a|r|e Winter 2025

The official publication of the Asian Real Estate Association of America

THE FACE OF LEADERSHIP

W I N T E R

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J a n u a r y, I s s u e 1

EDITOR Hope Atuel

C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R Jazz Miranda

CONTRIBUTORS J o r d a n Fa n Wellington Clave

is a publication of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), a national nonprofit trade organization dedicated to increasing sustainable homeownership in the AANHPI community.

For more information, visit: areaa.org ©2026 by the Asian Real Estate Association of America. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed by individual authors are not necessarily the opinions held by AREAA. Office: Asian Real Estate Association of America 2333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 210 San Diego, California 92108 contact@areaa.org Previous issues available online at: issuu.com/areaa For additional web-based content, please visit: areaa.org

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May 11-12, 2026 | Washington D.C

Your Voice Matters Join us in Washington, D.C. Find out more at areaa.org/policysummit

LETTER FROM OUR CEO I barely turned 30 when I was given my first leadership position professionally. Leaders I knew were mostly my direct managers – ninetynine percent of whom were non-Hispanic white male bosses. These individuals taught me strength, courage and yes, golf, so that was my image of leadership. They led with inspiration, brilliance and shrewd business acumen so that was my aspirational goal as a leader.

Shortly after my first career promotion, my sister gifted me with a book by Harriet Rubin titled “The Princessa”. “It’s the antithesis to Machiavelli,” she said. Niccolo Machiavelli, best known for his book “The Prince,” famously wrote that it is better to be feared than loved – a trait that many military leaders espouse. The Princessa, on the other hand, encouraged love and to be loved by the people who work with and for you. I could say that much of who I am as a leader is greatly shaped by The Princessa.

Hope Atuel Chief Executive Officer, AREAA

The most iconic Asian American woman leader in my early career was Connie Chung. She was a respected broadcast journalist who interviewed high profile individuals including, President Donald Trump, Magic Johnson, Gary Condit and Hugh Grant. I was among the young Asian American girls who “oohed and aahed” when we saw her on the nightly news. For me, she was the epitome of woman leadership – balancing beauty and confidence.

Little did I realize that my late mother had subtly shaping my leadership journey as early as my formative years. She encouraged me to have an inquisitive mind and to challenge the status quo, even if it made me unpopular. Mama was the ultimate 1960’s zeitgeist. Unapologetically. So, I point to my lived experience at home as my leadership boot camp.

All that to say that my leadership journey is not linear. I continue to build on my leadership skills as I learn from each AREAA President I serve. From Kathy Tsao to now Bryan Ahn. But I also learn leadership from other AREAA members and from past and present staff who have joined AREAA and our mission. Will you join in our leadership journey as we represent AANHPIs across the nation?

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Let us start with the first of those: succession. It's a word that holds some morbid connotations. After all, succession fundamentally implies the ending of something. It carries the heavy weight of finality. But the beauty of succession is that it is not only the end of one thing, but the beginning of another. When we leave a job, not only does it create an opening for the person that follows us, but we leave to seek newer and greater opportunities. Multiple doors open when one door closes. And many of life's joys are precious because they are finite, so we must enjoy them while we can. For these reasons, I see succession as a blessing.

FOUNDERS' UPDATE

This publication features three articles with very intentional themes: succession, perseverance, and purpose. These values are core parts of AREAA's success, but more importantly, they hold deep importance across all aspects of life.

Some things do last forever. I will forever be one of AREAA's founders.

But fortunately, I am not AREAA's forever leader; since my initial tenure as Chairman, we've had a plethora of unbelievably talented presidents and leaders, each of whom has taken the organization to new heights in ways that I could never fathom.

And I'll always be a father to my kids. But now my babies are having babies, and I have the new joy of being a grandfather. Talk about succession.

The next two are perseverance and purpose. And, for the sake of brevity, I'll address them both simultaneously. Perseverance is continuing forward, even in the face of strong headwinds. Purpose is knowing why you are doing it. These two traits are the anchors that hold us steady during stormy times. They are the grit that allows us to pick ourselves back up after a fall, or pursue challenges we find daunting, as well as the wisdom to know that all of that hardship and struggle is worth it to achieve our goal. You cannot have one without the other.

Lastly, to the A-List members and Best of AREAA winners recognized in this publication, I express my sincere gratitude and congratulations. These individuals embody the traits I discussed above and show that AREAA's future is in good hands.

John Yen Wong Founding Chairman/ Chairman Emeritus

CONTENTS

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22 Letter From Our CEO AREAA CEO Hope Atuel Shares Thoughts Regarding Leadership.

Founders Update AREAA Founder John Wong Discusses Succession, Perseverance and Purpose.

A-List Spotlight Learn about this year's Top Producers, Featuring Janet Chen, Stephanie Vitacco and Kenny Truong.

