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Celebrating a Historic Milestone: NAHREP Cleveland Becomes First Chapter in Ohio
By: Veronica Cardello, AVP External Engagement
Ohio REALTORS® proudly congratulates the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) on the official launch of the NAHREP Cleveland Chapter — a historic milestone as the first NAHREP chapter established in the state of Ohio.
After more than two years of planning, collaboration, and dedication from local leaders and industry partners, the founding of NAHREP Cleveland marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Ohio’s real estate community. The announcement of its Founding Board of Directors represents not only a major achievement for those involved, but also a meaningful step forward in strengthening leadership, professional engagement, and homeownership opportunities across the region.
NAHREP is a national organization committed to advancing sustainable Hispanic homeownership through advocacy, education, and professional development. Across the country, NAHREP chapters serve as a platform for real estate professionals to grow as leaders, strengthen their businesses, and engage more deeply within their communities. Through networking, policy engagement, and community outreach, NAHREP works to promote responsible homeownership and expand pathways to economic mobility and generational wealth.
The establishment of the Cleveland chapter reflects the continued evolution of Ohio’s real estate industry and the importance of ensuring that leadership opportunities and professional networks reflect the communities REALTORS® serve. As Ohio continues to experience growth and demographic change, organizations like NAHREP play an important role in fostering collaboration, encouraging engagement, and supporting professionals who are helping more families achieve the dream of homeownership.
This milestone is significant not only for Hispanic real estate professionals, but for the entire real estate community in Ohio. The launch of NAHREP Cleveland highlights the strength that comes from bringing together professionals with shared goals — expanding housing opportunity, supporting responsible development, and building stronger, more connected communities.
Ohio REALTORS® celebrates the vision, persistence, and leadership of the Founding Board of Directors and all those who worked tirelessly over the past two years to bring this chapter to life. Their commitment to service and community impact has created new opportunities for collaboration and growth that will benefit the industry for years to come.
As Ohio’s first NAHREP chapter begins its journey, we look forward to the positive impact it will have on professionals, communities, and future homeowners throughout the state. This achievement represents more than the launch of a new organization — it reflects a shared commitment to leadership, inclusion,
collaborations, and the continued advancement of homeownership in Ohio.
Congratulations to NAHREP Cleveland on making history. This is only the beginning, and the best is yet to come.
Photo (from left to right): Deborah Bonner, Yaritza Cartagena, Antonio Valdez, Shay Gonzalez, Raul Gongora, President Dina Hernandez, Vice President Feliz Colon, Asdrid Ortega, Angie Lopez, Paula Zamparo, Courtney DeMarco, Ty Nisthauz
Veronica Cardello, AHWD, C2EX,MPAP
Veronica Cardello leads local advocacy, community engagement, and global business initiatives for Ohio REALTORS®. She works closely with local associations to identify key issues affecting the real estate industry and directs support through the Issues Mobilization Campaign. Veronica strengthens REALTOR®-policymaker relationships, expands global partnerships, and promotes sustainability in real estate. She also oversees local government and community engagement programs, ensuring REALTORS® have the resources to advocate for homeownership and property rights while advancing Ohio REALTORS®’ international outreach.
