Spotlight

“I believe that hearing each other’s voices and learning about other perspectives is the foundation to celebrating diversity.”

Every day, as VP of Marketing and Brand, Melissa strives “to work with my team to illustrate and promote Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors & The Trident Group to our customers, our agents and our employees.” She believes that DEI is not not one activity, but the culture of sharing, listening and taking action to create a community where everyone is valued and respected.

Melissa would like to “create an environment for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to flourish through our actions large and small. By being continually tuned in to the opportunities to make a difference – whether it’s creating a new campaign, joining with aligned organizations, or simply talking about DEI objectives with colleagues, the concepts will grow.”

“Every chance I get, I make a point to highlight the opportunity that our company has given to me to grow into a respected and trusted settlement officer…” 

We are proud to feature Robert E. Scott Jr. in our DEI Spotlight! Robert has been with our company for 10 years and is a Settlement Officer. He enjoys and is proud of our company’s efforts and commitment to creating and celebrating diversity.

He says “Every chance I get, I make a point to highlight the opportunity that our company has given to me to grow into one of the most respected and trusted settlement officers in the Philadelphia Area. I celebrate Black History Month by honoring the challenges so many African-American men and women faced, educating the world on the challenges African-Americans still face today, and celebrating the challenges we have overcome.”

“I want every woman to understand that no matter what their job, how much money they make, they can succeed! Whether you are the CEO or the assistant to the CEO, what you do matters. More importantly, what you do for others and how you make people feel is the true determinant of being a success.”

Kate has been with the company for 18 years and is the Executive Assistant to Larry Flick, CEO. She is very appreciative of the awareness our DEI initiative has brought to her. She says “When we read The Color of Law it was an eye-opening awakening to the historical unfairness of the real estate industry to people of color. I want to inspire others who, like me, grew up in a very monochromatic world to understand the inequity of our world and what we can do to change that.”

“I am especially inspired by the female leaders in this company and I am in awe of their strength, resilience and intelligence. I feel so proud to work with them, knowing that other women in this organization can look to them as people who not only succeeded but did so with kindness, compassion and by putting others’ needs before their own.”

“Fox & Roach/Trident Charities gives 100% of its proceeds to eligible nonprofits across the Tri-State Region.”

One of Fox & Roach/Trident Charities biggest events is the Annual Backpack Challenge. Kassie states, “For 18 years F&R/T Charities has supported children returning to school by providing both the funds and physical supplies to fill more than 58K backpacks to distribute to local charities and social services. At a cost of only $20 per backpack, BHHS FR/T helps Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia and other local partners send approximately 5,000-7,000 children back to school. This gives students the confidence they deserve while taking pressure off their caregivers so they can focus on other important needs in life.”

I am truly blessed to be a Latino-American living in the United States today. I come from a proud Puerto Rican family. My parents, who migrated from Puerto Rico to New York City in 1965, have raised me with the Puerto Rican culture, family values and customs and for that I am grateful. I was taught to be proud of my Latino heritage and language. My parents, who worked in blue collar jobs, sacrificed to send me and my four siblings to private schools and emphasized the importance of a college education. My father has always taught me from my very first job with him as a janitor at the age of 15 to my current career as a Realtor to appreciate my job and do it to the best of my ability. They always wanted us to have the life that they did not have. On a daily basis, I use what I have learned to assist every individual that I work with in the Real Estate industry. No matter their background, I encourage them to chase the American Dream, as I chase my Latino-American dream. Assisting my clients in purchasing or selling their home is a way that I am fortunate enough to be a part of their journey of home ownership and assist in our mission of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Being a Latina woman in Real Estate has been a challenging but also exciting experience. Having the opportunity to help the Latino Community has been a true blessing for me. Even though we look similar, from Mexico to Argentina each country is a different world, with people that migrated to this amazing country with just one goal: Building a better future for their coming generations.

I have been so lucky that the environment in my office has been extremely warm and welcoming since the very beginning. However, I have experienced bias when trying to negotiate with agents from other companies. Having an “accent” takes twice the effort to show your expertise and gain respect when negotiating with most of the agents out there, even with attorneys and title people. At first it used to be tiresome, however nowadays I find it entertaining – in a good way of course.

