Living Room Realty Announces Recipient of Excellence in Diversity Scholarship

Jamis Minnis, recipient of 2019 Excellence in Diversity ScholarshipLiving Room Realty, a real estate company specializing in Portland, Vancouver, and the North Oregon Coast has announced Jamis Minnis as the recipient of their 2019 Excellence in Diversity Scholarship.

The company introduced the scholarship to facilitate a path toward a real estate career for candidates in underrepresented communities and for those that would otherwise find the costs of pursing a real estate career a financial burden.

The scholarship recognizes the potential of applicants, who through sharing their varied cultural perspectives will enhance the real estate community in Portland while increasing their own chances for personal homeownership and financial security.

Minnis was awarded $13,000 to cover the estimated start up expenses of becoming a licensed realtor. Living Room Realty will also provide a mentor, educational and marketing support to help Minnis develop a thriving, sustainable real estate business.

“Winning this scholarship was financially key for me,” said Minnis. “It provides me with access to mentorship and to be part of a community that honors awareness, support, inclusion, diversity, and social justice. This scholarship allows me to start a new career showing up as me, my whole self, and know that I'll be accepted and supported while pursuing my dreams.”

Helping marginalized individuals achieve the stability of homeownership has been a dream of Minnis. Growing up in Florida poverty, Minnis experienced first hand what it was like not to have a stable home. They have spent countless volunteer hours working with organizations to help communities maintain affordable housing and achieve home stability including Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

“We are honored to present this scholarship to Jamis. The selection committee and myself believe they are truly deserving of it, ” said Jenelle Isaacson, owner of Living Room Realty. “Jamis has a valuable perspective when it comes to navigating the hardship and hurdles many face on the path to homeownership. We believe they will be an incredible asset to the Portland real estate community and future homebuyers.”

Selection criteria for choosing the 2019 recipient of the Living Room Realty Excellence in Diversity Scholarship includes past academic performance, professional experience and community involvement. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, are non-homeowners, have been residents of the Portland metro area for 10 or more years and are from underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities and/or who identify as LGBTQA.

To learn more about Living Room Realty, visit their website.