OUR TEAM
Congratulations to our CABREP members on their 2024 C.A.R. Appointments! We are confident that your influence will continue to encourage more Black Real Estate Professionals. We appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time and effort, as well as express your opinions, which certainly has contributed to your appointment. We wish you all the best as you represent us."
- Robert Johnson, 2024 CABREP President







Executive Commitee

Mel Wilson, MRE
2025 President
Mel Wilson, MRE, is a renowned national subject matter expert (SME), public speaker, housing advocate, real estate asset manager, and author of real estate curriculum. With over 40 years of experience, his expertise is relied on to foster wealth creation and economic empowerment through residential and commercial real estate. Mel’s visionary leadership and dedication to community impact have positioned him as a trusted authority on community lending, innovative housing solutions, transit-oriented developments, and the transformative power of land use and zoning policies in creating healthy, sustainable communities.
He is a national Subject Matter Expert (SME):
Residential & Commercial Real Estate
Transit Oriented Communities (TOC)
Land Use & Zoning Policies
Leadership Facilitator
Legislative Advocacy
Workforce Housing
Housing and Generational Wealth Advocate
Former NFL, All-America Football Player
Commercial Real Estate master’s degree, MRE
Federal Political Coordinator U.S. Senator Alex Padilla
NAR Director, 17-years – CAR Director for Life
Fernando Award Recipient
REALTOR® Emeritus
Education & Outreach
Bachelor Science Business Administration Management, California State University, Northridge
Master of Commercial Real Estate MRE, Columbia College
California State University Northridge, (CSUN) Adjunct Professor for Real Estate Courses
Conducted Home Buyer Education Seminars for CSUN Faculty, Staff and Administrators
Conducted Home Buyer Education Seminars for Consumers
Regional Government
Los Angeles Countywide Citizens Regional Planning Advisory Council, President
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board appointed by Los Angeles City Mayors’ Richard Riordan and Antonio Villariagosa
Real Estate Industry Service, Other Experience and Credentials
National Association of Realtor FPC for U.S. Senator Alex Padilla
Former Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX franchisee, and Independent Broker Owner
Director 19-years, National Association of Realtors
Realtor Emeritus, National Association of Realtors
California Association of Realtors (CAR) Director for Life
30-years Legislative Housing Advocate, Southland Regional Association of Realtors
Southland Regional Association of Realtors (SRAR) 11,000 members, President
Southland Regional Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year
Kodak All-America Football 1st Team, College Division I, American Football Coaches Association
National Football League New York Football Giants 5th round draft, Kansas City Chiefs
Canadian Football League Football Player, Calgary Stampeders

Robert Johnson
Past-President
Robert Johnson is a Realtor, Broker, Owner of EH Realty operating out of Woodland Hills California. Robert is active in the community, sponsoring 4 different schools in the San Fernando Valley.
2023 Is a busy year for Robert, as he is currently serving as a Director at Large for C.A.R., Board of Directors for Southland Regional Association of REALTORS, Board of Directors at AREAA (Asian Real Estate Association of America, President Elect at CABREP, Member of the Commercial and Investment Division at C.A.R., and the liaison to the YPN committee for the Board of Directors at Southland Regional Association of REALTORS.
He received his realtor license in 2008 and worked as a realtor for Keller Williams prior to founding E H Realty in 2013.
Robert graduated from Cal State University Northridge in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, and takes pride in the goodwill and stellar reputation he and his wife Reese have established for their family and 2 children.
In addition to his commitment to his family and his clients, Robert manages to find time to volunteer at his church in the Children's Ministry and Security team at his church every month.

Yolanda Washington
2025 Treasurer
Yolanda is the License Broker- Owner/ Realtor® of Side-by-Side Real Estate Service, overseeing professionals Real Estate Agent who collaborate to serve clients with a range of talents. Yolanda’s strengths lie in creatively analyzing, negotiating, marketing and problem solving. She is an excellent listener and communicator, with an abundance of patience and enthusiasm, with valuable skills. Yolanda guides clients through each step of the buying or selling process, and proactively addresses concerns and questions.
License since 2001, Yolanda has specialized in residential real Estate throughout Los Angeles County. Her knowledge, competence and dedication have garnered her countless satisfied clients. Her passion for real estate and her compassion for what client’s experience have made her one of the top real estate professionals in her community.
2024 President, Los Angeles Southwest Association of Realtors® (LASAOR)
2024 Tresurer, California Association of Black Real Estate Professionals (CABREP)
2024 Shareholders, Combined L.A. Westside (CLAW) Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
2024 Director, California Association of REALTORS® (CAR)
2024 California Association of REALTORS, Home Ownership Housing Committee member, Professional Development & Education Committee member, Association President Leadership Forum committee Member.
2023 REALTOR® OF THE YEAR, Los Angeles Southwest Association of Realtors® (LASAOR)
2021~ 2023 Chair Education Chair, Los Angeles Southwest Association of REALTORS® (LASAOR)

