AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Judy Zhou

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?

Having grown up in mainland China until the age of 14, I have had a 180-degree attitude change to food I grew up eating: dumplings, congee, noodles, slow-cooked broth, chicken and fish broiled in hot chilies drenched in spicy oil. I took it for granted, and for special occasions—if I did well on an exam or had a birthday—I wanted my parents to treat me to spaghetti or take me to the steakhouse for a rib-eye.

Having lived the past 19 years outside China, authentic Chinese food has become a huge part of my identity, and it is how I express my care for my loved ones and connect to my heritage. For example, when I’m sick, I would make congee or chicken soup with ginger, not ginger ale or crackers. These dishes remind me of how my mother has taken care of me ever since I was little, and each dish is a witness and companion to the small and big life moments.

I also take pride in the kinds of meals we eat and when we eat them. Though surprising to those outside my culture—my mother-in-law, whom I love dearly, still gasps at my breakfast plate sometimes—hot, savory breakfasts and lunches like leftover fried rice and pork are comforting and familiar.

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

Honing my craft, enhancing my expertise in creative marketing of my brand and my listings, working my tail off, and having an understanding and supportive spouse (thank you, Alex!) have all played a huge role in my success.

Real estate is more than just transactions. It’s about building relationships, solving problems, and telling a story with every property. I’ve poured countless hours into becoming an expert, refining my strategies, and showing up for my clients with consistency and care. Through it all, having a partner who believes in me (and makes me coffee and packs my lunch when I am on an early morning call at home) has kept me grounded and motivated. It’s been a journey of bouncing back from rejections, turning “No” into “Yes” by persistence and trust-building, and building up the confidence to believe that I can always find a solution when things get hard or messy!

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

Honesty is something I value deeply, and it’s a principle I hold onto even when it’s tested. In this industry, there are plenty of moments where it might be easier to bend the truth to get a listing or close a deal. But I refuse to compromise on that because it is my core value.

If someone comes to me unsure about whether they should rent or buy, I take the time to truly assess their situation and give them a sincere, thoughtful answer even if it means advising them to wait before they buy. I have talked myself out of a commission many times, because it was the best thing for my client. I believe that building long-term trust is far more valuable than any transaction, and staying true to that has helped me build strong, lasting relationships with my clients.

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?

Being bilingual has been one of the most valuable assets in my real estate career. Before I became an agent, I founded and ran a professional translation business, so I’ve spent years not just converting language, but interpreting meanings, emotions, and cultural nuances. That experience taught me how to listen closely, communicate clearly, and build trust across different backgrounds. In real estate, those skills have allowed me to guide clients through what can be an overwhelming or challenging process. It’s not just about helping them find or negotiate the best deal possible, I also strive to make everyone feel seen, respected, and understood. My bi-cultural background has helped me become not just a better communicator, but a more thoughtful agent.

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

I think brokerages like Elliman can foster greater diversity and understanding by actively celebrating the different cultures represented among their agents and staff. Something as simple as recognizing cultural holidays through office events, decorations, or shared culture-specific meals can go a long way in making people feel seen and valued. For example, I really appreciated seeing Lunar New Year decorations in the office. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to me personally.

Looking ahead, I’d love to see even more initiatives (and I’m throwing my hat in the ring to help organize them!), like having culturally themed lunches or group outings (guided food tours to Chinatown, anyone?) that highlight the diverse backgrounds within the company.

I also think it can be helpful to have key marketing collaterals like listing pitch templates and market reports in different languages! Currently, individual agents have to create their own translations if they are working with clients who don’t speak English, but having pre-approved, high-quality Elliman marketing collaterals will help Elliman agents close more business and build better client relationships!