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Best of AREAA Awards Advocacy Efforts Showcase of 2025's Best of AREAA Winning Chapters.

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Prisca Lee - Legacy and Succession Interview with AREAA Leader Prisca Lee on Her Efforts to Create Pathways for Succession Within AREAA.

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Cinny Chui - Member of the Year Read About AREAA's 2025 Member of The Year from the Greater Chicago chapter.

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34 Smash the Bamboo Ceiling With Ten by Thirty AREAA Launched the TEN BY THIRTY Leadership Development Program to Help AANHPI Overcome the "Bamboo Ceiling."

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Tim Hur - Perseverance in Leadership Interview with AREAA Past President Tim Hur on How Perseverance Has Allowed Him to Achieve Ambitious Goals.

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Melissa Sofia - Finding Purpose Through Advocacy Interview with AREAA Policy Chair Melissa Sofia on How Advocacy Creates Purpose in her Professional Career.

2025 A-Listers at the A-List lunch at during the 2025 National Convention. Santa Monica, Ca.

Each year, AREAA recognizes the Top Producers by sides and volume from our membership in our AREAA A-List. This list brings together well-established real estate leaders from around the country, many of whom are also advocacy leaders within their AREAA chapters. This section spotlights the top individuals for sides and volume, Janet Chen from Keller Williams and Stephanie Vitacco from Equity Union Real Estate. Next, we feature an interview with Kenny Truong, who's Fast Real Estate team leads in both sides and volume on the A-List.

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A-LIST SPOTLIGHT

Janet Chen

Ranked #1 in Individual Volume with $347,305,650 With a deep-rooted passion for helping people navigate life’s important decisions, Janet built a successful career as a full-time real estate agent in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Having lived in the Palos Verdes area since 2011, she brings a wealth of local knowledge and a genuine commitment to serving her community.

What Janet loves most about her profession is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with people from all walks of life, including homeowners, investors, and professionals across various trades. She prides herself on offering insightful advice, ensuring her clients feel confident and wellinformed throughout their real estate journey.

Stephanie Vitacco Ranked #1 in Individual Sides with 142

Stephanie entered the real estate industry from a young age after working overseas in the fashion industry. She had seen one of her peers find success in the industry and, without experience or an exact idea, decided to give the job a try. Fortunately, it turned out to be a perfect fit.

She credits her success as a top producer to her dedication and extreme discipline. These traits have clearly paid off. Over the course of her career, not only has Stephanie been recognized as one of the leading agents in the country by lists such as Real Trends, but she has sold over 7000 homes individually.

As a recognized real estate expert, Stephanie has spoken on both local and national panels, appeared on specialist programs and has been interviewed by numerous media outlets for her perspective, including Los Angeles Magazine, CNBC, NBC, California Association of Realtors and The National Association of Realtors.

A-LIST SPOTLIGHT

Fast Talk with

Kenny Truong Ranked #1 in Team Sides with $576,157,081 Ranked #1 in Team Sides with 766

How did you first get into real estate? What were your aspirations when you started?

I got my start as a real estate assistant while wrapping up college. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do in real estate — I just knew the industry was in the middle of the REO and short-sale era, and I wanted to take a different approach than the agents who survived that year.

I was finishing my business and marketing degree, so I leaned into what I knew: if I treated myself like a product and marketed myself with intention, I could build a career faster than the traditional route.

That mindset shaped everything. I didn’t enter the

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industry with a grand plan — just a commitment to outwork everyone, stay curious, and build a brand strong enough to open doors long before my track record did.

How did you come across AREAA? AREAA found me early — literally in my first year in the business. I was working for my broker, Denise MaNguyen at her boutique real estate company "Michael James Real Estate" when they introduced me to the AREAA network. They brought me to my first AREAA National Convention in San Francisco in 2010 before I had even closed my first sale in real estate.

A-LIST SPOTLIGHT That experience was huge. Seeing a national network of Asian American professionals leading from the front made me realize this industry was bigger, more collaborative, and more communitydriven than I imagined. I was introduced to the AREAA EDGE network and many of those successful agents became my early career mentors and are still lifelong friends to this day..

What’s the one habit or practice that has been most responsible for your success as a top producer?

Relentless consistency. I treat real estate like an endurance sport — show up every day, whether I feel like it or not. Content, conferences, followups, appointments, continued learning — I track all my important activities and live by my calendar.

I continue to build systems to help me scale and leverage. Staying visible, staying reliable, and staying in motion has been the engine behind everything I’ve built.

What is something you wish you knew when you were first starting out?

I wish I knew not to take losses personally — and to always keep prospecting for the next opportunity. Real estate is full of deals that fall apart for reasons completely outside your control.

It’s part of the business cycle.

