Juan Valencia, membership director and member of the local chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), shares with enthusiasm how this national organization came to be established in Philadelphia.
«This initiative began two years ago, inspired by our colleague Silvana Arraya, who attended an event in Miami and saw the positive impact NAHREP has on our Latino communities,» Valencia explains. «Since then, we’ve been working to promote financial education and increase access to homeownership opportunities.»
The Philadelphia chapter has a clear mission: to educate the community about the importance of homeownership, promote the creation of generational wealth, and support both buyers and real estate professionals. This includes agents, inspectors, contractors, and Spanish-speaking attorneys, while also connecting the community to scholarships and valuable resources.
National support has been key. “Having the backing of NAHREP at the national level has been essential,” Valencia says. “They provide us with tools, training, and visibility as part of the most important Latino professional network in the country.”
One of the chapter’s major upcoming events is the Leadership Academy, to be held on November 4 in Philadelphia. Chapter leaders from across the U.S. will gather for conferences, networking, and to strengthen the movement.
Valencia also highlights the leadership of chapter president José «Pacho» Correa: “His experience has made everything more manageable. He has helped project our chapter forward, encouraging the participation of other real estate leaders from various sectors. We have a committed board of directors, and that makes all the difference.”
Empowering Latino Youth
“The Hispanic community is the youngest in the country, with an average age of 31,” adds Valencia. “We want to motivate and inspire young people to invest in their homes.” The chapter offers mentorships, training, and development programs across key areas of the industry, with pathways to become real estate agents, inspectors, contractors, or lenders.
The Greatest Challenge
“We’re all busy professionals. The biggest challenge is aligning our schedules,” Valencia admits. “But with organization and a clear vision, we continue building our local chapter.”
To date, the chapter has partnered with over 15 sponsors, including credit and lending institutions. “This is a movement and an opportunity for everyone,” Valencia affirms. “We want to grow this network and welcome all — with or without experience — across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.”
For further information, visit: https://nahrepphiladelphia.org.
