Windermere Real Estate announced that Brooks Glenn was named director of inclusion and community engagement and will head the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Brooks replaces former head of DEI Samantha Enos, who has returned to her role as a real estate broker after helping to establish the company’s DEI efforts.
“Following Samantha’s return to real estate sales, we had many discussions about the future of DEI at Windermere and how we could best continue our efforts and the goals we outlined for the company in 2021,” President OB Jacobi said in a press release. “These discussions intensified in recent months as we watched companies around the country pull back from their DEI commitments.
“Despite this trend, we feel strongly that it’s important to continue our work to support and advance diversity, equity and inclusion within our company, within our industry, and within homeownership. And we are confident that Brooks is the right person to lead those efforts,” Jacobi continued.
A 20-year veteran of the real estate industry, including six years with Windermere, Glenn is the first vice president of Western Washington Realtist and a member of the Black Home Initiative. Both organizations promote equity in homeownership for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
“I took this position because I recognize the historical role that real estate professionals played in perpetuating harm and systemic inequalities, particularly toward Black communities and other minority groups,” Glenn said. “Practices like restrictive covenants, redlining and exclusionary opportunities in real estate contributed to long-lasting harm for both homebuyers and practitioners. While legal changes have been made, and hearts and minds have clearly shifted, I believe the work is far from over.”
In his role, Glenn will be responsible for Windermere’s overall DEI strategy and will support Windermere offices with the planning and execution of DEI programs. He’ll also focus on community outreach and collaboration.
“Windermere standing strong in its commitment to not simply support the moment, but become a driving force to promote diversity, equity and inclusion has the potential to inspire others and change communities,” Glenn added.