The faster you learn to detach and move on, the faster you grow. There’s an abundance of clients who are a better fit for you, and plenty of agents who will align with your vision. Momentum comes from not getting stuck on what you lost, but staying ready for what’s next.

What does being on the AREAA A-list mean to you?

Being on the AREAA A-list is a win for me, but it’s also a win for #TEAMFAST. Our brand was built on speed, creativity, and community — not just selling homes, but reshaping how agents show up in this industry. Seeing my name on that list reflects the work our entire team puts in every day: the marketing, the culture, the collaboration, the way we support each other and stay ahead of the curve.

For me, it’s validation that what we’re building is truly leading the industry. It shows that Asian American agents can lead boldly, build modern brands, and grow teams in ways that feel fresh, innovative, and forward-thinking.

It’s a full-circle moment: from attending the national convention before my first sale, to now being recognized on a national level for the work I’ve put in over the last 15 years. And it’s also a reminder to keep opening doors for the next wave of agents coming up behind us.

BEST OF AREAA AWARDS

Professional Development: Boston Chapter The Professional Development Award recognizes chapters that host events enhancing members' careers and providing valuable professional growth opportunities.

Boston Chapter excelled in this area by hosting multiple events dedicated to advancing their members' careers, whether through continuing education credits, live property tours with investment strategies, or guidance from leading minds in the real estate industry. The chapter submitted 12 impressive support letters, each reflecting the professionalism demonstrated by their events and leadership. AREAA Boston Commercial, a committee of the Boston Chapter, further enhanced the chapter's offerings by hosting commercial real estate events that provided deeper insights into multi-family projects and other forms of development.

From left to right: Henry Choi and Rich Kim at the chapter parade du

BOSTON

From left to right: Martin Yu, Janet Wu Cook, Prisca Lee, Art Catapan 12

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uring the 2025 National Convention.

ng, Conan Soohoo, Henry Choi and Tom Truong.

Boston chapter members during a hill visit at the 2025 Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.

Guest speaker during a Boston chapter educational event.

BEST OF AREAA AWARDS

Advocacy Efforts: Greater Seattle Chapter The Advocacy Efforts Award honors chapters that excel at advancing AREAA's mission and policy priorities. Greater Seattle Chapter has performed exceptionally at both national and local levels. The chapter's Government Policy Committee actively advocates for each year’s 3 Point Policy Plan at AREAA’s Housing Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. With the policy plan, they emphasize on an effort that directly benefits AANHPI communities who have been historically excluded, helping to close the wealth gap. Locally, Greater Seattle collaborated with Washington REALTORS® to support the expansion of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs), promoting fair housing and increasing housing inventory. In addition to their comprehensive cover and support letters, the chapter produced an impressive three-minute video featuring their leaders summarizing the past year's advocacy achievements.

From left to right: Leah Bueno, Peter Ryu and Frances Nguyen at the

GREATER SEATT E

Leah Bueno pinning a new member during a chapter event.

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e chapter parade during the 2025 National Convention.

From left to right: Erwin Park, Leah Bueno, Rep. Kim Schrier staffer and Michelle Hunt during a hill visit at the 2025 Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.

From left to right: Peter Ryu, Annie Truong, Frances Nguyen, Leah ueno, Michelle Hunt, Robert Luu, Vincent Ha, Sandy Sun, Christina Lee, Jenny Lyn Tran at the 2025 National Convention.

BEST OF AREAA AWARDS

Chapter Sustainability: Atlanta Metro Chapter The Chapter Sustainability Award recognizes chapters that ensure their internal structure remains strong year after year, preparing each new cohort of leadership for success. Atlanta Metro Chapter employs multiple strategies to uphold organizational continuity. They facilitate smooth leadership transitions through "AREAA 101" sessions that cover chapter bylaws and the organization's mission, ensuring that both incoming leaders and new members understand AREAA's core values. The chapter's strong identity and resilience helped unite its leadership during a particularly challenging time. After losing both longtime and new members in the past year, the chapter's leaders channeled their grief into renewed motivation to continue AREAA's mission in the Atlanta community, demonstrating remarkable strength and dedication. The passing of past Chapter President Jimmy Chang did not stop this chapter’s leadership, as their succession planning and existing board of directors made sure that they were able to bounce back for 2025.

From left to right: Nini Le and Cindy Nguyen at the chapter parade d

ATLANTA METR

From left to right: Matt Kuglin, Jaad Nicholas, In Lloyd, Cindy Nguyen 16

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during the 2025 National Convention.

n, Nini Le, and Tim Hur at the 2025 National Convention.

Atlanta Metro chapter at a local food bank during a volunteering event.

From left to right: Brayn Ahn, Cindy Nguyen, Kevin Tran, Kevin Dang and Helen Pham at a local chapter event.

