"Connect. Unify. Empower," a powerful event dedicated to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in real estate. Come together to strengthen your businesses, build stronger communities, and better serve the consumers you support.
Through engaging discussions, presentations, and networking, we’ll focus on promoting homeownership for all and advocating for a more inclusive real estate industry. Receive up-to-date information from the National Fair Housing Alliance on how fair housing laws may be affected by the new administration’s executive orders. Learn how to avoid fair housing violations when working with consumers with special needs; and how to get your offers accepted when working with Veterans. This event will bring together professionals to share best practices, create opportunities for all, and empower one another to drive lasting change.
Let’s connect, unify, and empower to build a more inclusive, equitable future for the real estate industry and the communities we serve.
In 2004, John Young merged his previous work experience in advertising, marketing, sales and management into a career as a REALTOR•. In 2009, his personal and professional life took a transformative turn when he became the parent of a non-verbal daughter with autism. Over the next decade, John's professional journey was shaped through his own personal experiences and by the many special needs clients, families and caregivers he encountered and served along the way. In 2019, John began speaking on serving clients with special needs and hopes that his presentations inspire a greater understanding that DEI is intended to address issues of accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and equity for ALL individuals. John brings his passion for helping others to everything he does and strives to make a positive difference in our industry for both clients and fellow REALTORS.
As Associate Vice President of Housing and Community Development for the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), Laurie Benner is responsible for developing and managing national programs and partnerships designed to provide equitable access to fair and affordable housing opportunities. Laurie has decades of experience working in the housing and nonprofit space including recent work with the Maryland REALTORS® association and managing housing redevelopment in Baltimore City. Laurie holds a bachelor’s in Legal Studies, a master’s in Nonprofit and Association Management, and an MBA. She is a trained mediator and experienced facilitator. Laurie also serves on several nonprofit boards and committees. She lives near Baltimore, Maryland.
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