On the other hand, for me, what it takes to be successful in this business is to be passionate and legit about helping people to get what most of us consider is the symbol of a financial legacy for our new generations to come…homeownership.

“LQBTQ Activist”

As a gay individual it is important for me that others know the history of abuse our community has suffered. To make sure everyone understands the humanity of those who identify as LGBTQ and to realize that we have the same needs and wants as the straight population.

“By continuing to represent BHHS Fox & Roach in my office in Haverford and support diversity and continue to learn, others will learn about the diversity in their offices.”

LaVerne is a sales professional in our Haverford Office. She is also the office’s DEI Representative. Laverne says that the company’s DEI initiatives “have been very informative and add a new perspective on others’ cultures and lives. I have learned more about and appreciate diverse cultures and backgrounds.”

By continuing to represent DEI in the Haverford Office, LaVerne shows her passion to support diversity and allow others in the office to learn about the diversity in the office. She is thrilled that Juneteenth is now a Federal Holiday. “Celebrating it is a recognition of enslaved African Americans’ freedom and should be remembered and continue to create awareness, acceptance and equity.”

“It’s important to remember your heritage, be proud and honor your culture.”

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is very important. We need to continue to have a forum for those who wouldn’t necessarily have an opportunity to have their voices heard. As a group we can make a difference in our coworkers lives, let them know we are here for them, if only to listen. We are able to educate some who may not necessarily experience the challenges various groups face on a day-to-day basis because of their “differences”. This will make the organization stronger, others will see our leadership is accepting and open to all, one race, the human race and that we all encourage the sharing of our cultures through the various activities cultivated by DEI.

“Women are the backbone of this nation.”

Kathy has been with our company for 10 years and has been in real estate for 25 years. She believes “women are resilient in all aspects of life, nurturers, counselors, helpmeets, and partners. And we make it all look easy! Women have also contributed to culture, history, society, and we all need to continue working toward a nation/world that aligns with the dreams and goals of all women and girls!

“Our company is filled with people from different backgrounds and cultures and it’s the perfect place to learn more about one another.”

This week’s DEI Spotlight focuses on Delisia Inge, a Sales Professional in our Hockessin Office. Delisia also serves as the office’s DEI volunteer. Delisia believes that it is not always enough to have passion for DEI; we must also have compassion. She says “Our company is filled with people from different backgrounds and cultures and it’s the perfect place to learn more about one another. I use my passion for DEI by ensuring that we share with one another and make every effort to understand each other.”

To Delisia, Black History Month is not as important as acknowledging that Black people have contributed more to this country than can be taught in 28 days. While she is grateful that others have an opportunity to learn about the contributions of African Americans, she is frustrated that they’ve been overlooked. “In high school, the frustration of knowing that we deserved more than one month of study led me to fight for an African American studies class. The school board began offering African American Studies the following school year. This was a proud moment for me and was also the turning point of my fight for equity and inclusion for all minority groups.”

“Proud Afro-Dominican Making Connections”

Every individual is a walking library, and I pride myself on being able to make a connection and learn from them. During college, I traveled and spoke to people from all over the world. Surrounded by diversity, I worked very hard to learn several languages, including French, Italian, and English, as it is not my first language. I was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States as a child with my mother and two younger brothers. Although we struggled, we were able to persevere as a direct result of our thirst for knowledge.

“Embracing Black History Month allows us to deepen our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of Black/African American individuals throughout history, which is essential for promoting empathy, respect, and cultural awareness among our team members.”

Amber is new to our DEI team and anticipates the opportunity to contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace culture. She looks forward to collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and actively participating in initiatives that promote equality and belonging for all employees. “I am excited about the opportunity to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within Fox & Roach/Trident and contribute to a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

“Haitian-American, and Proud”

Being born in America makes me an American, but both my parents are from Haiti. In the early parts of my life, I was ridiculed for this, but I grew to love and embrace our culture as I watched my parents work hard and become successful in a country that did not readily accept them. You should never be ashamed of who you are. The Haitian people are proud and strong, and I hope to share those values with the world.

“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are more than just checkboxes to mark; they are important values to live by.”

Azure is a Title Processor/Settlement Coordinator who has been with our company for two years! As someone who believes in the inherent worth and dignity of all people, Azure enjoys opportunities to grow and learn from people whose life experiences differ from her own.

