Celebrating Inclusion: Rick Fogerty’s Achievement of the At Home With Diversity® Certification
Categories: News
The At Home With Diversity (AHWD) certification, offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), marks a significant step towards inclusive excellence in the real estate market. Designed to empower real estate professionals in navigating a multicultural marketplace, this diversity certification program addresses essential aspects, including diversity sensitivity, understanding U.S. fair housing laws, and business etiquette across cultures. Rick Fogerty’s achievement of the AHWD certification places him among the forward-thinking real estate professionals and affiliates enhancing their service to diverse communities. This acknowledgment commemorates his dedication to workplace diversity and reinforces the importance of DEI initiatives in the sector.
Encompassing a comprehensive eight-hour course, the AHWD certification equips realtors and affiliates with the knowledge and tools necessary for fostering an inclusive business environment. For professionals like Fogerty, this diverse business certification signifies a promise of superiority and understanding in catering to a heterogeneous clientele. Through this achievement, Fogerty demonstrates his commitment to leading with inclusivity in the real estate photography business, promising an environment where every client feels valued and understood.
Understanding NAR’s At Home with Diversity Certification
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) offers the At Home With Diversity® (AHWD) certification, a pivotal educational initiative designed to enhance the cultural competency of REALTORS® and affiliates. This certification is crucial in today’s increasingly diverse marketplace.
Critical Components of the AHWD Certification
- Comprehensive Coursework: The AHWD certification includes a one-day course that can be completed online or in a classroom setting. This course covers essential topics such as diversity, equity, inclusion, fair housing, and risk reduction, aiming to prepare realtors to effectively serve a multicultural client base.
- Continuing Education Credits: Depending on the state, realtors who complete the AHWD course may be eligible for continuing education (CE) credits, which are crucial for maintaining licensure and enhancing professional skills.
- Elective Credits for Other Designations: Completing the AHWD course provides elective credits towards the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and, in some cases, the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designations. This integration helps professionals achieve additional credentials while enhancing their diversity skills.
Financial and Professional Benefits
- Cost-Effectiveness: The online version of the AHWD course is priced at $99.00, with a discounted application fee of $40 for REALTORS®, valid until December 31, 2024. This makes it affordable for many professionals seeking to expand their qualifications.
- Marketing Tools and Resources: Upon certification, REALTORS® gain access to exclusive AHWD marketing tools and resources, which can be instrumental in attracting a diverse clientele and showcasing their commitment to inclusive service.
Maintaining Certification
To keep the AHWD certification active, REALTORS® must maintain their NAR International REALTOR® Member membership, which involves an annual fee of $75. This requirement ensures that certified professionals continue to uphold the standards and practices endorsed by NAR.
Course Instructors and Content
The AHWD courses are led by experienced professionals like Nate Johnson, who has over 24 years of experience in the real estate industry. Their extensive knowledge helps enrich the learning experience, ensuring attendees gain practical and actionable insights into handling diverse market dynamics.
Future Developments
The AHWD program is continually evolving to meet the needs of the real estate community. Soon, an entirely Spanish-language version of the online course will be available, making the certification accessible to a broader audience and further supporting the goal of inclusivity in real estate.
By integrating these educational elements, the AHWD certification empowers real estate professionals like Rick Fogerty to navigate and succeed in a multicultural environment, reinforcing their role as inclusive practitioners dedicated to providing equitable services to all clients.
Rick Fogerty’s Journey to Certification
Rick Fogerty, the visionary behind AccuPhotography, has always promoted diversity and inclusion. His journey towards achieving the At Home With Diversity® (AHWD) certification is a testament to his commitment to these values. Fogerty’s path has been marked by significant educational and professional milestones that underscore his dedication to fostering an inclusive business environment. Fogerty completed the At Home With Diversity® (AHWD) certification at the MetroTex Association of REALTORS® headquarters in Irving, Texas.
Educational and Professional Development
- LGBT Business Enterprise Certification: As a certified LGBT Business Enterprise, Fogerty has demonstrated his commitment to supporting diverse communities, further enhancing his reputation as a leader in inclusive business practices.
- Impact Growth Accelerator Program: Participation in this program aimed at minority-owned businesses equipped Fogerty with critical business development and growth tools, showcasing his proactive approach to embracing diversity.
