC, please visit www.NAWRB.com/NDILC/.