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Diversity and Inclusion

Our Mission

The mission of the Diversity & Inclusion Team is to foster equality through education, communication, accountability, and meaningful action that positively impacts both our organization and the communities we serve.

Our initiatives include:

  • Encouraging participation in Diversity & Inclusion education to promote awareness and growth.
  • Providing a safe space for incident reporting and suggestions, ensuring all voices are heard.
  • Collaborating with the Culture Committee to organize an annual day of service for underserved communities.
  • Identifying additional service opportunities, such as MLK Day initiatives and food pantry donations.
  • Sharing impactful stories and articles on diversity and inclusion in our monthly newsletter.
  • Offering a lending library with educational, biographical, and thought-provoking literature.
  • Hosting cultural heritage events and activities that celebrate and honor diverse backgrounds.

Through these efforts, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

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Keller Williams Diversity & Inclusion
2024 Accomplishments

  • Participated in a Day of Service and supported the annual Toy Drive for Hope for the Inner City

  • Hosted a “Proud Potato Bar” fundraiser in celebration of Pride and to support DEI initiatives

  • Engaged with the community at the Chattanooga Pride Festival in October, showing visible allyship

  • Honored and celebrated Juneteenth with educational and commemorative activities

  • Promoted and attended multiple Velvet Chair Experience events to deepen understanding of lived experiences around race and equity

  • Attended Diversify 2024 and the Summit hosted by the Chattanooga Chamber to expand DEI strategies and connections

  • Published a variety of DE&I-focused articles in our newsletter, including features on Hispanic Heritage Month and Men & Gender Equity

2023 Accomplishments

  • Attended a GCAR-hosted event featuring the authors of The Color of Law and Just Action

  • Engaged in the Velvet Chair Experience, fostering meaningful discussions on social issues

  • Celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural events and community engagement

  • Organized and hosted a Proud Potato Bar fundraiser to support participating in the Chattanooga Pride Festival

  • Participated in the Chattanooga Pride Festival, promoting inclusivity and community support

  • Attended and contributed to Raise the Roof for Habitat, supporting affordable housing initiatives

  • Represented our organization at the Chamber of Commerce 2023 Diversify Summit, championing diversity and inclusion

  • Led our annual Red Day of Service at Hope for the Inner City, giving back to the local community

2022 Accomplishments

  • Completed intensive Agent of Distinction Diversity Certification through Keller Williams Realty International (KWRI)

  • Partnered with RED Day volunteers to serve at Hope for the Inner City, supporting community revitalization efforts

  • Published 14 articles on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in our newsletter to foster awareness and education

  • Promoted a holiday toy drive benefiting Hope for the Inner City’s Christmas Store, supporting local families in need

  • Represented our organization in the Chattanooga Pride Parade and hosted a booth at the Pride Festival to show solidarity and support

  • Sponsored a Thanksgiving Food Drive to help stock pantry shelves at Hope for the Inner City

  • Organized a fundraising campaign among associates to provide Championship Rings for Tyner Middle School football players

  • Expanded the D&I Lending Library with new resources to encourage continuous learning and inclusive practices

2021 Accomplishments

  • Launched a new website showcasing our ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

  • Hosted the area’s first-ever NAREB Membership event, expanding outreach and engagement

  • Aligned RED Day with DEI initiatives by volunteering in community gardens through Hope for the Inner City

  • Established a D&I Lending Library to promote continued learning and awareness

  • Coordinated a public screening of Reservation Dogs in partnership with GCAR to spark dialogue around representation

  • Completed the Social Equity Facilitator Workshop to enhance internal DEI training capabilities

  • Authored and published 12 DEI-focused articles in our monthly newsletter to educate and inspire action

  • Organized a holiday toy drive supporting Hope for the Inner City’s Christmas Store initiative

  • Prepared to represent our organization in the local Pride Parade (event later canceled due to COVID-19)

  • Participated in Diversify 2021, a training focused on expanding cultural competency and inclusion efforts

2020 Accomplishments

  • Established the Diversity & Inclusion Team, defining its vision, mission, and foundational goals

  • Participated in Diversify 2020, hosted by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, to engage with local DEI initiatives

  • Completed GCAR training sessions on Understanding LGBTQI+ Homeownership and At Home with Diversity

  • Attended GCAR’s community discussion: A Conversation with a Reformed Racist and Former Cop

  • Engaged in GCAR’s Latinx Cultural Competency Training and Spanish for Realtors to improve cultural understanding and communication

  • Participated in GCAR’s screening and dialogue on Newsday’s “Long Island Divided” to address systemic discrimination in real estate

  • Completed Checking Your Blind Spots: An Unconscious Bias Workshop to enhance self-awareness and inclusive behavior

  • Formally incorporated the Equality and Inclusion Pledge into our Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA)

  • Launched the D&I Suggestion Box to encourage feedback and foster continuous improvement

Dear Keller Williams family,

I’d like to make one thing clear: Racism is wrong and Keller Williams stands with the Black community and wholeheartedly supports equality. 

Right now, communities across America are experiencing tremendous pain. This pain builds and grows exponentially with each name: George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. Eric Garner. Sandra Bland. Michael Brown, and too many more. Each person had a story, a family, a home, and a life that mattered that was taken away from them. 

To our Black Keller Williams associates and clients: We are with you. You matter. Your family, friends, and community matter. Your lives matter. You are in our hearts and in our prayers. 

The truth is that racial injustice and inequality persists. And, in order to help change that, it’s critical to not only say something about it, but to do something about it. I believe that the real estate community has a unique opportunity to promote healing and reform. The first step is reflection and thoughtful self-examination. Then, we listen. We learn. We speak up. That’s how change happens. We know many of you are past this stage. And, from you, we need your leadership.

Effective immediately, we are creating a task force of our International Associate Leadership Council to come forward with recommendations for action to eliminate any racial disparity within our company, our industry, and how we can lead the way in the communities where we live and work. I will be reaching out to your regions immediately to ask for a nomination from each to join us in this critical effort. I’m proud of the company we’ve built together, but I know in my heart that we can do more. I believe we can also set an example within the industry by committing more of ourselves to a better, and equitable future. 

We can all do something. Lead a conversation in your market center and commit as a family to create change. Reach out to your local real estate board and make sure that racial equality is reflected in their positions. Ask if they support initiatives and measures crucial to racial and social justice. Then, get involved in those you believe in.  

Now is also the time to check in on each other, speak our truths, and listen with an empathetic ear. While we may not be able to come together in person, we can make a difference. Call, video chat, text, and support each other during this unbelievably challenging time. 

Take heart. And, take care of each other. While pain and hate brought us to this moment, love will help us find our way out. Onward…

Gary Keller

Keller Williams Equality & Inclusion Pledge

I believe that every individual is valuable and worthy, deserving of dignity and respect.

I believe that our differences bring depth and richness to the shared experiences that unite us.

I Pledge To:

  • Embrace diversity and inclusion by respecting and valuing individual attributes, including sex, gender, race, ethnicity, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, nationality, socioeconomic status, religion, and physical or mental abilities.
  • Advocate for social justice to help create and sustain a high quality of life for all.
  • Choose my words carefully, avoiding language that is harmful or disrespectful.
  • Reject stereotypes and instead seek understanding through meaningful interactions.
  • Educate myself about cultures and perspectives beyond my own.
  • Actively contribute to inclusive environments in my community and workplace.
  • Live this pledge daily, integrating these values into my actions and choices.

At Keller Williams, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered.

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