AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Alicia Dong

What aspects of your identity are most meaningful for you? Are there cultural traditions or historic moments or other elements that are a particular source of pride?

My cultural background is a deep source of pride for me. I’m originally from China, and traditional Confucian values—especially the emphasis on family, resilience, and humility—have profoundly shaped my personal and professional life.

I also take pride in China’s remarkable transformation. Over the past four decades, the country has undergone rapid economic growth, evolving from the “world’s factory” to a global leader in high-tech industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and smart manufacturing. Reports from Hurun and Forbes show that China now ranks among the top countries in the number of billionaires. Witnessing and being connected to this journey of progress and innovation is incredibly inspiring to me.

How did you find your path to success in this field?

My journey began during my MBA studies in University of Delaware, where I invested in two single-family homes near the university shuttle line. I personally handled everything—from site selection and renovation to leasing and property management—and achieved a 10% return on investment, which was exceptionally strong.

That early success sparked my interest in real estate investment in the U.S. After relocating to New York, I earned my real estate license and joined Douglas Elliman, marking the start of my professional career in this field.

Are there values or elements of your identity that you draw strength from in your work as an agent?

Absolutely. The values of respect, integrity, and diligence—central to many AAPI cultures—are the foundation of my approach. I work with quiet determination and a deep sense of responsibility, always striving to ensure my clients feel supported, heard, and well-informed throughout every stage of the process.

What impact, if any, has your identity had on your experience in the real estate industry? Are there specific moments or episodes from over the years that illustrate that experience?

My identity has had a very positive impact. In 2014, the same year I joined Douglas Elliman, Chinese buyers became the largest group of foreign investors in Manhattan’s luxury market, surpassing Russian buyers. That timing created an opportunity for me to gain early traction in a highly competitive space.

In my first year alone, I had over $25 million in new development sales contracts signed. That success gave me the confidence to fully commit to this path. Now, after 11 years with Douglas Elliman, my team—the Alicia Dong Team—ranked #4 in gross commission income (GCI) in Manhattan and #10 nationwide last year.

While the number of Chinese buyers in New York has declined by about half, they remain an essential part of the high-end market. At the same time, the number of Mandarin-speaking agents has grown nearly tenfold, increasing competition significantly. Growing my business now requires even more focus, strategy, and dedication—but I continue to thrive and evolve with the market.

What would you like your industry colleagues to understand about your experience, and what can they do to be better allies of the AAPI community?

I’d like my colleagues to understand that breaking into the top tier of a leading brokerage in New York was a monumental challenge for me, as a first-generation Asian American without a local network or built-in client base.

But one of New York’s greatest strengths is its diversity. Here, success isn’t limited by who you know—you can build your own network through hard work, persistence, and excellence. That’s been my path.

To be true allies, colleagues must do more than express support. Allyship means taking real action—speaking out, advocating for inclusivity, and showing genuine curiosity and respect for different perspectives. That’s how we build a stronger, more connected industry.

How do you think brokerages like Elliman can help foster greater diversity and understanding in the industry?

Brokerages play a vital role in advancing diversity and inclusion. One of the most impactful ways to do this is by giving greater visibility and support to top-performing agents from AAPI and other underrepresented communities. Doing so not only empowers those agents but also strengthens Elliman’s presence in international markets and reinforces its commitment to equity.

Elliman has already set a strong example, and I believe it can continue to lead the way toward a more inclusive and representative future in real estate.