AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Tiffany Hu

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? 

One of the most meaningful parts of my identity is my cultural background. I take pride in our family traditions, especially during holidays when we come together to share food, stories, and laughter. These moments remind me of where I come from and keep me connected to my roots. I'm also proud of how my culture values community, respect, and hard work.

How did find your path to success in this field?

I found my path to success in this field through a combination of hard work, dedication, continuous learning, and discipline. I committed myself to growing every day—whether that meant studying the market, learning from others, or improving my skills. I stayed consistent, even when things were challenging, and always focused on giving my best. Success didn’t happen overnight, but through persistence and a strong work ethic, I’ve built a career I’m proud of.

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

Yes, I draw a lot of strength from my values of integrity, resilience, and empathy. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest path, and that builds trust with my clients. My resilience helps me stay focused and positive, especially in a fast-paced, competitive industry. I also value connection and truly listening to people, which allows me to understand my clients' needs and support them better throughout the process. These parts of who I am keep me grounded and motivated in my work as an agent.

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 Chinese background has had a meaningful impact on my experience in the real estate industry. Many of my clients come from similar backgrounds, and for them, the process of home buying and selling in the U.S. is completely new. Being able to speak Chinese allows me to clearly explain the contracts and every step of the transaction in a way they can fully understand. Sometimes, I even do my listing presentations entirely in Chinese, which helps my clients feel more comfortable and informed.

Over time, I’ve built strong trust with my clients—they know I’m here to guide and protect their best interests. I also use my negotiation skills to get the best possible results for them, explaining everything in Chinese to ensure they’re always on the same page. In some cases, sellers feel so confident in my support that they don’t even need to be physically present. I take care of everything, from preparing the property to closing escrow. It’s an honor to support my community and help make the process less intimidating and more empowering.

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 industry colleagues to understand that the AAPI community often faces challenges in navigating the real estate industry, particularly with cultural differences and language barriers. For many of us, the process can feel unfamiliar or intimidating, and having someone who understands our background can make a big difference.

To be better allies, I encourage colleagues to actively listen, be patient, and take the time to learn about the unique needs of AAPI clients and professionals. Simple acts, like offering resources in different languages or showing cultural sensitivity, can foster stronger, more supportive relationships and help make the industry more inclusive for everyone.

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

To foster greater diversity and understanding, brokerages like Elliman can integrate multilingual support on their new website. Offering options in languages like Spanish, Chinese, and others will ensure that we’re accessible to a wider range of clients, breaking down language barriers and creating a more inclusive user experience.

Additionally, implementing mentorship programs, providing cultural competency training, and promoting diverse leadership within the company will further enhance inclusivity. Celebrating the contributions of underrepresented groups and ensuring diverse hiring practices will also help reflect the communities we serve. By combining these efforts with a multilingual website, Elliman can demonstrate its commitment to understanding and supporting the needs of all clients and professionals, making the industry more welcoming for everyone.