Azure strongly believes that “When people from different backgrounds are not simply welcomed, but valued and actively invited to take part in our shared mission at all levels, we have an opportunity to not just survive, but thrive.”

“It feels great to work for a company where diversity, equity and inclusion are taken seriously.”

Yanilka is a sales professional in our Jenkintown Office who believes in diversity because “it is the most important factor to have at a work place especially ours, where we represent clients with so many different backgrounds and cultures.” She enjoys our monthly DEI Forums and the opportunity to get together to learn from each others’ stories and experiences.

“My priority as a Latina Realtor is and will always be to represent the Hispanic community and help them throughout this amazing yet stressful process of either selling their home and/or finding their forever home and making their American dream come true.”

“When we work together and listen to each other we can do so much more. It gives us the opportunity to highlight areas we need to and can change.”

Becky is a sales professional and trainer who has been with our Yardley-Newtown Office for 19 years. She’s also the Fox & Roach/Trident Charities representative for her office. She says “Giving back is part of my DNA. By supporting this work and learning about other people’s struggles and achievements, we can continue to make our company and the world better tomorrow than it is today. We have to plant the seeds, although we may never get to see the garden.”

Jewish Heritage Month is important to her “because my faith is an important part of my life and I am proud to be Jewish. Many people are not aware of Jewish traditions and practices. It is a faith rooted in blessings, actions and making the world a better place – tikkun olam or repairing the world.”

“Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the precise history and achievements of women both present and past who have helped shape our lives today. Without the women leaders, activists, and pioneers and their tireless efforts to fight for our rights, I would not have the opportunities I have to succeed today.”

Jessica is a regional manager and settlement officer for Trident Land Transfer Company. She also co-chairs our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiative and values “the opportunity to continue to learn, unlearn, and educate within the DEI sphere and cultivate continued success in awareness, education, and an inclusive culture at Fox & Roach/Trident.” She also seeks to contribute to the development and support of platforms to grow our DEI sphere at all levels of our organization. She encourages anyone who supports this mission to become a DEI representative in their office or group.

“This month teaches us to emulate the women who walked before us and make a stand to ensure any person who identifies as a woman is recognized in society and treated with equity and dignity. Because of them, I have the courage and strength to pay it forward for future generations by working to empower women and their rights in this country and in this world.”

“Welcoming diversity will help us find harmony that the world desperately needs. We can grow and prosper as a society by taking the best of each other’s individuality.”

Suchi is a sales professional in our Macungie Office as well as an immigrant of Asian descent and Indian Heritage. She notes that “India is the largest democracy and country in the South Asian continent with 32 official languages with hundreds of dialects. Religion is a big part of Indian culture with 330 million Hindu gods. All religions of the world thrive in India because Hinduism believes in all religions. I grew up celebrating Diwali, Eid and Christmas and continue to do so with the same level of excitement.”

Suchi has seen firsthand how ignorance can provoke hatred and intolerance. Her hope is that “by engaging with people through shared activities we can realize that we are the same in many ways. America is still the beacon of hope as it upholds the value of freedom, justice and liberty for all. We need diversity to contribute to a greater whole.”

“I enjoy helping people and lending a hand when needed. I believe that everyone should be treated with respect, care and dignity.”

Stacey is part of the OA team that supports the agents by processing and coordinating their transactions. You’ll find him at either the Society Hill Office or The Harper. He’s been with the company for 35 years! Stacey enjoys the information and life experiences that are shared during our DEI event. It allows him to “gain insight about other individuals from different cultures that have different traditions and lifestyles. Diversity Month is important to me because it allows us to come together and celebrate each other.“

“As a Realtor, I am happy that I can educate, guide, and help Latinos achieve the goal of homeownership. In my culture, this means family, togetherness, and achieving the American dream.”

Luis is a sales professional in our Cherry Hill office who has been with our company for six years! He’s also been a tech specialist, mentor to new agents, DEI representative, and YPN ambassador.

