DRE Commissioner Reflects on Crossroads of Culture during Filipino American Real Estate Professional Association Keynote

Published: September 4, 2024

Be on Alert for Credit Schemes Themed "Crossroad of Culture," the Filipino American Real Estate Professional Association Silicon Valley (FAREPA SV) Board of Directors and Officer Installation Ceremony took place on August 22 in Milpitas, with an address by Department of Real Estate Commissioner Chika Sunquist.

The installation ceremony inducted incoming Board of Directors members and its Officers, with a focus on emphasizing the growth of communal unity and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of FAREPA's community.

Reflections from the Commissioner

"What is a culture, what does it represent, what is a crossroad, and what opportunity does a crossroad bring?" Commissioner Sunquist posed to the more than 100 members sitting in the crowd.

Reflecting on her own combination of cultures - from her Japanese heritage to an American society upbringing to her beliefs, values, and oath as a civil servant - the Commissioner underscored that she is not alone in being unique.

"Then what brings us to these crossroads and then unites us?" asked Commissioner Sunquist. "We want our lives to have meaning. We want to contribute to our community, to keep ourselves a part of our society that allows us to live a fulfilling life."

With much gratitude, the Commissioner thanked the crowd for the opportunity to learn about Bayanihan, a long-lived custom known in the Filipino community as a notion of helping one another without expecting anything in return and effort towards a common goal -- something that was felt throughout the evening.

Bayanihan is the crossroad of cultures, the Commissioner emphasized, and it can help to move us and DRE forward in our mission and goals using the strengths and values of all of us as individuals in a unified effort.

"While DRE is generally seen as a licensing and regulatory agency with a primary mission of consumer protection, I like to think we are so much more than that, and we are capable of more," said Commissioner Sunquist. "We look to promote education to licensees and consumers alike. We are part of a global community of people that want to help consumers in the regulatory and housing worlds. We want our communities to be safely sheltered and in a home. We want to play our part in ending homelessness."

DRE's Commissioner concluded with reminding FAREPA SV's members of what it means to be an agent and have fiduciary duties, underscoring to put client's economic interests ahead of your own, explain practical application, stay informed on laws and best practices, treat one another fairly, and truly show your value as a licensee.

FAREPA SV is a California non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the professional advancement of Filipino American real estate professionals in Silicon Valley through education, networking events, and mentorship opportunities.

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DRE's Speakers Bureau is committed to educating the real estate community and provides free access to real estate subject matter experts. Upon request, DRE representatives present at consumer/community events, such as real estate association meetings and conferences on a variety of topics, including Licensee Best Practices, Fair Housing Laws, DRE Enforcement, and more. For more information on requesting a DRE speaker, please visit: https://www.dre.ca.gov/about/RequestSpeaker.html.