June 2025 Magazine - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Interested in submitting an article for a future issue?
Email: editors@hrra.com
WELCOME
EDITOR: DR DAWN KENNEDY (dkennedy@hrra com)
SALES: Misty Pritchett (advertising@ hrra com)
HRRA reserves the right to edit or refuse all submissions for publication HRRA reserves the right to receive royalties from some programs and services Views and advertising expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of, nor endorsed by, HRRA DIVERSITY,
HRRA Celebrates Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Events That Educate, Empower, and Inspire p.
FOCAL POINT
Dear HRRA Members
DR. DAWN KENNEDY: CEO BRIEF
“By creating an inclusive environment, members can feel welcomed and respected for their talents when seeking a board position.”
In reviewing this issue focused on DEI, I will admit, I puffed up with pride a little bit to read that boards of directors with at least one female board member were 15% more likely to have financial returns above the industry mean I do know that without our CFO Richard Zak, our Treasurer Greg Chaplain, former 2023-2024 Treasurer (and President-Elect) Phil Kazmierczak, and the entire Budget & Finance Committee, we would not be in the excellent financial position we currently enjoy. We have been able to withstand vacancies in both buildings, inflation affecting every system and product we use, and membership loss, all because your leadership team, including President Jay Mitchell, VicePresident Sean Rooney, and immediate Past President Kim Georges, took great care and pride as stewards of your membership dues. I only play a very small role, but I believe a valuable one in ensuring the long-term viability of HRRA.
I truly believe that gender diversity is incredibly important; women lead differently than men The Harvard Business Review cited a study of over 17,000 CEOs and found that “when it comes to empathy, influence, and the ability to manage conflicts at the executive level, women show more skill than men” (2013). In preparing for this month’s issue, I gave a lot of thought to what diversity really means. I think we automatically, because we are REALTORS®, jump to Fair Housing Laws to define diversity. But it can be so many other things. Here in Hampton Roads, geographic diversity is important. The practitioner in Franklin faces different market challenges than the practitioner in Virginia Beach. This is a reason why HRRA board leadership
encourages running for positions on the board, making your voice heard.
There is diversity in business models on our board of directors, and our bylaws now ensure that the board is not run by a majority from one firm. The bylaws only allow for three sitting directors from a singular firm Both franchises and independents, large and small, are represented on the board HRRA’s Board of Directors consists of REALTORS® with over 40 years in the business and those who have been practicing for five years. We have representatives from four generational segments. We have property managers, commercial members, and residential members. Because we changed the HRRA bylaws, now any member who wants to apply for a board position can. By creating an inclusive environment, members can feel welcomed and respected for their talents when seeking a board position. Please go to the HRRA website’s home page, www.hrra.com, on July 1 to complete an application to run for a board seat. All applicants are required to submit a video detailing what they can bring to the membership as one of its leaders In addition, the vetting process includes many factors such as education (GRI, MRP, etc ), support of RPAC (which supports our core mission), committee service, civic service, and overall HRRA engagement. I sincerely hope you will consider applying.
Happy Selling!
Dr Dawn Kennedy
Professional Standards: A Deep Dive
10.5 Clarification
It is strictly coincidental that this month’s magazine theme of DEI is being published at the same time as modifications to standards of practice 10.5 have been approved by the NAR Board of Directors. First and foremost, no member can ever be found in violation of a standard of practice, only an article. In the case of 10.5, the article is Article 10, described below as a direct quote from the 2025 Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice:
“REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (Amended 1/23)
REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (Amended 1/23).”