BEST OF AREAA AWARDS

Community Service: Greater Chicago Chapter The Community Service Award celebrates chapters that demonstrate exceptional service to the community through charitable activities, philanthropy, and volunteerism. Greater Chicago Chapter hosted numerous events dedicated to giving back to the AANHPI community, with seven major initiatives spanning a wide range of activities—from dragon boat racing for charity to promoting Asian Heritage Month. Their signature Swing for a Cause Golf Outing raised over $6,000 for the AREAA Foundation. The chapter also organized neighborhood educational seminars focused on building generational wealth and developing real estate portfolios. Beyond their own programming, Greater Chicago Chapter actively participated in community events and fundraising efforts benefiting the broader AANHPI community.

From left to right: Lutalo McGee, Tuyen Nguyen, Cleo Aquino, Kasha

GREATER

Greater chicago chapter at a Illinois REALTORS® event.

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ap Trivedi and Vicky Silvano at the 2025 National Convention.

From left to right: Kashap Trivedi, Joany Park, Elaine Chen Gilman, Karlton Uhm, Tuyen Nguyen, Cleo Aquino, Toni Wunsch, Cinny Chui, Peter De Jong, Vicky Silvano at the 2025 National Convention.

From left to right: Cleo Aquino, Ellaine Chen Gilman, Cinny Chui and Sharon Wong at a loal chapter event.

BEST OF AREAA AWARDS

Chapter Of The Year: Greater Philadelphia Chapter The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding chapter across all four categories. Greater Philadelphia Chapter's advocacy efforts this year produced remarkable impact aligned with AREAA's mission. At this year's Housing Policy Summit, with great representation, the chapter advocated for AREAA's Three-Point Policy Plan to members of Congress and two state senators. Their passion for advocacy extends throughout both the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania.

Chapter members attended Philadelphia City Council meetings, delivering testimonies on issues ranging from the impact of the city budget on Asian American small businesses to opposing a stadium development that would encroach upon the city's Chinatown community. The chapter also advocated before the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission regarding alien land laws, fair housing, and fair appraisals. This sustained advocacy work has strengthened the chapter's relationships with both political representatives and numerous community organizations.

Greater Philadelphia Chapter has also excelled in professional development, hosting a wide variety of events—from a highly successful Real Estate and Wealth Expo to workshops helping attendees learn about trends in commercial real estate, networking strategies, and essential industry tools. The chapter even organized an inclusive multigenerational event that engaged both parents and children through literacy activities and family financial planning education.

This comprehensive approach to serving their members and community, along with their impressive comeback from the previous version of the chapter that was dissolved in 2015, makes Greater Philadelphia a worthy recipient of the Chapter of the Year honor.

Greater Philadelphia chapter during a local policy event.

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From left to right: Prisca Lee, Don Lee, Benjamin Wong, Minh Nguyen, Mai Hoang, Van Nguyen, Gwen Richardson, Nu Duong, Rose Hanh Yuan at the 2025 National Convention.

Chapter President Benjamin Wong at the 2025 National Convention.

From left to right: Nu Duong, Benjamin Wong and Rose Hanh Yuan, Mai Hoang at the 2025 National Convention

AREAA members at a local Greater Philadelphia chapter event.

From left to right: John Yen Wong, Founding Chairman/Chairman Emeritus, Prica Lee, 2025 Emeritus Award recipient, Allen M. Okamoto, Founding Chairman/Chairman Emeritus, and Jim Park, Chairman Emeritus at the 2025 National Convention.

Prisca Lee Legacy and Succession What is the lasting impact of the projects we undertake? How will it affect those who come after us?

AREAA Founders Jim Park, John Wong, and Allen Okamoto may have asked questions like these when choosing to form an organization that would come to be the largest voice for AANHPI homeownership.

Over the past 20 years, as AREAA has grown in size and scope, it has become critical for new leaders to take up the mantle and guide the organization.

And while each leader has their own approach, they often share a broad set of qualities that enable them to lead effectively. Astute decision-making, a strong work ethic, and dedication to AREAA's mission are all fundamental traits of successful leaders. These are the individuals that AREAA's founders trust to represent and safeguard the organization, and the community that AREAA represents.

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Chairman Emeritus Award Each year, AREAA’s Founding Chairmen recognize an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to further AREAA’s mission.

2025 recipient is Prisca Lee.

And there is nobody more emblematic of that than 2025's Chairman Emeritus Award recipient: Prisca Lee. Some of Prisca's most outstanding achievements on behalf of AREAA include playing pivotal roles in the creation of AREAA's EDGE Mentorship program, Onboarding Manual for new leaders, and New Chapter startup guide. These achievements, while not always steeped in glamor, are crucial for providing continuity and stability for an organization primarily driven by volunteer support. In other words, Prisca, through her efforts to create lasting support structures for AREAA, has helped to foster AREAA's legacy for both current and future leaders.

