QUARTER 1 ~ 2025
CHARLOTTE METRO CHAPTER
2024/2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PLANNING SESSION
AREAA is dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that serve this dynamic market.
As I step into the role of President for 2025, I am both honored and excited to share my vision for our chapter's future. Our theme for this year is "Growth Through Community and Unity" – a philosophy that recognizes the tremendous potential we can unlock when we come together as real estate professionals and members of the AANHPI (Asian American National Hawaiian Pacific Islander) community.
In today's dynamic real estate landscape, our strength lies in our ability to support and elevate one another.
By fostering connection, prioritizing education, and embracing innovation, we can create unprecedented opportunities for growth –both individually and collectively.
I am committed to advancing three key initiatives that will shape our chapter's direction this year:
First, we will focus on expanding our chapter's reach and impact A larger, more diverse membership will bring fresh perspectives, expanded networks, and enhanced opportunities for collaboration. This growth will strengthen our voice in the Charlotte metro area and amplify our ability to serve our community effectively.
Second, we will deepen our connections within the AANHPI community and establish ourselves as the premier resource for homeownership. By building meaningful relationships and sharing our expertise, we can help more families achieve their dreams of homeownership while strengthening the economic foundation of our community.
Third, we will invest in developing tomorrow's leaders. By creating more opportunities for involvement and leadership development, we will ensure the continued vitality and success of our chapter for years to come. Every member has valuable insights to contribute, and I am committed to fostering an environment where new leaders can emerge and thrive
To achieve these goals, we will:
- Create more opportunities for meaningful relationship-building among members
- Deliver high-quality educational programming that enhances our professional capabilities
- Launch a significant community service project specifically benefiting the AANHPI community
Your active participation and engagement will be crucial to our success. Together, we can create a more vibrant, connected, and prosperous real estate community that serves as a model for other AREAA chapters across the country.
I look forward to working alongside each of you as we embark on this exciting journey of growth through community and unity
What can I say? The chapter got a late start to the year, in part due to a delayed election and in part due to my brain surgery and recovery period.
The 2025 board members jumped in to get things moving and now we are on track except for one big thing... The 2025 Board Installation Gala!
This formidable event’s preparation is underway and this year’s gala will prove to be exceptional. So, we ask for your grace as we are indeed planning the party of the year. Details will follow in coming weeks.
Here is what you can look forward to at the 2025 gala.
Imagine a night out with a loved one where you can enjoy a meal that celebrates the AANHPI cultures in our Charlotte community, along with music, dance, and entertainment.
Speakers and special dignitaries will make “short” speeches and you will hear about the vision for our community this year.
The best part will be the after hours kickback where you can connect and karaoke and more!
An announcement email will be sent to members once table sales are available. We look forward to seeing you there!
by LaRay Hampton
In today's interconnected business world, trade organizations offer invaluable opportunities for professional growth and business development. However, simply being a member isn't enough – the real value comes from strategic and intentional networking Here's how to maximize your trade organization membership and build meaningful professional relationships
One of the most effective ways to network within your trade organization is to step into leadership positions Whether serving on committees, leading projects, or joining the board, leadership roles naturally create opportunities for deeper connections with fellow members and industry leaders. These positions also demonstrate your commitment to the organization and industry.
Successful networking is built on the foundation of mutual benefit Focus first on what you can contribute to the organization and its members Share your expertise, offer projects, or mentor newer members When you become known as adds value to the community, meaningful connections naturally follow
k of networking happens after the initial meeting. Develop a system for with new connections:
e specific conversation points from your meeting evant articles or resources discussed coffee meetings or virtual chats to continue meaningful discussions
on networking remains valuable, don't overlook your organization's ms Engage actively in online forums, participate in virtual events, and digital discussions This multi-channel approach helps maintain visibility ons between in-person events.
s to collaborate with fellow members on projects, presentations, or atives These partnerships often lead to stronger professional relationships doors to new business opportunities
S f l t ki g i l ng-term commitment, not a one-time effort Maintain rganization through: nce ngoing initiatives with your network
rs ' endeavors
s elationships rather than just collecting business cards ers ' work, challenges, and successes Remember personal ious conversations These authentic connections often g-term professional relationships
e resource by sharing your expertise. Volunteer to speak etters, or lead workshops This not only helps others but ty and makes you more memorable within the
While organizational events are important networking opportunities, don't limit yourself to these structured interactions Organize informal gatherings, create study groups, or initiate industry-specific discussion groups. These smaller, more intimate settings often facilitate deeper connections.
The Board has introduced several new positions in 2025 in order to continue the progression of the chapter’s growth, develop community and chapter leaders for longevity and to support the development of relevant, quality programming. Getting involved can mean volunteering your services for 1 hour per month as a meeting greeter or several
hours for a short, fixed time period in the year in order to create a new homes open house event. Each board position calls for two alternates who must be ready to step into the board role should it become available in 2025. There are a myriad of ways to get involved with serving and supporting your AREAA Chapter
Executive Board Open Positions
Treasurer
Board Member Alternate*
Board Member Open Positions
Director of Sponsorships
Committee Chair Open Positions
Mortgage Committee Lead
Luxury Committee Lead
Commercial Committee Lead
Task Force Lead or Member Open Positions
New Home Sales Task Force
Networking Mixers Task Force
Committee Member Open Positions
Chapter Events Committee Member
Communications Committee Member
Membership Committee Member
Chapter Development Committee Member
Community Service Committee Member
*Committee and task force leads and members may serve as Board of Director Alternates
Contact LaRay Hampton or a Board Member for role descriptions.
