I wanted to share my reflections from this year’s AREAA National Housing Policy Summit, held during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

2025 marks my fourth year attending this powerful event, and each time I return to Washington, D.C., I’m reminded of what a privilege it is to live in the United States. My parents and I immigrated from the Philippines in pursuit of the American dream — and for many families like ours, that dream has always included owning a home.

Through the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), I’ve found more than a professional network. I’ve found a community that connects me deeply to my Asian heritage and allows me to advocate for meaningful policy change to make homeownership more accessible for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

Like clockwork, all 45 AREAA chapters across the U.S. and Canada came together for one day to speak directly with lawmakers about the biggest barriers our clients face. It’s an incredible feat — hundreds of AREAA Realtors and real estate professionals walking the halls of Congress with one voice, one mission and countless stories of the families we serve.

But what struck me most this year — beyond the policies — was the theme that carried through every conversation: resilience.

I invite you to explore this year’s 2025 State of Asia America Report, a publication that goes beyond data to highlight the human stories and strength within our community, at stateofasiaamerica.org.

Crisis and Community — Navigating Disasters

This section outlines the blueprints of resilience. The report tells stories of loss, courage, and survival — from the wildfires in Maui and Los Angeles to hurricanes in the South and flooding in Texas. AANHPI families across the country have faced heartbreaking challenges. And yet, in every disaster, our communities show up.

We read about elders who fled with nothing but faith, families who helped their neighbors before themselves and grassroots organizations that provided meals, shelter and language-accessible resources. These are not isolated acts — they reflect the deep-rooted strength and solidarity within our communities.

Rebuild and Reclaim — The Path to Recovery

Rebuilding is never just about physical structures — it’s about restoring place, identity and hope. The report highlights how recovery is rarely simple, especially for AANHPI homeowners navigating language barriers, limited insurance and rising construction costs.

Rebuilding in Lahaina is about more than homes — it’s about honoring generations of history, culture and identity. After the 2023 wildfires, Native Hawaiian leaders and residents emphasized that recovery must respect sacred land, ancestral sites and community-led traditions. Daily blessings now guide cleanup efforts, while reforestation projects like Treecovery aim to heal the land.

The community of Lahaina is committed to building and shaping its future with a demanded respect for its Native Hawaiian traditions.

In Los Angeles, many AANHPI families who lost everything in the Eaton and Palisades fires are still deciding whether they can afford to return. The AREAA Foundation stepped in with direct relief grants to help families restart. But what stays with me are those who kept giving even while grieving — like Joan Nguyen, who launched an emergency child care initiative for displaced families, or the Tzu Chi volunteers, who provided warm meals, spiritual care and a powerful reminder: you are not alone.

Vision for Tomorrow — Adapting to a Changing World

We’re living in a time when climate, affordability and equity intersect in complex ways. The report reminds us that for many AANHPI homebuyers, disaster preparedness, in-language services and faster pathways to safe, affordable housing are no longer optional — they’re essential.

Resilience doesn’t mean returning to the way things were. It means reimagining a future that works better — for everyone. It means climate-resilient housing, multilingual emergency alerts and rebuilding efforts that are inclusive and community-focused.

At AREAA, it’s an honor to be part of a community that transforms lives through real estate. As Realtors, and as part of the broader Realtor associations and community networks, we continue to advocate, support and rebuild — no matter the obstacle.

As we look ahead, I hope you’ll join us at the AREAA National Convention in Santa Monica, Oct. 2–4, 2025. Let’s continue to learn from one another, build stronger communities and — most importantly — move forward together with resilience at the heart of all we do.

AREAA Greater Chicago will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026

This milestone honors two decades of commitment to community service, professional development, sustainability and policy advocacy. We invite you to celebrate with us and be part of shaping the next 20 years of impact and growth.

Cleo Aquino is the chapter president at AREAA Greater Chicago.