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In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we invited several Douglas Elliman agents to share their experiences as members of the AAPI community and talk about the role their heritage has played in their real estate career.
Hara Kang, Co-Founder, The Atlantic Team, The Hamptons, N.Y.
How do you prefer to identify yourself within the Asian American Pacific Islander umbrella?
I identify as a Korean American, and while being part of the broader Asian American community is important to me, I believe it’s equally important to acknowledge and celebrate the specific cultural heritage and experiences of different Asian ethnicities.
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?
In Asian culture, there will always be variations of deep-rooted traditions, such as respect for elders, strong family ties and emphasis on hard work and perseverance. It would be hard to pick just one element from my experience of Korean culture, but the achievements of Korean Americans in various fields inspire me and help serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of my heritage.
How did you find your path to success in this field?
My upbringing and culture have deeply ingrained in me the importance of perseverance and hard work, which has led me down this path. It is important to me that I continuously strive to expand my knowledge and skills to constantly improve myself.
What values or elements of your heritage do you draw strength from in your work as an agent?
In Korean culture, the importance of integrity, honesty and maintaining strong relationships aligns closely with the principles of providing exceptional service in the real estate industry. Also, the emphasis on community and the concept of “jeong” (a deep sense of empathy and connection) guide me in building meaningful relationships with my clients and peers.
How would you characterize your experience as a member of the AAPI community in the real estate industry? Are there specific moments or episodes from over the years that illustrate what you’ve experienced?
As a Korean-American real estate agent in the Hamptons for the past 18 years, my experience has been both unique and evolving. When I first moved to the Hamptons, the community was not as diverse as it is today. At the time, I was one of the few Asians in the community and thus unintentionally became part of the representatives of the Asian community within the local real estate industry. Therefore, it gives me a great sense of pride that I was able to gain respect and recognition within the industry by growing with my fellow peers and partners who walked down this path with me.
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?
It’s important to understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by the AAPI community. By actively listening, educating themselves about different cultures and histories and challenging stereotypes, they can become better allies. Additionally, promoting diversity and inclusion within their own organizations, supporting AAPI-owned businesses and advocating for fair treatment and opportunities for all professionals can make a significant difference.
How do you think brokerages like Elliman can help foster greater diversity in the industry?
Companies can actively recruit and promote individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that the workforce reflects the multicultural society we live in. Implementing diversity and inclusion training programs, creating affinity groups or employee resource networks and providing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities for underrepresented groups can help cultivate an environment of inclusivity.
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