AAPI Agent Spotlight: Janice Chang

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. Janice Chang, NYC Real Estate Agent How do you prefer to identify yourself within the Asian American Pacific Islander umbrella? My parents originated from Mainland China, moving to Taiwan after World War 2.  So, I would identify myself as Chinese American. 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 feel that my Chinese upbringing, which stressed education, hard work and diligence, has been the cornerstone of my success. How did you find your path to success in this field? Connections through my earlier banking career provided my initial clients. After that I traveled extensively in Asia, where I began creating a client base. Through marketing and networking, I later developed a more diversified group of domestic and foreign prospects. The best way to deal with adversity is to calmly look for solutions. There is a Chinese saying that translates to: Take one step back to see the big picture. What values or elements of your heritage do you draw strength from in your work as an agent?   Family has always been my rock. A strong work ethic came from my mother. My father passed away when I was very young, so she had to raise seven children on her own. 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?  NYC is my home, and I think of myself as an American first. I have been so very lucky living in such an amazingly diverse city, rarely experiencing racism with only one minor episode during the height of the COVID pandemic. 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 think that all brokers need to show patience and understanding when dealing with the diverse group of prospective clients looking for property. Each has their own cultural traits and complexities.  How do you think brokerages like Elliman can help foster greater diversity in the industry?  We already have one of the most diverse groups of buyers, sellers, and renters in the world. Brokers only need to be open to and respectful of cultural traits and to educate themselves on these differences when necessary.