In the Code of Ethics, the burden of proving an alleged violation is on the complainant. That means that the complainant must prove that the respondent violated Article 10, better known as the fair housing article. The complainant must prove that the respondent denied equal professional services to a member of a protected class or that they denied employment to a person due to their status as a member of a protected class. From the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (CEAM), Standards of Practice (SOP) may be cited in support of an article violation in the complaint, or an SOP may be cited to support a hearing panel’s decision that an article was violated. The SOP is the “evidence” used to support the charge
From NAR s website (June 5, 2025), NAR leaders said that they strongly believed in preserving SOP 10-5 but that updates were necessary to protect Article 10’s intent and to make the Code of Ethics “ more sustainable and defensible to legal challenges ” Once again, it is the article that must be proven to have been violated, and the article is very specific, that REALTORS® cannot deny equal professional services The clarification preserves the intent of Article 10 by ensuring that the SOP is cited in relation to a member’s actions in providing real estate services or employment.
The new language is effective immediately and is as follows:
Standard of Practice 10-5
REALTORS®, in their capacity as real estate professionals, in association with their real estate businesses, or in their real estate-related activities shall not harass any person or persons based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
As used in this Code of Ethics, harassment is unwelcome behavior directed at an individual or group based on one or more of the above protected characteristics where the purpose or effect of the behavior is to create a hostile, abusive, or intimidating environment which adversely affects their ability to access equal professional services or employment opportunity. (Adopted and effective November 13, 2020, Amended 1/23 and 6/25)
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.
What do
What do these words have to do with advocacy? these words have to do with advocacy?
Well, the answer is quite a bit when we break it down and decode the acronym for advocacy. In today’s political climate, these three letters spell controversy. However, in advocacy, they mean Distinctive, Equality, and Involvement. Let’s explore.
Distinctive: This refers to a characteristic that makes a person or a thing different from others It is another way to say diversity. Advocacy thrives on diverse ideas and people bringing issues forward to influence policy for the good of everyone. For example, Fair Housing issues and zoning issues were brought forth by a diverse group of people, including clients, citizens, and REALTORS®. Their collective, yet distinctive ideas resulted in Fair Housing laws and zoning laws that allow for the building of communities that focus on bringing divergent backgrounds together to create a sense of place.
Equality: Unlike equity, equality focuses on everyone and everything being treated the same. Protecting private property rights is at the heart of advocacy on behalf of you, your clients, and the real estate industry Everyone who wants the American dream of homeownership should get the opportunity to make that dream come true. That means your income, ethnic background, sex, religion, or any other protected class has no bearing on making your dreams a reality. Equal opportunity for all. Outcomes may vary, but the opportunity and protecting your rights to access it is another important hallmark of advocacy.
Involvement: Getting involved and staying involved is key to the success of advocacy efforts. Involvement, by its nature, is inclusive. Once again, anyone and everyone who wants to get more involved in helping to shape policy, laws,
and advocate for fairness and equality are encouraged to jump in! Advocacy does not depend on one person; it takes a community, like the REALTOR® community, to make a difference. You are a big part of making our voice heard in City Council Halls, the General Assembly, and yes, even in the halls of Congress. A big part of the reason why our advocacy efforts work is that you get involved Whether it is through your RPAC donation, if you attend Day on the Hill, or if you vote in an election, you are an integral part of our success. Keep up the good work!
The next time you hear DEI or consider your participation in events and education offered by HRRA, think about how important you are to the work of advocacy and how you are the code to success in defining housing policy
RPAC (REALTORS® Political Action Committee) plays a critical role in our efforts to get laws passed and in our efforts to elect candidates who understand the importance of protecting private property rights. That is where you come in. Your RPAC contributions make the fight possible. Please consider joining the fight for you and our precious clients.
HRRA Celebrates Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Events That Educate, Empower, and Inspire
At HRRA, we’re proud to keep Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the heart of everything we do This year, our DEI Committee rolled out a series of exciting, impactful events designed to celebrate our differences, learn from one another, and build stronger, more inclusive communities. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights!
Black History Trivia Event
In February, we kicked things off with our Black History Trivia Event. It was a high-energy event full of laughs, learning, and a little friendly competition. Members tested their knowledge of Black history especially the often-overlooked contributions in real estate and walked away with a deeper
March brought us a powerful collaboration with the Women’s Council of REALTORS® of Southeastern Virginia. Together, we hosted the “Celebrating Women in the Workplace” forum an uplifting
event where women from across the industry shared stories, challenges, and triumphs It was all about supporting each other, lifting each other up, and recognizing the incredible work women do d
matters and how powerful art can be in sparking change.
