The 2026 cohort

Meet the mentors.

Past and current AREAA National Presidents, national officers, chapter leaders, and senior executives across real estate, mortgage, and finance — committed to developing the next generation of AAPI real estate leaders.

Randy Char
Former President, AREAA North America

Randy Char

Global Brand Ambassador for Las Vegas Sotheby's International Realty, with over 25 years of experience in luxury real estate and brokerage.

James Huang
2020 AREAA National President

James Huang

Managing Director of RESAAS Commercial, with 25+ years of leadership in commercial real estate and global brokerage services.

Jeff Needham
HSBC Bank USA

Jeff Needham

U.S. Head of National Sales and Interim U.S. West Region Head for International Wealth & Premier Banking at HSBC Bank USA.

Kurt Nishimura
2023 AREAA National President

Kurt Nishimura

Founder of the AREAA Greater Phoenix Chapter, with over 25 years of experience in commercial and residential real estate.

Melissa Sofia
2026 AREAA National Policy Chair

Melissa Sofia

Founder of The Avenue Home Collective and a San Diego real estate leader; AREAA San Diego Chapter President.

Jamie Tian
2024–2025 AREAA National President

Jamie Tian

Founder and Broker-Owner of RealiFi Realty; A-List Top Producer.

Tom Truong
2019 AREAA National President

Tom Truong

Founder of eXp Realty Boston and eXp Commercial; sales team leader and trainer.

Ace Watanasuparp
Past EDGE Chair

Ace Watanasuparp

Vice President at Cliffco Mortgage Bank; former National Director for Residential Lending at Citizens Bank.

Justin Wong
2028 AREAA National President-Elect

Justin Wong

Senior Advisor at SVN Pacific Commercial Advisors, specializing in multifamily, office, and retail properties across the Bay Area.

Soo Yu
2028 AREAA National Treasurer-Elect

Soo Yu

Top-producing REALTOR with Sotheby's International Realty; 2024–2025 AREAA Northern New Jersey Chapter President.

Ready to engage?

Apply to the 2027 cohort.

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