Deciding to volunteer your time to for any organization while juggling family and relationships, running your own business or working for a company, and cutting into your free time may not sound luxurious but there is a reason that the hundreds of AREAA board members across the country, who raised their hands to serve in 2025, made just that choice.
Volunteerism brings with it a fulfillment, an opportunity for growth and connection, and a chance to learn about yourself that can be life changing, and life defining when you choose to focus out on your community, and I know from experience, the more you sacrifice, the more that is returned to you. You may also gain an opportunity to take your business to new heights! Let’s welcome these 2025 AREAA Charlotte Metro leaders.
“Volunteers donot necessarily havethetime; theyjust havethe heart.”
-Elizabeth Andrew
Tru Kim
K Invest X, Commercial Director of Member Services Board Member
Pooja Oberoi
Edge Home Finance Director of Chapter Development Board Member
Tiffany Moton Allen Tate Director of Marketing Board Member
Jennifer Young Fathom Realty Community Service Director Board Member
Cristy Montoya Factory of Spaces Commercial Design Director of Events Board Member
Jonna Johnson US Bank Community Service Director Board Member
Keiko Pace
Stephens Office Space
Secretary
Executive Board Member
Linda Goss
Nestlewood Realty
Immediate Past President
Executive Board Member
LaRay Hampton
EXP Realty, NC, SC, CA
President
Executive Board Member
Doug Southerland, CCIM
Lake Norman Realty, Commercial Division
Vice President
Executive Board Member
Why should I join AREAA? With over 19,000 members in 45 chapters across the US and Canada, AREAA is the largest Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) trade organization in North America. As a member, you’ll receive discounted pricing to all AREAA events, FREE webinar training to help fine-tune your skill sets, and be kept informed on news and issues within the AANHPI communities locally and globally. The benefits don’t stop there; below are more reasons as to why it pays to be an AREAA Member. To access your benefits please log into your AREAA account.
Need help joining? Contact Pooja Oberi, Board Member and Director of Chapter Development at (704)550-6958 or pooja oberoi@edgehomefinance com You can also speak to any board member at a meeting for support
Join Today! Visit https://areaa.org/membership-registration and select Charlotte Metro on the dropdown. The annual renewal date is July 1st. Current charges will reflect a prorated amount. If you join in January 2025, for example, you will pay $60 to join now and then the annual dues of $120 for membership from July 2025-June 30, 2026.
Dear AREAA Members,
Over 60 years ago, the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 Soon after, the Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968 In many ways, it seems like a distant memory. The average REALTOR® had yet to be born, smartphones and the internet were still decades away, and the culture and demographics of our country were radically different. And yet, the scars of inequality still linger. Racially motivated hate crimes, outdated stereotypes, and discriminatory laws can still be found in our country today.
On the third Monday of this month, we celebrate the birth, life, and legacy of Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Figures like MLK played an important role in the history of racial equality in this country. For our organization, we honor his legacy by striving to create a country with greater equality, and peacefully fighting discrimination. We work to build a future for the next generation, so that they may achieve Dr King's dream, to "live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
Housing equality was just as important to Dr King as it is to our organization In 1966, MLK famously took part in the Chicago Freedom Movement, a movement that challenged discrimination in education, employment, and housing in Chicago. He led demonstrations throughout segregated neighborhoods, and pushed for reform and an end to discriminatory lending and zoning practices.
MLK's life is a great example of how a dedicated leader can effectuate incredible changes. This month, we are humbly doing our part to create new leaders with our Leadership Summit in Austin, TX. Our new AREAA leaders will carry forward our mission of changing lives through real estate, and advocating for AANHPI homeownership rights.
With the new year brings a change of federal administration. As a bipartisan organization, AREAA looks forward to collaborating with the new administration to ensure AANHPI housing rights and voices are respected and valued. From 2016-2020, we were able to achieve many notable wins for our community as such as the No Other campaign, and we are eager to continue advancing our policy priorities
Best Regards,
Imagine some of the most inspired and dynamic real estate developers, financiers, investors, real estate brokers, lawyers, architects, economists, and other leaders drawn from myriad fields and from around the world – all gathered in a single place ready to inspire, network, lead, speak, educate, question and answer – all interacting with an audience of dynamic people who have stepped back from their day-today routines to delve deeply into the world of international real estate, cultural immersion, thought and discussion. This exclusive event promises to be purposeful and inspiring like no other real estate conference.
Annual, special event and meeting sponsor partners make our chapter successful. Consider using a sponsor the next time you need a service.
Access all contacts through the national member directory.