Hispanic Heritage Month is important to Luis because, as a person of Latino descent, he feels that all cultures should be celebrated. “Bringing awareness helps bring people together. As a Realtor who speaks Spanish, I believe home is where the whole family congregates and comes together to dance and enjoy the flavors that make Latin cuisine. In the years that I have been in our company, I have felt true camaraderie and understanding of how to better help the Latino culture. Latino homeownership has been increasing and I am happy to be a part of this and creating family for my community.”

“Diversity Month is a time to acknowledge that everyone has the right to be heard, the right to respect and dignity, and the right to be treated equally.”

Jason is a sales professional in our Spring House Office. He’s been with our company for 16 years and is also the host of the Everything Real Estate Podcast: Connecting Ideas With Action podcast. Jason likes “learning from one another and gaining different perspectives from people within the company as they share their unique life experiences with others.”

Jason would like to spread the DEI conversation to more coworkers. “The more we understand each other, the more we share together which helps bring us closer to one another. It also helps create a more positive workplace which results in a more positive, productive experience. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

“It is so important for all of us as agents, to embrace differences in culture, beliefs, all types of disabilities and be able to provide the very best service we can to all.”

Eva Petruzziello is a sales professional in our Princeton office who has been with our company for 25 years!

Eva states, “I am very proud of our company’s initiatives in celebrating diversity, especially since I was born and raised in a foreign country (Italy) and therefore completely understand the difficulty in adjusting to a new lifestyle.

I still vividly remember the struggle of adjusting to living in the US, adapting to the new lifestyle and new customs. This first-hand knowledge gives me a real sense of urgency in wanting to provide the best service as a real estate agent, to any and all newcomers to this country. Secondly, being a grandparent of one deaf child and one hard of hearing child, instills in me the urgency to be a voice for all children/adults with any disability so that they are seen, heard and treated with the respect, care and professionalism they so deserve!”

“Creating a Legacy of Change”

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is important to me because I have a child who is non-binary and twins that are on the autism spectrum, and a world that is inclusive for them is my top priority. In addition, being a black woman we face discrimination in and out of the workplace so one of my life’s goal is to create a legacy of change and to create a huge social impact in the neighborhood in which I live and work.

“Time to appreciate our cultures, cuisines and traditions”

As a title settlement officer, I help buyers on their often complex journey from an accepted offer to the closing table. We appreciate our agents’ hard work and dedication and love to promote their rockstar status. We assist our buyers every step of the way helping them navigate the home-buying process with confidence. They know they are not alone. Our team takes great pride in being able to help them achieve that dream. We are all connected and have something valuable to contribute to our country. By celebrating our heritage, we can build a stronger, more UNITED America, and it starts with us.

“Black history month allows me to have conversations about African-American history information that is not typically taught in traditional school systems.”

Darryl has been with the company for 16 years and is currently the Assistant Sales Leader in our Society Hill Office. In addition to his day to day efforts of managing staff and supporting 180+ sales professionals in his office, he also serves as a co-chair of the company’s DEI program. He was instrumental in coordinating what has now become an annual event in his office called ‘A Taste of Diversity’. It is an event that invites people from all ethnicities to bring a dish that represents their culture that has led to meaningful conversations to build a deeper understanding of one another.

“I have become more confident, and my confidence is key to success.”

As an African American woman, I have experienced discrimination. I grew up in South Bound Brook New Jersey where we all got along and really didn’t see our differences. It wasn’t until I became an adult that being true to myself became a challenge. I have been discriminated against and stereotyped. In the past, I have intentionally not been true to myself and my individuality to avoid being stereotyped. Now that I have embraced who I am, I have become more confident, and my confidence is key to success.

“I need to be part of a company where every person is empowered and knows that they are surrounded by people who respect each other and appreciate all of our differences.”

Michelle is the Marketing Manager for TIA and has been with the company for 25 years. She enjoys interacting with her coworkers and getting to know them. She finds that “positive relationships create a fulfilling work environment which in turn creates a high-quality product, which in our case, is bringing people – all people – home.”

Women’s History Month is extremely important to Michelle because “ it spotlights the accomplishments of women who have helped shape this world and who, through their trials and accomplishments, now empower young girls today and in future generations to have the confidence to be whatever they want to be, and the bravery to stand up for what is right.”

“Women’s History Month recognizes the sacrifices and contributions that women have made throughout our history, and the strength that makes them Great! Most of all, it gives our children, especially little girls, self esteem and motivation to know that the sky’s the limit!”