AREAA National had the opportunity to speak with Prisca on her journey into real estate, her accomplishments in the organization, and how she is determined to leave behind something great in all the work she does.

Creating Leaders Prisca Lee helping at the 2025 National Convention.

How did you get into real estate?

"My path into real estate wasn’t exactly glamorous.

I was working in corporate retail at the time and knew it wasn’t for me, so I made the leap and quit without a clear plan. A close friend who worked in title insurance encouraged me to explore the industry, convinced I’d be a great fit. I interviewed and was hired on the spot."

How did you find AREAA? "That same year, I joined AREAA and attended my first event at AREAA Manhattan. I accidentally walked into a leadership meeting, but it turned out to be the best mistake I could have made. That moment introduced me to industry professionals and AANHPI leaders from across New Jersey and New York.

I officially joined AREAA Northern New Jersey, became deeply involved, and quickly stepped into a board role. In 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was named Chapter President, helping guide the organization through a challenging period. On a national level, I also served on the EDGE Committee and later became its Chair."

What led to the EDGE Committee changing so significantly under your leadership?

"It’s important to acknowledge that this wasn’t a solo effort. Many other AREAA leaders and EDGE Committee members around me all played critical roles in the process.

At the time, EDGE had many strong initiatives, but they felt somewhat disjointed year to year and were heavily dependent on each group of volunteers. While EDGE was originally designed to

support young real estate professionals, we also didn’t want it to be limited to age. Growth doesn’t have an expiration date.

She currently serves on the task force overseeing the completion of AREAA’s New Chapter Startup Guide, supporting the launch of future chapters.

To address both challenges, we launched the EDGE Mentorship Program, designed to cultivate future leaders within AREAA and the AANHPI community. Watching how Jasmine and Paul have expanded and strengthened the program this year has been incredibly rewarding."

What motivates you to take on these new projects?

Was it difficult to find mentors willing to donate their time?

"Surprisingly, that was one of the easiest parts."

For years, many leaders had said, “We need succession planning and new leaders.” So I challenged them to act on that- and nearly everyone said yes. It reinforced something I strongly believe: people want to help, but opportunities need to be created for them.

Prisca’s work with EDGE is just one part of her broader impact on AREAA. In 2025, she served as Chair of AREAA’s Chapter Services Committee, where she led the creation of the Leadership Onboarding Manual.

That said, every project I’ve worked on has been a collective effort. Michael Fong, in particular, has been an enormous source of support throughout the year. My CSC members, along with the many leaders who have inspired and influenced me along the way, deserve much of the credit.

Bringing something new to life requires countless hours, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the mission."

Why was this guide so important?

Is it difficult to get people to buy into a new idea?

"Running a chapter is incredibly challengingespecially when chapters are volunteer run. Often, a leader’s first year is spent simply learning the process. By the time they understand everything, their term is nearly over. This manual accelerates that learning curve. It provides a clear blueprint for success, while still allowing leaders to tailor it to their chapter’s unique culture. The result is year over year stability, which is essential for long term success, and it allows ambitious leaders to focus on initiatives instead of logistics."

"When you genuinely believe in a mission, that conviction transfers. People can feel it. If a project has purpose and you communicate it with passion, others will want to be part of it.

Establishing Succession

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"Every role I step into isn’t about holding a title- it’s about advancing AREAA’s mission and making the greatest impact possible using the national platform. I wanted to accomplish something that provided value and support to our leadership that would last well beyond my term. I’ve seen committees work tirelessly to create something meaningful, only to see it disappear once leadership changed. I wanted to leave behind something tangible- resources people could actually use. That kind of legacy allows future leaders to focus on more complex challenges because the fundamentals are already in place.

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There are many talented leaders, but without a clear purpose, it’s difficult to rally people. People want something meaningful to stand behind- you have to create that rallying point."

Emeritus Award How did you feel when you won the Emeritus Award?

"I was completely stunned. Recognition wasn’t something I was thinking about at all. It never even crossed my mind because I was focused on the work and the impact it could have on stabilizing our chapters. When I first read my name on the paper, I genuinely thought there had been a mix up. When it finally sank in, the moment felt surreal and just so incredibly humbling. All I could think was, “Wow, things like this can happen for anyone, including little old me.”

I was supposed to sleep on my red-eye flight home, but the adrenaline rush kept me awake the whole time. I truly believe everyone who supported these projects deserve this award. To me, it symbolizes what can happen when collective effort comes to life, creating impact that lasts far beyond any one person or term.

The most meaningful moment of this journey came from home. On stage, I watched the secret congratulatory video my husband, Jason, and my daughter, Sofia, had made for me (shoutout to Hope Atuel for coordinating this top secret effort).

