IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates the real estate brokerage franchise networks Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Real Living Real Estate and Prudential Real Estate, announced today the appointment of Teresa Palacios Smith as vice president, Diversity and Inclusion. Palacios Smith will oversee the franchisor’s commitment to increase diversity among its brokerage networks helping them mirror the diversity of the communities they serve. She comes to her position from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, where she was vice president of Business Development.
Palacios Smith has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, receiving multiple industry awards and leading several minority-focused economic organizations. In 2014, she was ranked nationally as one of the top Latina real estate agents by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) based on its “Top 250” list, and was featured in Allan Dalton’s book Creating Real Estate Connections for her work with minorities. She was also named by Atlanta Tribune Magazine as one of Atlanta’s Superwomen for her leadership and advocacy in the Hispanic community.
In 2015, Palacios Smith served as president of NAHREP, where she led national efforts to promote sustainable Hispanic homeownership. She also served as chairwoman of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was recognized by that organization as a Member of the Year. Finally, Palacios Smith is a co-founder of the NAHREP Atlanta Chapter formed in 2005.
“We are thrilled that Teresa will lead our national diversity and inclusion efforts,” said Gino Blefari, president and CEO of HSF Affiliates. “She is a strong leader and is as passionate as anyone when it comes to advocating homeownership for all. Her expertise will be invaluable as she ensures diversity for our real estate brokerage franchise networks.”
Palacios Smith said her immediate focus will be on diversity-led recruitment efforts for the brokerage networks and developing marketing collateral for minority real estate consumers. She will also consult with broker/owners on ways to grow business through focused diversity initiatives.
“I’m excited to bring my passion of helping minorities achieve the American Dream to my new role at HSF Affiliates,” said Palacios Smith, who is the daughter of Colombian immigrants. “I’m eager to work with network broker/owners to identify new business and recruiting opportunities that include people from every ethnicity, economic status and background. My goal is to look back five years from now and proudly say that every facet of our organization mirrors the diversity we find in the marketplace.”
Dan Forsman, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, said he’s sorry to see Palacios Smith leave the brokerage yet understands her energy and expertise will be well received at the national level. “We are proud to offer Teresa our best wishes as she begins her calling with HSF Affiliates,” he said. “Teresa’s successful business development career with our company over the past 22 years has prepared her to represent HSF Affiliates and its real estate networks in their focus to expand diversity initiatives and the footprint of the franchise brands.”
Added Kathy Connelly, senior vice president of Corporate Services for Georgia Properties: “It is an honor to have been involved in Teresa’s career development and to see her dedication and diverse talents be recognized by our national leadership team,” she said. “Our nationwide network of brokerages will now benefit from her passion and leadership.”
Palacios Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Mississippi State University, and is fluent in Spanish and English. She resides with her family in Johns Creek, near Atlanta.
About HSF Affiliates LLC
Irvine, CA-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate brokerage franchise networks. The company is part of a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is the majority owner.
Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, and are used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential.