Evelyn Arnold
Executive Committee
Licensed and member of C.A.R. & N.A.R. as a Sales agent in 1965, a Realtor® Broker's license in 1967. Opened Real Estate office in Compton, CA. President of local association of the Compton-Lynwood Board in 1976 and 1980. President of Rancho Southeast Association of Realtors® after merger in 1994. Realtor® of the Year in 1981 and Distinguished Realtor® in 1998. RSAOR Member & Board of Director, C.A.R. Member & Director For Life, Federal Issues Committee Member, Realtor® Political Action Committee Member, Key Contact to Senator Steven Bradford, Federal Political Coordinator to Congresswoman Maxine Waters, President's Circle, Golden "R", Hall of Fame Member and named by the California Association of Realtors® on October 11, 2018 as the 2018 California Distinguished Realtor®.
Board of Directors

Linda Clinton
Board of Directors
Linda is a long time real estate Broker who has lived and raised a family of 4 in Upland for many years. Family consists of Christine a school teacher, Rochelle an attorney with the Federal government, Ryan a West Point grad and the recipient of a purple heart and bronze star earned in Ramadi in 2007, now a businessman in Memphis, Ronald an attorney in northern California. All three men served in the army-husband Robert is a retired Colonel. When not working her real estate business Linda volunteers with the Claremont Kiwanis believing strongly in community engagement and fundraising to help high school seniors to achieve theri educational goals--near and dear to her heart are the students who prefer to work with their hands, as well as helping with the senior citizens of Claremont. In addition to Kiwanis, Linda has spent the last 20+ years as a volunteer Mediator, Professional Standards chair, member of the Legislative committee and Finance.
St Anthony church in Upland is her chosen parish. Continuing to give she mails out 50 devotionals every quarter, and sends food packages to her native Belize, and helps to fund educational endeavors
Activities:
1. President Citrus Valley AOR, 2018
2. Chair Credentials CAR 2020
3. Vice Chair Professional Standards, CAR, 2021
4. President, Claremont Kiwanis, 2021
5. Vice Chair, IMPAC CAR, 2023
6. Member CABREP
7. Awarded Woman of the Year by Chris Holden, 2023
8. Awarded Realtor of the year, by Citrus Valley AOR 2024.
9. Region Chair, Region 16, 2024

Melrose Forde
Board of Directors
Melrose lives and works in Alameda County of Northern California. A Trinidad and Tobago native (T&T), She graduated from Lenore's Business School where after achieving the highest honor from The Royal Society of Arts, England, she entered the teaching profession. Melrose left the teaching field and entered the world of advertising, eventually, becoming the Media Manager for the largest advertising agency in T & T. Her love of the arts and talent for "number crunching" led to her Real Estate profession in the U.S. Melrose’s devotion to GOD, family, clients, and customers, remains the focal points of her life. Melrose spare time involves singing & community involvement.
2022 C.A.R. Legal Action Fund Trustee.
2022/2021/2020 C.A.R. Member of Legislative & Forum on Forms.
2021/2020 C.A.R. Member of Home Ownership Housing Committee.
2019, 2020 into 1st ¼ of 2021 Member of C.A.R. New RPA Study Group.
2017 & 2014 Vice Chair of C.A.R. Standard Forms Advisory Committee & Forum on Forms.
2017 Chair of C.A.R. SBSA Form Study Group.
2017-2022 Member of C.A.R. Legislative.
2016/2015 Chair/Vice Chair C.A.R. Public Policy.
2016/2015 Vice Chair Bay East PS Mediation.
2013 Chair of C.A.R. Global Real Estate Forum.
2012 Region 6 Chair.
2011 Outstanding Leadership Award, Bay East Association of REALTOR®
2010 - 2014 Bay East Appointed C.A.R. N.A.R. Director.
2010 Vice-Chair of C.A.R. International Real Estate Forum.
2010 Graduate, N.A.R. Leadership Academy.
2010 J.A.D Distinguished Service Award, Bay East Association of REALTOR®.
2009 C.A.R. Vice Chair of Assoc. Presidents Leadership Forum.
2008 President Bay East Association of REALTOR®.
2007 Pres-Elect Bay East Association of REALTOR®.
2006 C.A.R. Vice Chair of Professional Standards.
2006 Treasurer Bay East Association of REALTOR®.
2006 Chair of Bay East Professional Standards.
2005 President Bay East Foundation.
2005 REALTOR® of The Year Bay East Association of REALTOR®.
Current Member, Bay East Past President Committee.
Other Past Roles were C.A.R Region 6 Representative for Membership, Legislative, Professional Standards, Public Policy, Global Real Estate Forum, Standard Forms, and Forum on Forms.

