HSF Affiliates LLC, operator of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Real Living Real Estate and Prudential Real Estate, has named Teresa Palacios Smith vice president, Diversity and Inclusion, the company recently announced. Palacios Smith, a 20-plus-year veteran of the real estate industry, will be responsible for overseeing the franchisor’s commitment to increase diversity among its brokerage networks and provide resources that meet the needs of diverse homebuyers and sellers.
“We are thrilled that Teresa will lead our national diversity and inclusion efforts,” says Gino Blefari, president and CEO of HSF Affiliates. “She is a strong leader and is as passionate as anyone when it comes to advocating homeownership for all who want to pursue it. Her expertise will be invaluable as she ensures diversity for our real estate brokerage franchise networks.”
Palacios Smith, previously vice president of Business Development at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, says her immediate focus will be on diversity-led recruitment efforts for the brokerage networks and developing marketing collateral for minority real estate consumers. She will also consult with broker/owners on ways to grow business through focused diversity initiatives.
“I’m excited to bring my passion of helping minorities achieve the American Dream to my new role at HSF Affiliates,” says Palacios Smith, who is the daughter of Colombian immigrants. “I’m eager to work with network broker/owners to identify new business and recruiting opportunities that include people from every ethnicity, economic status and background. My goal is to look back five years from now and proudly say that every facet of our organization mirrors the diversity we find in the marketplace.”
“We are proud to offer Teresa our best wishes as she begins her calling with HSF Affiliates,” says Dan Forsman, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. “Teresa’s successful business development career with our company over the past 22 years has prepared her to represent HSF Affiliates and its real estate networks in their focus to expand diversity initiatives and the footprint of the franchise brands.”
“It is an honor to have been involved in Teresa’s career development and to see her dedication and diverse talents be recognized by our national leadership team,” says Kathy Connelly, senior vice president of Corporate Services for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. “Our network of companies will now benefit from her passion and leadership.”
Palacios Smith has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, including being named one of the top Latina real estate agents by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), of which she founded the Atlanta chapter in 2005 and served as president in 2015. Palacios Smith also served as chairwoman of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, please visit www.hsfaffiliates.com.
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