Celebrating Black History Month

Tiana Harrison

"Remember, diversity guarantees success; align your values with those who get it, and possess the acumen to blaze a trail for those coming behind you."

Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in real estate?

A: As a child, I was always drawn to the architectural and cultural characteristics of different neighborhoods. But my parents were homeowners, as were their parents, so the importance of ownership became foundational. For decades, my grandmother collected home design inspiration from magazines and eventually built her dream home on land left by her father. Ancestry inspired me to pursue a career in real estate and become an advocate for those seeking to build wealth and create and preserve a legacy through ownership.   

Q: Are there specific initiatives or projects you've been involved in that have had a positive impact?

A: Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, American Heart Association, Atlanta Mission for Homelessness.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring Black real estate professionals looking to excel in the industry?

A: Remember, diversity guarantees success; align your values with those who get it, and possess the acumen to blaze a trail for those coming behind you. There are not enough examples of people who look like us in ownership and leadership roles, which is why market representation matters. Historically, we have battled discrimination through policies and practices that seem never-ending due to systemic oppression, but at the end of the day, success is not an entitlement; it has to be earned. Keep excelling! 

Q: What steps do you think can be taken to promote more diversity and inclusion in luxury real estate?

A: With the advancement of tech trends, advertising, and marketing within luxury real estate, it is an industry responsibility to debunk the imagery or misconception that there is one type of luxury agent and client. Diversity and inclusion should always be reflected on our websites, our resources, and across leadership. We should also find people who genuinely hold different views and invite them into the luxury real estate conversation. Diversity and inclusion is not a trend, it's a mindset. You have to care and be intentional.  

Q: Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful experience you've had while working in luxury real estate?

A: The most impactful moment in my career was hearing the story of how my grandfather grew up in Macedonia Park, a lost community in the affluent Atlanta-Buckhead area founded by freed slaves in the late 1800’s. By 1942, neighboring Buckhead residents petitioned to get rid of the community, and by the mid-1940s all Black families had been displaced by the county in favor of a public park. His mother's, my great- grandmother’s, headstone sits at the front of the park at the Mount Olive Cemetery and serves as one of the only physical remnants to the legacy of a thriving historic community. When I think of his story, I think of building blocks. I’m reminded of the wealth gap, and I’m inspired to keep thriving for excellence despite racism or whatever obstacles come my way.

Tristain O’Donnell

“It's not about sales, it’s about connecting with people on a real level.”

Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in real estate?

A: My mom was always in real estate in some form or fashion (from being a loan office to investing and having rentals to real estate sales) and I think it was just inevitably in my blood.

Q: Are there specific initiatives or projects you’ve been involved in that have had a positive impact?

A: My hope and goal is that everything I do in real estate has a positive impact. As a REALTOR®, my job is to teach and educate the public, dig down deep into the conversations with people, and understand that when they say they want to buy a house, it’s not just about a home but also about the financial stability that home buying gives and the future profits that provide retirement and further investment money for them.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring Black real estate professionals looking to excel in the industry?

A: It’s a “people” business. Get out and meet as many people as you can. Have honest conversations with them that don’t always necessarily revolve around real estate. It’s not about sales; it’s about connecting with people on a real level. In addition, it's about expertise and knowledge – learn everything you can every single day and never quit learning. Keep abreast of the industry and the changes that come with it daily.

Q: What steps do you think can be taken to promote more diversity and inclusion in luxury real estate?

A: This goes for any business and not just real estate, but everyone has to choose people and knowledge over race and religion.