In today’s episode of Women Who Lead, host Teresa Palacios Smith celebrates Pride Month, Juneteenth, and the many multicultural celebrations of the month by bringing three incredible guests in for a conversation. These powerful women, dubbed “The Transformers” because of their dedication to promoting a safe and healthy world for everyone, have made real estate more accessible for people from all walks of life.
Meet The Transformers:
- Michelle Isabell, Associate Broker at ReeceNichols Real Estate
- Belinda Hernandez, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties and Co-Chair of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Forever Pride Network
- Lori Pace, Realtor with Kentwood Real Estate and inclusion consulting strategist
Engaging agents in leadership:
- Michelle started a group specifically for LGBTQ people and allies within her company to teach realtors how to support and aid clients in the LGBTQ community.
- Belinda helps mold the Forever Pride Network, putting on events that help allies best support their LGBTQ clients. In addition, Belinda wants people to use her as a resource to launch panels and discussions, so everyone is informed and confident when working with the LGBTQ community.
- Through real estate, Lori learned about the history and defining elements of real estate, which heavily contributed to her sense of self in the industry.
Defining ‘allyship’ and what it means:
- Specifically for real estate, many implicit biases might arise during a transaction, and those biases often work against those in the LGBTQ community.
- Michelle wants to help people learn, grow, and better communicate with LGBTQ people.
- As allies, there is a guide that provides a lot of information to ask an agent to ensure they aren’t violating fair housing and are putting the client’s needs first.
Leadership is about overcoming adversity:
- When Michelle told her boss there were not many LGBTQ initiatives in the organization, she offered to spearhead those efforts.
- As a black woman, Lori used to code-switch to overcome racial biases others might have. As an immigrant, Lori removed her accent and tried limiting mannerisms that might correlate her to her black heritage. However, the murder of George Floyd made her realize that there are situations that still take place in the world and in her community that have a direct impact on her life.
- Lori feels her leadership growing through her ability to spread her story, offering a space for women of color to embrace their multiculturalism. It’s not just a passion - it’s who she is.
Message for young people who want to follow their path:
- Belinda says to be unapologetically you. As women, we’re taught to play it small and quiet. You’ll encounter challenges along the way, but you’ll be happier with yourself and more authentic to the people around you.
- Michelle believes you should never setter. You can make a change, whether in pursuit of your personal or professional goals.
- Lori encourages listeners to find collaboration. Working with people ahead of you puts you in a better position to succeed. Your goals can happen more quickly if you have people open doors for you.
Book Recommendations:
Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.
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