Our ‘Can We Talk?’ DEI Speaker Series has come to a wrap for 2025! Across the three installments, we hosted an open space for meaningful conversations about diverse identities, housing equity, and fostering supportive communities. Attendees heard from various voices, each bringing their own unique and valuable perspective. If you missed out, read on for a deep dive into each session.
Breaking Barriers: Exploring Bias and Discrimination in Fair Housing
At our first installment, we welcomed Micah Mims, CEO of Valued LLC, for an engaging discussion about identity, history, and advocacy. The session started with an interactive exercise exploring the challenges of being defined by just one aspect of our identity. Attendees reflected on intersectionality and how affinity bias influences how we view ourselves and others.
As the conversation unfolded, Mims emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding in creating more inclusive communities. “At the heart of every identity is a human being who wants to be seen, valued, and heard,” she shared, reminding us that a sense of belonging is essential for real progress.
Mims also provided a historical lens, guiding us through civil rights milestones like Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955), and Loving v. Virginia (1967). The Fair Housing Act was also highlighted as a landmark policy that continues to shape fair housing access today.
She concluded the session by calling for continued DEI work and encouraging commitment to inclusion, allyship, intersectionality, and advocacy.
Unequal Ground: The Fight for Fair Housing Among Underrepresented Groups
The second session featured a panel with Valerie Patton of the Patton Partnership; Paula E.W. Carey-Moore, regional vice president of housing at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis; Kevin Poe, executive director of the Housing Repair Network; Pam Schneider, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway Alliance; and moderator John Smith, 2025 chairperson of the Inclusion Advisory Group.
Valerie Patton opened with remarks on the importance of DEI in today's political climate, stressing the need for human connection. “We get there together because we go back into community, we go back into talking to each other, and we treat everybody with dignity, respect, and equity no matter what.”
Pam Schneider echoed this message, emphasizing connection and trust between REALTORS® and their clients. She encouraged REALTORS® to listen actively and be open to continued learning. "If you want people to be an open book to you, you've got to be an open book to them."
Kevin Poe highlighted systemic issues that impact affordable housing, including white flight, discriminatory infrastructure, and rising home repair costs. He explained that many homeowners in underserved neighborhoods struggle to maintain their properties or take equity loans for essential repairs because they lack home equity, resulting in deterioration. As these homes eventually enter the market, they often require significant maintenance. Poe pointed out that while these homes needing repairs could be financially viable for first-time buyers, many cannot obtain down payment assistance because of the property's status.
Now, buyers face barriers in purchasing both existing homes and new construction. Adding to the challenge, out-of-town LLCs buy these homes, make minimal upgrades, and inflate prices. Poe stressed the need for systemic change, education, and community involvement.
Paula E.W. Carey-Moore emphasized the importance of education for first-time buyers, many of whom are unaware of their options or fall prey to misinformation. She encouraged homebuyer education through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-certified counselors to empower buyers and help them navigate the process confidently.
Immigration Resettlement and Lending Seminar
The final session addressed the barriers immigrants face in housing and lending, featuring Maria Yaksic, REALTOR®; Blake Hamilton, interim president and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis; and Sandy Demond from Busey Bank.
Maria Yaksic opened by sharing her personal immigration journey, noting that the process has become significantly more difficult over time. She spoke about the threat of deportation that immigrants face, even for minor infractions, and highlighted local and state legislation that aims to criminalize immigrants. Yaksic also pointed out that Missouri's declining population could benefit from the growth and revitalization that immigrant communities bring.
Blake Hamilton spoke about the International Institute’s mission to help immigrants and refugees thrive in St. Louis. He emphasized that homeownership has generational impacts, creating long-term stability and opportunities. He also supported Maria Yaksic’s message that immigrants help support the economy, noting that immigrants often fill workforce gaps and are more likely to start businesses. Additionally, he shared that over 15 years, refugees have contributed $124 billion more in state and local revenue than they receive in services. Hamilton also addressed the challenges of dealing with the federal government's changing policies on funding for refugees. Despite this, the Institute raised independent funds to continue providing vital services, from job placement and business support to English comprehension and computer classes. Hamilton underscored the Institute’s commitment to continuing this work, regardless of ongoing policy uncertainty.
Sandy Demond closed the session by discussing lending equity. She shared common obstacles immigrant clients face, including language barriers, documentation challenges, and limited credit history, and stressed the importance of trusted professionals who understand those needs. Demond also shared best practices like bilingual teams, community outreach, and ensuring that REALTORS® partner with lenders who align with their clients’ values.
Looking back on the ‘Can We Talk?’ series, it is clear that real change in fair housing takes awareness and action. Whether it’s challenging bias, building trust, or pushing for policy reform, progress happens when we work together. Stay tuned for more events from the Inclusion Advisory Group for more meaningful conversations throughout the year.