- Small Business Workshops: By attending workshops led by Gary Johnson at Wesleyan University, Fogerty gained valuable insights and skills essential for managing and growing a profitable business, emphasizing his dedication to continual learning and adaptation.
Professional Certifications
- At Home With Diversity®: This certification from the National Association of REALTORS® highlights Rick’s commitment to diversity, supporting a diverse community, and delivering excellence in all we do.
- FAA Certified Part 107 Aerial Drone Remote Pilot: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification highlights his expertise with aerial drones and reflects his broader commitment to excellence and professional development.
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP): This certification from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) highlights his photography expertise and reflects his broader commitment to excellence and professional development.
Rick Fogerty’s educational and professional achievements illustrate his unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity. His journey to obtaining the AHWD certification enhances his ability to serve a multicultural clientele and sets a standard for others in the real estate photography business to follow.
Impact of the AHWD Certification on Rick Fogerty’s Real Estate Photography Business
Rick Fogerty’s acquisition of the At Home With Diversity® (AHWD) certification significantly enhances his capabilities within his real estate photography business, AccuPhotography. This certification equips him with a deeper understanding of U.S. fair housing laws and the nuanced attributes of local market diversity, ensuring that all client interactions are handled with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism. Furthermore, this knowledge allows him to develop tailored professional guidelines that cater to a diverse clientele, effectively minimizing business risks and broadening his service offerings.
Enhanced Business Etiquette and International Clientele
The AHWD certification also gives Rick the necessary skills to understand and apply business etiquette that resonates with various cultural backgrounds. This is particularly beneficial for expanding his business reach to international clients, offering him a competitive edge in the global market.
Access to Exclusive Marketing Tools and Resources
By holding the AHWD certification, Rick gains access to exclusive marketing tools and resources. These tools help him communicate his commitment to diversity and inclusion effectively. Additionally, membership in the At Home With Diversity® Certification Holders Facebook group opens up further networking and referral opportunities, which are invaluable for business growth and sustainability.
Comprehensive Service Offerings
Rick Fogerty’s business, AccuPhotography, is known for its comprehensive services, including high-quality real estate photography and media services. These services are complemented by his status as an FAA-certified remote Drone Pilot and a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), which allow him to offer unique aerial views and exceptional photographic quality that meet the diverse needs of his clients.
Commitment to Diversity and Excellence
AccuPhotography is recognized for its commitment to excellence and as a trusted choice among top real estate agents. This reputation is bolstered by Rick’s proactive involvement in educating business and community leaders on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices through programs like the one at the University of South Florida (USF) Muma College of Business. His role in developing and implementing the Mansfield Rule further underscores his dedication to fostering inclusivity and ensuring fair leadership and career advancement opportunities in various professional sectors.
Conclusion
Rick Fogerty’s attainment of the At Home with Diversity® certification is more than a professional milestone; it’s a clear testament to his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence within the real estate sector. His journey, interwoven with significant educational endeavors and a hands-on approach toward enhancing service delivery to a diverse clientele, mirrors the evolving landscape of real estate professionals prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion. This certification highlights Fogerty’s dedication to embracing a multicultural marketplace and sets a commendable benchmark for his fellow real estate affiliates in promoting fair housing practices and understanding the intricate nuances of a diverse client base.
The impact of Rick Fogerty’s accomplishments extends beyond the individual level, offering a blueprint for real estate professionals keen on making inclusivity a cornerstone of their business model. By integrating the profound insights and comprehensive understanding from the At Home with Diversity® certification into his practice, Fogerty paves the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and culturally competent real estate industry. For those inspired by Fogerty’s journey and looking to deepen their understanding of diversity and inclusion principles within their own practices, a wealth of resources and further information is readily available. Learn more about our Diversity Policy, and consider how incorporating these vital dimensions into your professional repertoire can significantly enhance your service offerings and client relationships.
FAQs
What do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean in real estate?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in real estate align with the Fair Housing Act and the Code of Ethics, which guide real estate professionals. These principles mandate that all clients and employees are treated with fairness and equality, without discrimination based on race, sex, religion, color, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, or national origin.
What does AHWD stand for, and what does it encompass?
AHWD stands for At Home With Diversity®, a certification program that covers topics such as diversity, equity, inclusion, fair housing, and risk reduction. Those participating in the program will develop practical skills and tools for expanding their business and providing adequate service to a diverse clientele.