In that instant, it all came together: this is why we do what we do- to inspire our children and future

From left to right: John Yen Wong, Founding Chairman/Chairman Emeritus, Prica Lee, 2025 Emeritus Award recipient, Allen M. Okamoto, Founding Chairman/Chairman Emeritus, and Jim Park, Chairman Emeritus at the 2025 National Convention.

generations of leaders to believe in themselves and build upon what we’ve accomplished, but do it even better. Like all mothers, I hope to be a role model for my child, showing her that an Asian woman can lead with purpose, spark meaningful change, and shape the world through purpose and determination.happened without the support of everyone else. Seeing the video that my toddler and husband made to congratulate me, that touched me a lot. Like all mothers I want to be a role model for her. I hope it shows her that a an Asian woman can be a leader and can make a difference if she is determined."

"Like all mothers I want to be a role model for [my daugther.] I hope it shows her that an Asian woman can be a leader and can make a difference if she is determined."

Cinny Chui is a proud 1.5-generation Asian American with a strong passion for serving and empowering the AAPI community. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a Global Health Certificate with a concentration in Global Public Policy and Health from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as well as a Master's degree in Health Informatics with a concentration in Health Data Science from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Cinny has been actively involved with the AAPI community since high school, beginning as an election judge assisting voters with language barriers and continuing her advocacy through leadership in various Asian student organizations in college. In 2021, she helped organize and connect media for the Chinatown Silent Protest against Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also volunteered at DMV pop-up events in Chinatown to help elders renew their IDs and led educational discussions to support new immigrants in understanding the home buying process.

Cinny Chui Member Of The Year

Her involvement with the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) began in 2021, where she first supported the AREAA Greater Chicago Chapter before becoming a committee member and now serving as Operations Manager.

Beyond the local level, Cinny is also engaged nationally with AREAA, having attended four national conventions and two policy summits during her five years as a realtor. She has additionally served as Finance Chair for ACENextGen Chicago, supporting young Asian American entrepreneurs, and as the 2025–2026 Vice Chair of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network.

Through her educational background, professional experience, and deep community engagement, Cinny is committed to advancing AREAA's mission of promoting sustainable homeownership, representation, and empowerment within the AAPI community at both local and national levels.

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Smash the Bamboo Ceiling With

Ten by Thirty According to the US Census Bureau, Asian Americans are the fastest-growing demographic in the United States, with an estimated 24.7 million Asian Americans (AA) and 1.8 million Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHPI), accounting for 7.2% of the nation’s population.

AANHPIs continue to have a more prominent cultural position in the United States, with a growing number of public officials and celebrities who identify as AANHPI. Yet, it’s far more challenging to name AANHPI leaders in corporate America, especially at the C-Suite and board level. Commonly referred to as the “Bamboo Ceiling,” AANHPIs face several specific barriers in the professional setting that hinder their path to leadership and management.

To start 2026, AREAA launched a new leadership development program: TEN BY THIRTY (10 x 30).

The program is designed to build AREAA leaders across diverse corporate sectors and nonprofit communities overcoming barriers to leadership.

The goal is to have a 10% representation of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in corporate boards and C-suite executive level in Fortune 1000 companies across the country by 2030 (hence the name 10 x 30 or 10% by 2030).

10 x 30 connects applicants with executive mentee leaders, offering up to 12 coaching sessions tailored for the specific cohort. By creating more effective communicators and leaders, AREAA is establishing a stronger and more culturally connected AANHPI community. Below is an overview of the curriculum: Program Curriculum • Improving self-awareness through DISC • Enhancing your executive presence • Improving emotional intelligence • Effective communication skills • The four communication styles • Active listening skills for leaders • Delegating and empowering • Facilitating effective meetings • Presentation skills: increasing effectiveness while reducing anxiety • Conflict resolution skills for leaders • Stress management • Networking skills: the art of small talk Follow AREAA's email newsletter and social media to stay up to date on mentorship opportunities.

Tim Hur Perseverance in Leadership

AREAA Past President Tim Hur is the picture of success. From his impressive A-list resume, frequent appearances in prestigious speaking roles, and seemingly ageless features, it is hard to imagine a more polished person. He runs his own successful independent brand, holds leadership positions across multiple associations, and has a loving network of family and friends.

And yet, Tim Hur’s path to leadership hasn't been defined by easy victories, but by an unwavering commitment to the organizations he serves.

Whether at AREAA or NAR, Tim has never been afraid to put himself forward for the tough roles, viewing every campaign as an opportunity to listen, learn, and refine his vision. This relentless drive and the willingness to strive for a goal regardless of the odds, is exactly what makes him such a formidable advocate today. Tim is a success not because his journey was seamless, but because he possesses the rare grit to keep showing up until the job is done. His willingness to strive for goals, even when there is no guarantee of success, have led him to become the incredible success that he is today.

A Winding Path, But Always Forward In a culture that often celebrates overnight success stories and flawless trajectories, Tim Hur's journey offers a refreshing counternarrative.