Feeling FOMO? Don’t worry! We’re just getting started! Mark your calendars for these upcoming DEI events:
Come see our table at Pride in the ‘Peake –June 22
State of Minority Housing Forum – August 12 Hispanic Heritage Recognition – All month long on social media
Diversity Joint forum with Government Affairs – October 7
Whether you’re looking to learn, connect, or just have a great time, we’ve got something for everyone. Let’s keep moving forward together!
NAR's Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement
The National Association of REALTORS® represents REALTORS® in diverse communities across the country. NAR staff fosters a culture where diversity and inclusion are integrated into each of our five core values. Through inclusive collaboration and mutual respect for our colleagues, we focus on the principles that matter to the organization and drive how we engage each other to reach our common goals. We fully embrace perspectives from all walks of life regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, socioeconomic status, political affiliation or any other qualities by which we may define ourselves. We commit to bringing out the best in ourselves, uncovering our hidden talents, and celebrating differences in our day-to-day interactions. These beliefs are essential as we serve our members who help fulfill the dream of home and property ownership in America.
REALTORS® IN ACTION
Broker Breakfast, Circle of Excellence Awards Gala, Hampton Roads Show Appearance SM
The Five Sister Associations
meet the needs of the majority of the members, some members experience greater challenges, such as English not being their first language or a lack of representation. The five sister groups are called Multicultural Partners because we all share the mission of protecting private property rights and advocating for our industry These groups arose out of a need Back in 1932, the Women’s Council of REALTORS® was formed to give female REALTORS® a pathway to exercise leadership Today, seeing a female local, state, or NAR president is not unusual, but remember that WCR’s formation was only 12 years after women gained the right to vote in the United States. It exists today to provide its members with leadership education and a professional network.
The sister associations were formed to address specific needs in the community and in our REALTOR® membership. In each organization, members must be REALTORS® first. These groups do not replace NAR but add to what it offers. The following is a brief rundown of our five sisters:
Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)
– Founded in 2003, AREAA is a nonprofit professional trade organization dedicated to promoting sustainable home ownership opportunities in Asian American communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that serve this dynamic market. View the State of Asia America Annual Report here.
LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance (The Alliance)
–Founded in 2020, influential real estate professionals and allies joined with other members of the LGBTQ+ community to create a new voice in real estate With chapters across North America, the Alliance is an all-inclusive and all-embracing organization acting as a leading advocate in real estate and housing policy, working on behalf of all LGBTQ+ people and their housing needs The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance has a mission to advocate, elevate, and celebrate. View the Annual LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance Report here.
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) – NAHREP’s mission is to advance sustainable Hispanic home ownership by educating and empowering the real estate
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
Name: Stop Loss LLC
Territory: Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina
Year Established: 2016
HRRA Affiliate Member since: 2024
Company Details Contact Information
Company Specialties
Stop Loss LLC is a full-service inspection company dedicated to streamlining the rental property inspection process for property managers and real estate professionals We specialize in delivering comprehensive, high-quality inspections including periodic inspections, move-ins, move-outs, with annual smoke detector compliance checks ensuring properties are welldocumented, compliant, and protected
Why we got into this business: Stop Loss LLC was founded by firefighters who saw a need for proactive fire prevention While helping property managers identify fire hazards and certify smoke alarms, we recognized a broader gap in consistent, reliable property inspections. That inspired us to grow into a fullservice rental property inspection company dedicated to helping everyone involved from the owner to the property manager to the tenant by saving time, reducing liability, and protecting property through detailed, professional reporting.
