Janice Lee Coldwell Banker Realty San Francisco Peninsula 57.2

theEDGE

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

By Prisca Lee, theEDGE Committee Chair

Becoming a National leader at AREAA is a big deal. As Asian Americans in the real estate industry, we’re not seen enough as executives, but AREAA creates opportunities for that to happen. National Presidents get recognized and invited to speak on the mainstage for some of the largest industry events throughout the year and that impacts not only AREAA the organization, but also the individual.

During my term as theEDGE Committee Chair, I saw an opportunity for theEDGE to grow into a leadership hub for future AREAA leaders. As a previous chapter president, I knew that some earlier guidance could go a long way and so our big focus this year has been to establish a mentorship program. Each of our committee members participated as a mentee, and our mentors comprised of National leaders. Over the course of six months, mentees and mentors met regularly to discuss leadership, whether that applied to their role within their chapter, professionally or personally. The results have been incredible!

To have a National leader care about your growth and give you regular words of affirmation has been game changing for many of our mentees. theEDGE Committee members have blossomed to become some of the most engaged and visible AREAA leaders throughout the country. Jimmy Chang from Atlanta Metro has contributed to his chapter winning Chapter of the Year! Chapter Presidents like Miriam Crispin from Greater Tampa actively participated in the Diversity & Fair Housing Summit in DC this past May. And upcoming chapter vice-presidents like Crystal Tani from Las Vegas have deepened their relationships with AREAA leaders by showing their support at chapter events. Sean Phalon, a previous Chapter President of Northern New Jersey, had Donnie Pingaro, future 2024 National President, take him under his wing and from it came some incredible ideas. These mentorships not only serve individuals