This past year for AREAA Atlanta has been one of the most emotional and memorable chapters in our organization’s history. When 2024 president Jimmy Chang tragically passed away in December 2024, it shook our entire board and membership. None of us were prepared for that kind of loss. So, when I stepped into the role of president in February, it wasn’t under the usual circumstances. It was heavy, and it was personal.
But what really amazed me was how our chapter rallied. Everyone came together in such a genuine way. It reminded me why AREAA Atlanta is so special. We didn’t just try to move forward, we supported each other, checked on one another and made sure the chapter stayed strong through everything.
Resilience isn’t just a word for the Atlanta chapter, it’s our identity. In the face of heartbreak, we chose action over retreat, community over isolation and service over silence. We leaned on each other, supported our members, and turned loss into motivation.
That resilience is exactly why our chapter has remained strong, connected and impactful, despite everything we’ve endured. It’s also what won us the Chapter Sustainability Award at the AREAA National Conference in Santa Monica in October.
Indeed, despite our loss, we managed to have an incredibly active year. We packed the calendar with events. We hosted continuing education classes to help agents stay on top of their CE requirements. We held our first pickleball tournament, “Charity Pickle for a Purpose,” which not only ended up being much more competitive than expected but also introduced AREAA to even more people in Atlanta’s Asian community.
Our industry roundtables brought great conversations and insights, and our mixers gave everyone a chance to connect, unwind and build real relationships.
One of my favorite parts of the year was giving back. We volunteered at the food bank, which was such a meaningful experience for all of us. We also participated in a color run with our sponsor Gas South, which brought out members and families and added a fun, energetic vibe to the year. And of course, the kids absolutely loved our Halloween trunk or treat.
Through it all, we’ve continued to grow because of the strong relationships we’ve built with our sponsors and supporters. Atlanta’s real estate community, from local leaders to industry partners, has consistently shown us tremendous support. AREAA is truly well known and respected here, and that support has helped us keep moving forward with purpose.
Now we’re getting ready for our Christmas Party, which feels like the perfect way to wrap up a year that tested us, bonded us and ultimately strengthened our chapter in ways we never expected. It’s more than just a celebration, it’s a moment to reflect on everything we’ve pushed through and everything we’ve accomplished together.
Because no matter what challenges come our way, we stand together—and if resilience has a name, it’s AREAA Atlanta.
Cindy Hoa Nguyen is the 2025 president of AREAA Atlanta.