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Ohio REALTORS® supports Diversity and Inclusion, as well as a continued commitment to Fair Housing as part of its core values. Take your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to the next level by achieving your DE & I Certification.

Participants who complete this certification will gain a better understanding of how to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment and promote equity for all. You'll open up new windows of opportunity as you gain knowledge in serving diverse populations.

DE & I Certification Overview

  • 10 virtual classes (Live Online) are offered, one per month.
  • Each class provides 1 hour of Real Estate Continuing Education (CE).
  • Certification requires completion of 6 out of 10 classes.
  • NAR’s Fairhaven & Bias Override courses both qualify as one of the 6 courses required for this certification.

DE & I Certification Application & Renewal

Once you have completed the required 6 classes to obtain your DE & I Certification, please submit an application to receive your certification. The certification will be valid for 2 years, due for renewal in the 3rd year following initial certification. To obtain a 2-year renewal, you will need to attend 2 qualifying DE & I classes that you haven’t participated in previously.

Click on the Class Registration Links Below to Start Your DE & I Certification

January 17 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
Homeownership and LGBTQ+ Consumers

Presenter: Alex Cruz, ABR, GRI, CNE, AHWD
This presentation is thought-provoking and interactive with attendees sharing experiences; he covers impressions and understanding of the LGBTQ community; how attendees’ impression/understanding has evolved over the years; provides definitions to common terms associated with LGBTs; Privilege for Sale refers to what heterosexual couples take for granted that LGBT couples might not be allowed such as paid leave if your spouse/partner passes away, different tax treatment for hetero v. LGBT couples; also a discussion on ‘coming out’; plus, a review of statistics on purchasing power for the LGBT community.

February 14 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
Do’s & Don’ts of Working with Special Needs Clients

Presenter: John Young
The percentage of special needs people in the US is increasing at an alarming rate and currently accounts for 1 in 4 Americans. The National Association of REALTORS® has put a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to make sure that all clients are treated fairly and equitably. It is critical that REALTORS® learn a proper standard of practice when caring for their special needs or disabled clients. This session covers things agent should and should not do in the real estate transaction.

March 14 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
The Color of Real Estate

Presenter: Julia Lashay Israel
The Color of Real Estate takes an in-depth look at the history of practices and policies that have contributed to today’s homeownership gap. You’ll learn how to create a lasting impact in society and in your real estate business by implementing diverse business strategies that ensure fair housing for all. Walk away with a better understanding of the importance of our role as REALTORS®.

April 11 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
Bias in Appraisals: What Agents and Appraisers Need to Know

Presenter: Melanie McLane, ABR, CRB, CRS, EPRO, GREEN, GRI, RAA, RSPS, PSA, SRES, SRS
Can you recognize when and how bias can appear in appraisals? Can you recognize your own bias? In this session, we’ll discuss the requirements under Fannie Mae and USPAP prohibiting bias from being a part of any appraisal.

May 16 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
Fair Housing for the Property Manager

Presenter: Marc Cunningham
Complying with fair housing isn't just good business practice; it's the law. Fair housing starts with the federal Fair Housing Act and continues through state and local regulations. This course isn't just a fair housing overview, it will educate property managers on what they should and should not be doing in their day-to-day business operations. We'll keep it practical and address current fair housing hot topics in the property management world such as how to handle service animal requests.

June 13 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
Life’s Not Fair, but Digital Advertising Must Be

Presenter: Trista Curzydlo, Esq.
Social media websites and digital advertising mediums make target marketing a particular demographic easier than ever before. Find out when target marketing becomes “stating a preference” under the Fair Housing Act and what risk reduction techniques you need to enact.

July 18 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
Unconscious Bias in Real Estate

Presenter: Julia LaShay Israel
Unconscious Bias in Real Estate delves into how the brain unconsciously produces bias and how these unconscious biases impact your business. You’ll learn how to become more aware of your behaviors, empowering you to be more intentional about your actions.

August 15 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
Unlock, Unite & Assist: Closing the Gap on Racial Disparity
Presenter: Laurie Benner
The racial homeownership and wealth gaps are higher today than when the Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. In this session, we'll explore the history of housing in the US and its modern-day impacts, followed by a solutions-focused conversation to help industry professionals best serve the communities they serve.

September 12 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
Daily DEI

Presenter: Leigh York
We're all learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, associations, and brokerages. How do I avoid the awkwardness of it all? How do I expand my sphere to include a more diverse reflection of my market? In this session, we'll discuss appropriate and effective ways to diversify your business and create a sense of belonging within your sphere.

October 10 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm
Overcoming Government Loan Program Bias
Presenter: Marion Napoleon
During this session, attendees will delve into the complexities of government loan programs and the potential biases that may exist within these programs. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical examples, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented communities and explore innovative solutions to overcome bias and promote inclusive homeownership.


Contact: 
Deanna Wright, Ohio REALTORS® Professional Development Coordinator -