What are Boots for Anyway?

There's been a lot of news of late regarding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and while I typically stick to lighter topics specific to Real Estate (avoiding politics for obvious reasons), it occurs to me that the practice of Real Estate would be NOTHING without diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As Sarah, Jill, Kate, and I specialize in "transforming" properties, we rely heavily on the contributions of our crews, vendors, and specialists; many who epitomize "diversity" (not to mention strength, courage, and generosity), and who now call the United States their "home" (and have for decades).

Far from being a drain on the economy, these hardworking folks pay taxes, contribute to Social Security and Medicare, and are an important and integral part of the labor force we've come to depend upon. (So what's the problem?)

My architect has a Persian background. Our contractors have been Irish, Mexican, and Brazilian. Our painters come from Japan, Columbia, and Korea. Our gardeners were born in El Salvador. Our housekeepers hailed from Guatemala, and our chimney sweep is originally from England. (Chim-chimney, chim-chimney, chim, chim cha-roo).

​Add to the mix: moving men, haulers, electricians, roofers, handymen, and window washers from far and wide, not to mention the talented WOMEN who stage our homes, and it becomes crystal clear, that "diversity and equality" are critically important to our practice as a whole. If it, indeed, takes a village, that "village" clearly encompasses the entire globe. (I'm old enough to remember when the "melting pot" WAS the goal, not the problem.)

And because I feel so strongly about diversity, equality, and inclusion, like many others, I'm boycotting Target, doing my best to avoid ordering anything through Amazon, and have stopped clicking on the ads on Instagram. (Let's not even talk about X, I've never been one to "tweet.") I'm grateful I've never succumbed to a Tesla, don't drink Coke or Pepsi, and will no longer buy gas from BP. In short, I'm avoiding companies that play into racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and xenophobic fears, while choosing to support those that are actively embracing DEI practices. (Hello Costco.)

I'm under no illusions that the small-time spending habits of one insignificant woman will make a difference, but if each of us aligns our dollars with our conscience, perhaps the shareholders of many of these anti-DEI companies, will come to realize that a significant part of the population not only recognize the value our "good neighbors" bring to the table, but the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in terms of ensuring that our collective gardens continue to grow.

Let's be real, with the exception of the Indigenous population, the REST OF US are literally descendants of people who arrived on these shores from OTHER nations (including those in Washington D.C.). In other words, aren't we all immigrants, just a few generations removed? (Yes, we are.)

More to the point, the U.S. used to be a country that stood for liberty, freedom, hope, and promise which is why the colonists crossed the uncertain seas to flock to the New World hundreds of years ago (Side note: of the 104 settlers who landed in Jamestown in 1622, only 38 survived their first winter.), AND why refugees the world over still seek our vaunted shores.

So when, exactly, did we decide that "opportunity" only belonged to an elite few? Not for nothing, but I'm proud of COMPASS' commitment to DEI, which starts at the top with our intrepid founder, Robert Refkin, and trickles down through every facet of the company. With more than 30,000 Agents nationwide, you'd be hard pressed to find a demographic that isn't represented among our staff and our colleagues or a more accepting and welcoming population.

At the risk of having stepped into a pile of you-know-what (OR what are boots for anyway, if not to get a little muddy?), I want to thank and support the many immigrants, (their children, and their children . . . ) those of color, and the fabulous women who have added to our success and ensured that our vision comes alive with each and every home we bring to market. (We couldn't do it without you.)

Because when it comes to the contributions each of us make to our greater society, we are stronger as a nation when we come together to acknowledge, celebrate, and promote our many strengths and differences.

How can we help one another?