Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Marlene De Cespedes

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Elliman Insider invited Douglas Elliman agents to share their experiences and reflect on the role their identity and heritage have played in their real estate careers.

Marlene De Cespedes, Agent, Orlando, Fla.

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?

I’m proud to be Cuban American. Some of the most meaningful aspects of my identity come from the lessons I absorbed growing up in Miami—watching my parents, who arrived with little, work tirelessly to build a life here. They bought a home, started a business, and created stability for us through sheer determination.

In our household, hard work, family, and perseverance weren’t abstract ideas—they were a way of life. The aroma of strong Cuban coffee, the sounds of laughter around the breakfast table, and the rhythm of daily life centered on family shaped who I am. That spirit of resilience and togetherness is something I carry with me and celebrate every day.

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

My path to real estate was shaped most deeply by my father. He taught me to live by the Golden Rule—treating others the way you want to be treated—and to prioritize service and family above all. Those lessons have become the foundation of how I approach my work.

For me, real estate goes beyond buying and selling a property. It’s about listening to people’s stories, earning their trust, and helping them create a place to call home. Every transaction is really about people’s lives, and my father’s example reminds me to honor that responsibility with care and integrity.

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

Absolutely. One of the most Cuban traits I carry with me is resolve—finding solutions when things don’t go as planned. It’s in our culture to be resourceful, to make things work, no matter the challenge. That mindset is invaluable in real estate, where no two deals are ever the same.

Family is also at the core of my work. In Cuban culture, family isn’t just important—it’s everything. That’s why I strive to help families find more than just a house, but a place to build a foundation. A home should be a place where each person feels they belong, where traditions are honored, and where new memories are made. It’s where laughter fills the kitchen, milestones are celebrated, and life unfolds in all its beauty. Every time I hand someone the keys, it feels like passing on the same gift my parents gave me—the gift of belonging, stability, and a space to grow together.

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 shaped how I connect with people. The Cuban values of service, generosity, and community are at the heart of who I am. That’s why giving back has always been important to me—my long-time involvement with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is just one example. The relationships I’ve built there, rooted in shared values, have often carried into my professional life. They’ve shown me that when you lead with authenticity, you don’t just build business connections—you create friendships that last.

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

Being Cuban American is something I carry with deep pride. It’s a heritage defined by resilience, family bonds, and joy. For my colleagues, being allies begins with listening, learning, and celebrating the different perspectives each of us brings.

Even small gestures—mentoring, collaborating, or sharing in each other’s traditions—help create an industry where everyone feels seen and valued. When we embrace each other’s stories, we don’t just strengthen our businesses; we strengthen our communities.

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

Brokerages have a powerful role to play by creating space where every story is honored. Features like this one already help by shining a light on the voices and identities that make our industry vibrant.

But there’s more we can do—whether through mentorship programs, amplifying minority leaders, or encouraging cultural awareness across the company. When clients see themselves reflected in their agents, it creates trust, connection, and representation that matters.

Ultimately, diversity makes us stronger. Just as Cuban culture thrives on music, food, and togetherness, embracing diversity brings joy, creativity, and empathy into our work. And that’s what elevates our industry as a whole.