Elevating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: John L. Scott Real Estate’s Commitment to Positive Change

By Corinne Mossman

At John L. Scott Real Estate, our business is transactional excellence but our higher purpose is Living Life as a Contribution®.” We have a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which has allowed us to be an example for our peers and partners in the real estate industry and better serve our communities. Leading by example in diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just a choice; it’s a commitment to transforming your organization into a beacon of equality. Our actions, not just our words, define our dedication to creating a workplace where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual is empowered to thrive.

If you are looking for a place to start, a great first step is education. As Maya Angelou said, “then when you know better, do better.”  Some of the books that our team has used to help with the learning journey are “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” and “Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein (teaming with housing policy expert Leah Rothstein on Just Action).

Central to our success in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion is the establishment of an active DEI Advisory Group comprising C-suite leadership, support staff, and brokers. This group serves as a catalyst for change, ensuring representation from all levels of our company and spearheading initiatives aimed at advancing DEI both within our organization and beyond. Our DEI Advisory Group’s involvement extends to prominent involvement on industry boards and committees, including the National Association of Realtors DEI committee, Washington Realtors DEI, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, GSBA – Washington State’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce, Puget Sound Relocation Council’s DEI committee, and Women’s Council of Realtors Association, among others. Through these influential roles, we leverage our collective expertise and influence to drive systemic change and advocate for inclusivity across the real estate landscape.

Furthermore, we are deeply committed to supporting initiatives and organizations that promote equitable home ownership opportunities within our communities. This includes staying current and active with the work being done within Washington State Housing Finance Commission Covenant Home Ownership Program, Housing Development Consortium, and Black Home Initiative, as well as advocacy for corresponding legislation. By aligning our actions with our values, we not only contribute to tangible progress in addressing systemic inequities but also serve as a catalyst for broader societal change.

In addition to our advocacy efforts, we have invested in comprehensive training and development programs to equip our team with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster a culture of inclusivity and understanding. Our relocation brokers have achieved the prestigious At Home With Diversity designation through the National Association of Realtors, underscoring our commitment to serving diverse communities with sensitivity and cultural competence. Our company-wide training through Fairhaven and attendance of learning events such as the Microsoft Ability Summit ensure that our team remains abreast of best practices and emerging trends in DEI.

We have also established a robust Hispanic Network Group dedicated to supporting Hispanic homeownership and fostering careers in real estate. This network serves as a valuable resource and support system for our Hispanic employees, brokers, clients and allies empowering all to thrive and succeed in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Our continued commitment to DEI sets us apart as a beacon of excellence in the real estate industry. Through our proactive engagement, advocacy, and investment in training and development, we have not only influenced the practices of others but have also inspired positive change within our organization and communities. John L. Scott Real Estate remains steadfast in building on our commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion as pillars of excellence in all that we do. We welcome all to join us on this journey, please be encouraged to reach out if you would like to discuss how we can support each other. Let us be the change we wish to see, inspiring others by the inclusive principles we embody, the barriers we dismantle, and the unity we cultivate. Together, through our daily actions, we forge a path towards a future where diversity is celebrated, equity is a reality, and inclusion is the foundation of our success.