Ruth Hayles
Board of Directors
Previously General Manager/Realtor®, International Realty & Investments for over 30 years.
- Director, California Association of Black Real Estate Professionals
- Treasurer and Director, Rancho Southeast Association of Realtors® (2009 President)
- Chair, Local Government Forum and Director, California Association of Realtors®
- Member, Federal Technology and Policy Committee, National Association of Realtors®
- Member, Southwest Los Angeles Association of Realtors® (1998 President)

Tia Hunnicutt
Board of Directors
Tia Hunnicutt is the Broker and Founder of Proxima Realty a boutique Brokerage that nurtures buyers and sellers in her old hometown of San Francisco, her new hometown of Oakland (30 years), and much of the East Bay, South Bay, and San Joaquin County. Her specialties are residential sales, rehab and renovation, and multi-family investment property sales.
She is one of Realogy’s Top 1000 in the nation in sales volume and has had the honor or serving as the past president and MLS Chair of her local association as well as the current MLS Chair and past Executive Committee member and Regional Chair at the state level.
She studied Physics at UC Berkeley before she left to care for her young son and to pursue a career in entertainment. She is a former member of the Screen Actors Guild and spent 10 years in the film and television industries.
Tia enjoys the company of her husband, four children, and their Aussie Shepards, Bella and Blue, as well as practicing yoga, supporting the Realtor®️’s Relief Fund, and advocating on behalf of CAR and NAR.
TIA HAS HAD THE PLEASURE OF SERVING IN ORGANIZED REAL ESTATE IN THE FOLLOWING CAPACITIES:
NAR
*2025 Vice-Chair, Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee *2024 Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee
*2024 CCRC PAG
*2024-26 NAR Director
*2023 Leadership Academy
*2023 Fair Housing Policy Committee
*2022 Federal Technology Policy Committee
CAR
*2025 CREPAC Alternate
*2025 Strategic Planning and Finance Regional Rep
*2024 Chair MLS Policy
*2023 Vice-Chair MLS Policy
*2022-25 Federal Committee
*2023-25 Fair Housing Policy Committee
*2023-25 CABREP Member
*2022 Steering Committee, Melanie Barker
*2021 Executive Committee
*2021 Regional Chair
*Key Contact-Tony Thurmond
*Past: Legislative Committee, Realtor®️ Action Fund, Global Forum
BRIDGE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®️
*2023-25 Appointed NAR Director
*2023-25 Member, LCRC
*2023-24 Appointed NAR Director
*2023-24 MMG Multi-MLS Regional Management Group
*2024 Board Member, Bridge MLS
*2019 Chair, Bridge MLS
*2014 President, Oakland Association of Realtors
NAR DESIGNATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
*C2EX Endorsed, At Home With Diversity, Accredited Buyer Representative, NAR Green Designation, EPro, Military Resource Professional, Senior Real Estate Specialist, Pricing Strategy Advisor, Short-Sales and Foreclosure Resource, and Resort and Second Property Specialist

Parisha Kinsey
(One-term Term)
Board of Directors
Parisha Kinsey Broker Owner of Got Realty?
Mortgage Professional and Branch Manager at Icorelending
Parisha Kinsey has been in the real estate industry since 2001 and has been a licensed real estate broker since 2007. She is a dedicated real estate professional and has a passion for homeownership and housing equity. As a committed leader in the industry, she is a proud member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, The California Association of Real Estate Brokers, and the California Association of Black Real Estate Professionals.
With a strong background in real estate leadership, Parisha has served as a Director at both her local and state associations, working to shape policies and initiatives that promote fair and accessible homeownership opportunities. She believes in democracy in housing, championing efforts that break down barriers and create pathways for individuals and families to achieve the dream of owning a home.
Parisha’s mission is to empower communities through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. She is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and financial empowerment within the real estate industry, ensuring that homeownership remains within reach for all, regardless of background or circumstance.
Through her leadership and unwavering dedication, Parisha Kinsey continues to be a driving force in the fight for equitable housing, leaving a lasting impact on the future of real estate and community development. If you are interested in getting more information on homeownership or how to keep your home please feel free to call direct 424 230-9202 or email me at igotrealty@gmail.com