Each campaign he ran taught him something invaluable about leadership, community building, and the importance of listening to constituents.

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Rather than viewing losses as endpoints, Tim treated them as data points, opportunities to refine his message, strengthen his relationships, and deepen his understanding of the communities he sought to serve.

Tim's foray into local politics was motivated by the right reasons: a desire to serve and represent his community. When asked what inspired him to run for the Georgia House of Representatives, Tim had this to say: "Gosh - back in 2014, I decided to run because I kept seeing real people—immigrants, small business owners, working families—getting overlooked in conversations that directly affected their lives. I was already deeply involved non-profit and other community work, and I saw firsthand how policy affected our daily lives in Georgia.

I honestly wasn’t trying to be a career politician but just wanted someone at the capitol who understood what it’s like to serve people every

day. I felt a responsibility to make sure our community had a voice—especially communities that needed our help. Running was my way of stepping up instead of complaining from the sidelines."

Building Resilience Through Repetition Tim Hur has had a long history of involvement with AREAA at both the national and chapter level. In 2013 and 2014, Tim served as president of AREAA Atlanta. He went on to serve as the National Policy Chair for AREAA, as well as Treasurer and Secretary. Tim's runs for AREAA President exemplify strategic persistence.. Each campaign cycle allowed him to build deeper relationships within the organization, understand the evolving needs of AANHPI real estate professionals, and demonstrate his commitment to the cause. When he finally won, he wasn't a newcomer seizing an opportunity—he was a seasoned leader who had earned the trust and respect of his peers through years of showing up, contributing, and proving his dedication.

It is important to understand that this is not uncommon. In fact, the majority of AREAA's past presidents were not elected on their first campaign. And even more incredible leaders have run for the position and never been elected. Yet, they are all connected by a common thread: the courage to step up and put themselves out of their comfort zone, even if there was no guarantee of election.

"Courage is an interesting word; I think when I was younger, it was easier to fail and 'restart' - but now, it's more about responsibility and perspective. In our work and community involvement, I think all of us are constantly reminded that progress never comes with guarantees. If we all waited for perfect conditions before trying something new, none

2022 AREAA National President Tim Hur at the 2023 Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.

of us would ever get anything done. So I’ve learned to focus less on the fear of failing and more on the impact I’m trying to create, albeit as I grow older this perspective changes and I am getting comfortable with the present.

And honestly, a lot of my courage comes from seeing what my parents and so many immigrant families pushed through with far fewer resources. When you grow up around people who had every reason to hesitate but still kept going, it teaches you that uncertainty isn’t a reason to stop — it’s just a part of doing anything meaningful.

Trying something new isn’t about being fearless.

It’s about accepting the risk, calculating the level of risk and preparing as much as you can to mitigate that risk. Then just believe in the process."

The A-List Achievement: Excellence Through Experience Tim's recognition on the AREAA A-List wasn't handed to him—it was earned through decades of consistent production, client service, and professional excellence. For many real estate professionals, especially those earlier in their careers, it can almost seem like a choice between two options: put your head down and grind away at transactions, or volunteer your time to be a community leader. But individuals like Tim, and the many AREAA leaders who are simultaneously A-list honorees, are evidence that these two paths are intertwined. The relationshipbuilding skills honed during years of policy work translate directly into client development.

The resilience built through campaigns and grassroots rallying gave Tim the strength to navigate challenging real estate markets. The public speaking experience from leadership

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made him a more effective advocate for his clients and community. It has allowed him to take risks, embrace change, and find success.

"Real estate, especially now, is all about adapting — markets shift, the industry is changing fast. We are all constantly navigating situations one can’t fully control. I truly believe that if I didn’t have a growth mindset, I’d get stuck or play it too safe. Everything helps me stay creative, test new strategies, and look for solutions instead of getting paralyzed when something unexpected happens. That's one of the reasons why I like staying as an independent brand - I have the flexibility to do something new and pivot immediately if something is an issue.

Every listing, every negotiation, every client now brings something different. If you’re not willing to try new approaches or learn new skills, you fall behind. Fast. Unfortunately, embracing discomfort and treating challenges as opportunities isn’t just helpful — it’s basically a new requirement in this industry. I think a lot of the established agents will agree.

I look at my counterparts and some who started at the same time as me - the ones who really took risks are the ones who are more successful, wealthier, and just overall smarter than me - but I also see the ones who are still trying to find their career path. I'm happy and content."

An Unbreakable Mindset Why is it so easy for people to talk themselves out of pursuing new opportunities? How do you silence thoughts of doubt in your mind?

"Everyone has a different level of risk. It’s easy for people to talk themselves out of new opportunities because our brains are wired

to protect us from risk. Comfort feels safe. We overthink, we catastrophize, we imagine the worstcase scenario like it’s guaranteed.