Grosher is a Renewal Specialist with Trident Insurance Agency. She finds our DEI forums to be very informative, especially since everyone can’t be behind the scenes to see the day to day work of the DEI. She says “My passion hands down would be to have a more diverse company that really makes individuals feel welcome. If you don’t show minorities other people who look like them, then you’re showing there is no place for them or that this is your place to stay.”

Women’s History Month is important to her because “it’s a time to celebrate and reflect on the outstanding women that our history often overlooks. It shows that it is possible to do and be anything you want if you don’t give up, and that today’s women can be acknowledged, and continue to pave the way for others.”

“Despite the challenges I faced, I wouldn’t change a thing”

I was born in India and immigrated to the US with my family at the age of 17. We moved to a small Chicago suburb and it was not an easy transition for a teenager who looked different and had an accent. Despite the challenges I faced, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m a successful entrepreneur along with my husband, and we’ve raised three children who are successful in their professions. I guess I’ve achieved the “American Dream”. I’m an American who is proud of my Indian culture & heritage.

“It is my hope that through awareness and shared experiences we can understand each other better and can be more compassionate with each other as fellow human beings.”

Carol is a sales professional in our Yardley Office. She’s been with the company for 22 years. She enjoys learning about different cultures, customs and experiences and creating awareness, and says “The more we share, the more we know, we can understand and we can grow.”

Diversity month is personal for me. As a parent and LGBTQ+ ally, acceptance and inclusivity are of paramount importance to me. I am a live and let live person and I hope to contribute to a culture that is more accepting and inclusive of all people. I believe everyone has something valuable to contribute to society and should not live in fear or face discrimination because they are perceived as different or less-than.

“Life has so many moving parts these days, it’s so very important to know you’re never alone…Everyone deals with struggles that can feel overwhelming.”

Jennean has been a sales professional in our Marlton-Voorhees office for seven years. She leads a team of five sales associates and loves every minute of it! She says our company’s DEI initiatives allow her to know our work family on a personal level which creates stronger relationships in the workplace.

Mental Health Awareness Month is important to Jennean because “too many of us think of mental health as our own private struggle. I do say “us” because I believe we all struggle with mental health in one way or another. Learning what triggers the difficult times, and how to work through them is critical. I talk about “my why” often, because this is what’s most important to me…what IT is all about: ‘Find your Why and you’ll find your Way’ – John C. Maxwell”

“My family’s story is one of many of Asian immigrants coming to America and the struggles they endured to have a better life here. I just wanted to share this as we celebrate Asian Heritage month.”

Benjamin Wong is a sales professional in the Blue Bell Office and shares his family’s journey from China to the United States: “My parents and grandparents came to the United States with nothing but the clothes they had on. They stayed with other families in cramped apartments, working long hours just to get by in New York Chinatown. My father started to explore other states and began working at a Chinese restaurant in the Philadelphia suburbs. With nothing to lose, he opened up his own restaurant bringing his own family down from New York to help. Even though they were getting by with their second English language, they knew to treat the customers with lots of respect, big smiles, and great food. They worked 12 hour days 7 days a week still with the thought that they would have a better life for themselves, for their children, and their future generations.”

“We love that our company has DEI initiatives because each one reaches different groups which epitomizes inclusion. People don’t know what they don’t know, and these initiatives broaden the scope of our mindfulness.”

Christine has 17 years of real estate experience and is the Team Lead for the Worstall Group Mike is an agent on the team. They are passionate about “bringing attention to all we are working towards, and to share with our communities that we believe we are all valued, and we all make a difference.” Mike served on the DEI board of a Fortune 500 company, and thinks it’s great to see BHHS being one of the first brokerages in the industry to embrace these practices.

Mental Health Awareness at our company is very important to Christine and Mike. “The pandemic really brought mental health into the foreground. We were all going through the same things together, and mental health started being discussed without shame or fear. This is especially true for real estate sales professionals. We are the experts that our clients lean on and often take on ‘therapeutic roles’ for them. That can really take a toll, and we’re thankful for our colleagues who are there to support us. Fox & Roach is the first brokerage where we’ve felt a real sense of community amongst the agents instead of the “every man for himself” culture one may find at other companies.”