Editor’s note: This letter from eXp World Holdings CEO and Founder, Glenn Sanford, was sent today to agents, brokers, and staff of eXp World Holdings, Inc., eXp Realty and VirBELA (or eXp World Holdings’ companies).
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We are in challenging times. In the midst of a global pandemic, racial divides are testing all of us as we process the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others in our communities. We mourn these losses and our thoughts are with their families and communities. We also stand with our black staff members, agents and clients in the fight against racism.
Today I want to remind everyone that together we are stronger, together we will stand against racism and together we can make a change.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve always focused on giving people the freedom to create their own businesses. We created eXp as a place where agents from diverse backgrounds can come together, grow professionally and build a future for their families. I am proud that together we have created a diverse community of real estate professionals with a strong commitment to building a culture of inclusivity.
Last year, a few agent leaders and I brainstormed an idea and an internal movement was born: ONE eXp, our diversity and inclusion group. This group now has dozens of self-organized networks such as Blacks, Veterans, Pride, Latinos, Seniors, Asians and women. I am proud to say that these are safe spaces where anyone is welcome and all ideas are valued.
And, we have more to do. Personally, I am committed to continuing to increase diversity across the organization so that we are more connected to all viewpoints but more than that continue to encourage and create a safe place for those from diverse groups to be more visible and active inside and outside of the company.
Our hearts ache for what the black community (and many other minorities) have and continue to experience. We strive to make our eXp community an inclusive, diverse, safe and positive environment for everyone.
eXp has a zero-tolerance policy. In addition, Realtors have sworn to uphold a code of ethics, and real estate agents and brokers have a duty to adhere to the highest professional standards in order to protect all consumers. This week, we launched the Cultural Integrity Group to ensure our agents live up to these guidelines and eXp’s core values.
Today, we are announcing that eXp is providing additional funding for ONE eXp, and more specifically for the Black eXp Network (BEN), to raise awareness, conduct teach-ins for agents and brokers as well as provide additional financial support for affected agents.
We are all leaders in our communities. In times of turbulence and fear, the world needs leaders to stand for what is right and to help focus our passion and energy toward positive change, hope and love. With great leadership, we are determined to make sure this opportunity is a true catalyst for meaningful change.
We stand together, we stand with you. #BlackLivesMatter
Glenn Sanford
CEO and Founder
eXp World Holdings