When that voice shows up, I break the decision down into facts instead of fears: ‘What’s actually at risk? What’s the real worst-case? What’s the bestcase? And who do I become if I don’t try?

And honestly, I’ve learned that regret feels heavier than failure. I can live with something not working out. What I can’t live with is knowing I talked myself out of something that could’ve changed me for the better. That perspective makes it a lot easier to move forward even with doubt in the room."

"I’ve learned that regret feels heavier than failure. I can live with something not working out. What I can’t live with is knowing I talked myself out of something that could’ve changed me for the better."

From left to right: Teresa Palacios Smith, Jim Park, Soo Yu, Tim Hur and William Wang at the welcome reception during the 2025 National Convention.

Melissa Sofia

Finding Purpose Through Advocacy For Melissa Sofia, real estate isn't just a career— it's a family tradition that began when she was just seven years old. Growing up in a Filipino family, she spent her childhood immersed in her family's business, helping hand out flyers and setting up open houses. What started as a child helping her parents became the foundation for understanding that real estate is about more than transactions—it's about service, community, and creating opportunities.

By age nine, young Melissa was already searching DOS-based MLS listings for her mom. This early exposure shaped more than just Melissa's career path—it shaped her understanding of hard work, client service, and the intergenerational nature of building a real estate business. Her mother worked full-time in real estate alongside her, and Melissa absorbed invaluable lessons about the profession simply by being present in the daily operations of a thriving practice.

Melissa Sofia being held by her Mother as a baby.

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From left to right: Melissa sofia, Monica LaCrue, ?????????

Melissa sofia at the 2025 Policy Summit.

Education, Detours, and Finding Her Way Back

Melissa's mother passed away in 2004, leaving her to navigate both profound personal grief and the question of what to do with the business they'd built together. "I had initially thought of my time in real estate as a setback from my intended career,” Melissa remembers, “but it was actually a huge blessing. I got to learn from my mom and spend more time with her than I would have in a different field.”

Real estate wasn't always Melissa's intended destination. Like many young people exploring their options, she initially had different career aspirations. Licensed in 2002, she became an agent at her mother's insistence, even though her own interests pointed elsewhere. "I wanted to become an attorney or work in politics originally,” Melissa explains. She pursued higher education with those alternative career paths in mind, getting licensed while in college and working at a law firm.

But the real estate business kept calling her back. In the early 2000s, during the boom years of 2002-2004, the business exploded with opportunity. What started as a detour became a full-time commitment. "My mom needed help, so I joined her in business,” Melissa notes simply, marking the moment when she fully embraced the profession that had been part of her life since childhood.

For three years, Melissa worked full-time in real estate alongside her mother, learning not just the mechanics of transactions but the deeper wisdom about client relationships, market cycles, and building a sustainable practice.

Inspired by the mentorship and legacy of her mother, Melissa forged on in the real estate world. She took time to explore different aspects of the industry. She moved into condo conversions, then transitioned to boutique brokerages, always refining her knowledge and abilities.

As Melissa gained experience and confidence, she began to notice something troubling about the industry she'd grown up in: "I didn't really notice people like me, and didn't see Asians in the real estate world. There are very few Asian women in real estate, and even fewer AAPI women brokers."

Her experience and knowledge had reached a point where her brokers were asking her questions—a clear sign she'd mastered the technical and practical aspects of the profession.

But she also realized that representation mattered. The lack of AAPI women in leadership positions wasn't just a diversity issue—it was limiting the perspectives and approaches available to clients and professionals alike.

Finding AREAA: Purpose Meets Community Melissa's introduction to AREAA happened in the same way it has for many members: she was invited by a fellow real estate professional.

Immediately, the mission of AREAA resonated with her. As a woman who was brought into real estate by her mother, and a mother herself, Melissa saw how AREAA made real estate more than just transactions. She saw the importance of building community and advocacy, and how AREAA brought out leadership in its membership.

AREAA also allowed Melissa to use the education and passion she had for policy into her career within real estate. Soon, she was attending both local and national policy events, advocating on behalf of AANHPI homeownership. "I had no idea that this was out there. Once I got involved, I was amazed at how quickly I was able to be a part of deeply impactful conversations and really make changes. I'm still amazed."

Today, as Chair of AREAA's Policy Committee, Melissa Sofia brings her unique journey full circle. The early dreams of law and politics she once set aside have found new expression in her policy work. The collaborative skills learned working alongside her mother inform her approach to building coalitions and consensus.

The representation gaps she noticed as a young broker motivate her commitment to elevating AANHPI voices in housing policy discussions.

From left to right: Melissa Sofia, Herman Chan and Jamie Tian at the A-List lunch during the 2025 National Convention.

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SAVE THE DATE

AREAA NATIONAL CONVENTION October 22-24, 2026 Dallas/Frisco, Texas ™

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