In celebration of Black History Month, we invited Douglas Elliman agents to share their experiences and reflect on the role their identity and heritage have played in their real estate careers.

Chanda Colón, Agent, New York City

How did you find your path to success in real estate?

My path in real estate began as an idea while I was working in the banking sector years ago after obtaining my Series #7, #63 licenses. It was something that I always wanted to pursue.

After transitioning to healthcare and working there for many years—including on the frontlines during the Covid-19 pandemic—I realized it was the right time to pursue my career path in real estate, and I became licensed in 2021.

My success has been the result of hard work and persistence. I also credit my relentless commitment to excellence on behalf of my clients and my determination to assert my value in an industry that has not always been inclusive.

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

The elements of my identify that I draw strength from in my work as an agent are integrity, loyalty, resiliency, advocacy, and the ability to find connection with each of my clients.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I was raised with a deep appreciation of the history of Black Americans. One month a year is not sufficient to celebrate the power of the movements and the contributions from Black Americans who have fought for the rights we enjoy today.

For me this year is especially poignant as I reflect on the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which was hard won through their relentless political activism while enduring unimaginable consequences in the fight for human rights and racial equality. Through their long struggle and efforts, this sweeping legislation banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender and most recently sexual orientation or gender identity.

With new unprecedented threats to these same rights and freedoms, there is much more work to be done.

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

I believe Douglas Elliman’s commitment to diversity and its refusal to rollback its DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) initiatives, a longstanding bipartisan federal policy, puts them on the right side of history. It is well known that companies committed to diversity and inclusion significantly outperform those that are not.

What I would like to see is more diversity reflected in senior leadership roles, which will help foster more inclusive experiences for employees of all identities.