Why we joined HRRA: To build stronger relationships with local real estate professionals, expand awareness of our rental inspection services, and contribute to the shared goal of raising property standards across the region As a company that supports property managers with time-saving, high-quality inspections, we see HRRA as a valuable partner in educating and empowering the housing community We're excited to collaborate, learn, and grow together
Why we love doing what we do: We love what we do because we get to make a real difference every day for property owners, managers, and tenants alike. There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing that our inspections bring clarity, protection, and peace of mind to all parties involved Whether it’s helping a property manager save time, giving an owner confidence in their investment, or ensuring a safe and clean home for a new tenant, we take pride in being the dependable partner behind the scenes.
Our favorite satisfied customer story: We know that not all fires can be prevented but we also know that being proactive can make all the difference In several instances where our clients have unfortunately experienced residential fires, working smoke alarms we installed were directly responsible for saving tenants’ lives These moments underscore the importance of our work and the responsibility we carry What’s meant the most to us is that, during some of these emergencies, clients and tenants have called us in the moment seeking guidance and reassurance. That level of trust and reliance, even in a crisis, is the greatest sign of customer satisfaction we could ever hope for It’s a reminder that we’re not just providing a service we’re a dependable partner when it matters most
Our favorite HRRA event and why: Field Day and the epic Affiliates vs. REALTORS® kickball showdown!
Most memorable HRRA moment: Presenting “Periodic Inspections: Streamlining Time Management and Optimizing Inspection Processes” for a PMLC forum. It was an excellent opportunity to educate & engage with our property management peers and share valuable insights on compliance, inspection best practices, and workflow optimization
Best piece of advice to REALTORS®: All rentals are required to have an annual compliance for smoke detectors, and it can be more complex than you think Regulations are constantly evolving, and overlooking even a small detail can create significant liability for property managers, owners, and agents alike Our advice: Hire smart. Create efficiency. Reduce liability.
The one thing we want REALTORS® to know about our industry is: Property inspections are evolving with the industry and technology is leading the way There’s a growing trend toward using automation, digital reporting, and cloudbased tools to make inspections more consistent, transparent, and accessible. These innovations aren’t just about convenience they're becoming essential to maintaining a competitive edge in property management Staying current with how inspections are performed helps protect your properties, reduce risk, and meet rising expectations from both owners and tenants in today’s fast-paced rental market.
Why Join the Women’s Why Join the Women’s Why Join the Women’s
Council of REALTORS®? Council of REALTORS®? Council of REALTORS®?
Empowering Connection, Leadership, and Growth for REALTORS® Across Hampton Roads, We’d love to see you join SEVA today!
In the dynamic world of real estate, relationships, reputation, and resources make all the difference. That’s exactly why REALTORS® across Hampton Roads and the country are turning to the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) and specifically, the newly formed Southeastern Virginia (SEVA) Network to elevate their careers, build authentic connections, and step into leadership with confidence.
Women’s Council exists because for the first 20 years of its existence, women were barred admission from many local REALTOR® associations, so a separate group was created, and in turn, a “women’s division” was formed at the Annual Convention in Milwaukee in November 1938 by thirty-seven women from 9 states. The Council exists today because its 80+ year history and legacy are much more significant than “ an organization of women.” It is the business leadership skills the Council provides that has positioned the Council as a leader for the industry, for organized real estate, and for political action committees. Though our name honors our founding women in real estate, the Women’s Council is a diverse, inclusive network open to all REALTORS® women and men alike who are looking to grow personally and professionally. With over 12,000 members nationwide, and a new local network (SEVA) right here in Hampton Roads, WCR offers powerful opportunities that go beyond the transaction
Leadership Development That Lasts
Leadership is the heart of what we do. The Council offers unmatched training and real-life leadership opportunities that translate directly into your business. Whether you aspire to lead a committee, your brokerage, or your local association, WCR can be a launchpad. Our members nationwide often go
2025
on to serve as top producers, brokers, association presidents, and community leaders. The hands-on experience you gain within our network equips you with the confidence, skills, and support to lead boldly.
Meaningful Networking and Referral Opportunities
When you join the Women’s Council, you instantly become part of a trusted nationwide network. Referrals within WCR are more than just leads they’re relationships built on shared values of professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect Locally, our events are designed to connect you with top industry professionals, affiliates, and thought leaders who can open doors and spark growth in your business.
Education That Elevates Your Edge
In a competitive market, knowledge is power WCR offers cutting-edge business training, market insights, and access to national speakers and industry innovators. Our programming is relevant, practical, and designed to keep you ahead of trends while sharpening your skills in negotiation, marketing, client care, and more. You'll walk away from every event or meeting with something you can use right away.
President, Women’s Council of REALTORS®Southeastern Virginia (SEVA) Network Becky Claggett
A Supportive, Energizing Community
Real estate can be a solitary business but it doesn’t have to be. The Women’s Council is a place where REALTORS® cheer each other on, share wisdom, and celebrate success together. The camaraderie is real, and the friendships are lasting. In a world that moves fast, it’s powerful to know you belong to a group that genuinely cares about your success and well-being
Join Us
Our next event is BUNCO!
Roll with the REALTORS®: BUNCO Night Extravaganza!
Get ready to roll the dice and network with the fabulous ladies of WCR SEVA!
Join us for a night of BUNCO, laughter, and unbeatable connections
When: Wednesday, July 16 · 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: Evertree Insurance (2929 Sabre St Suite 200)
SPONSOR: SAMS Club!
RSVP today by clicking this link!
And then we CRUISE!
n,
at will take us past awesome sights like Tides Park, Waterside, The Wisconsin, and The Hague We'll cap off our cruise with a poignant flag ceremony at the Naval Hospital Don’t miss out on this fantastic evening of fun, friends, and fantastic views!
Sponsored by Courtney LaLonde, Loan Officer, American Financial Network
Sunset Boat Cruise with SEVA Women's Council of REALTORS®
When: Tue, Aug 12 • 6:00 p.m.
Where: Freedom Boat Club – Portsmouth
If you're ready to grow your business, expand your leadership, and surround yourself with like-minded professionals who lift each other up, the Women’s Council of REALTORS® is where you belong. Visit www.wcr.org to find your local network (SEVA) and get involved. In Hampton Roads, we’re building something special and we’d love for you to be part of it.
RSVP here!
Continuing Education
Log into the Info Hub to sign up!
Contract Pitfalls
July 8, August 12, September 9 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, $35
Real Estate Pitfalls
July 8, August 12, September 9
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, $35
8 Hour Required Topics
June 17, July 22, August 21
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, $65
Brokerage
July 14
9:00 AM–1:00 PM, $300
Broker Real Estate Management 8 Hour CE
August 28
8:30 AM–5:30 PM, $60
Designations, Certifications, and Workshops
SRS | 2 Day Course with Adorna Carroll
July 23-24
9:00 AM–5:00 PM, $259
Welcome, New Members!
Albert Johnson Jr - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia
Alexander Bennett - Real Broker, LLC
Alexander Kelly - Long & Foster Real Estate
Alicia Madsen - BHHS RW Towne 22nd St
Anthony Perry Jr - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk
Artisha Torrence - Century 21 Nachman Realty
Brianna Baxter - LPT Realty LLC
Casey Preston - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia
Charita Barnes - RE/MAX Prime
Chrissy King - BHHS RW Towne Volvo Pkwy
Christopher Prince - BHHS RW Towne Suffolk
Clarence Childers Jr Jr - BPRE
Claudia Clinton - Iron Valley Real Estate Newport News
DeborahAnn Cavalcante - Long & Foster REALTORS
Ethan Kraft - GreenTree Realty INC
Genesis Prieto-Matos - LPT Realty, LLC
Ikai Peele - Real Broker, LLC
Jacqueline Fenney - Century 21 Nachman Realty
Jennifer Lombardo - Atlantic Sotheby's International