Denise Matthis
(One-term Term)
Board of Directors
Although not a true “San Diego Native,” Denise E Matthis has been a resident of San Diego since the age of 2. Denise is the Owner/Broker of DEM Financial Services & Real Estate, a boutique brokerage dedicated to promoting community pride through home ownership and building & preserving generational wealth with real estate. As a buyer’s representative she is passionate and works with first time home buyers and veterans educating them on the home buying process and works with investors. As a seller’s representative she specializes in seniors, probate, and distressed property sales.
As a real estate professional Denise has earned the designation of SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), a designation awarded to less than 5% of Real Estate Professionals in the United States, ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), MRP (Military Relocation Specialist), CMPS (Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist), SFR (Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource), Certified HAFA Consultant, CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert), CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert), and has earned Certified REO and Short Sale Designations from NAR (National Association of REALTOR®), Five Star Institute, LIONGATE Financial Network,Dawson Management, and VRM University. She received her certification as a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, the Master Certification from The Five Star Academy (REO) and was certified as a Real Estate Investment Planning Specialist from The National Commercial Real Estate Association (NCREA).
Denise manages, trains, and supports a team of over 10 professionals dedicated to promoting“Democracy in Housing” and creating wealth thru homeownership.
For over fourteen years Denise has earned recognition as a 5 Star Agent, an honor given to less than 7% of agents in one market. She also has been recognized by her local Association of REALTORS® for her educational accomplishments/real estate designations and is a silver award winner for her real estate production. She was awarded Volunteer REALTOR® of the Year by SDAR (San Diego Association of REALTOR®) and received the“Distinguished Woman of Color” Award from the NAACP.
Denise is active on her local REALTOR® Association Board, having served on the Board of Directors, Government Affairs, Housing Opportunity, and REALTOR® Political Action Committee. Denise serves on the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.) as a director while serving on their Professional Standards, Fair Housing & Policy, and Diversity Committees. Denise is the Past President of theSan Diego Network of Women’s Council of REALTORS® and served as the President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, San Diego Chapter from 2014 thru 2017. She served as the Regional Vice President and Second Vice President of California Association of Real Estate Brokers (CAREB) and served as the President from October 2020 to October 2022.
Denise is currently serving her industry as the President for CAREB REALTIST Foundation, Treasurer Elect and Housing Opportunity Chair for the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®, Parliamentarian for the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, California. She serves as a Director for the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) and the California Association of Black Real Estate Professionals (CABREP). She also serves as Past President Advisor for the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, San Diego, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, San Diego, and the California Association of Real Estate Brokers.
Denise is single by choice. She is exceptionally proud of her two nephews, two nieces, two God daughters and the numerous children that have “adopted” her and considers her a “surrogate” mother/grandmother. In her spare time, Denise loves to read, travel and shop, and is not ashamed to admit she does not cook (not that she cannot cook but chooses not to cook).

Theresa A. Miller
(Two-year Term)
Board of Directors

Sean M. Pharms
(Two-year Term)
Board of Directors
Sean Pharms is a dedicated real estate professional helping families and investors across Southern California achieve their real estate dreams. Born and raised in Sacramento, he believes real estate is more than just buying and selling—it’s about building futures, creating stability, and fostering generational wealth.
With a passion for guiding clients through every step of the process, Sean ensures a seamless and rewarding experience. Beyond his work with clients, Sean is an active leader in the real estate community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the California Association of Black Real Estate Professionals and the Asian Real Estate Association of America’s North Los Angeles chapter. He’s also a committee member of the Young Professionals Network within the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, where he helps support and empower the next generation of real estate professionals.
When he’s not working, Sean enjoys life in the Santa Clarita Valley with his wife and two daughters, exploring the community and making lifelong memories together.

Murphy Richardson
Board of Directors

Renee Roque
(One-term Term)
Board of Directors
Renée Roqué
Real Estate Consultant
Renée Roqué comes to us from sunny California and is honored to have recently been installed as California’s State Liaison! Renée credits her leadership journey to making the wise decision to serve her local Women’s Council of REALTORS® as Membership Director within months of having her real estate license. Best business decision!
For the past decade Women’s Council of REALTORS has been her passion while mentoring leaders. Chairing the State’s First Time Attendees, the Membership Benefits Task Force produced a new Members Brochure to assist with Membership Engagement. A proud graduate of Women’s Council of REALTORS® National Leadership Academy, in 2022, she was so fortunate to serve on faculty at our National Leadership 360, 2023 in Chicago where our leaders are trained.. Renée was the recipient of the Bobbie Nelson Pathway to Leadership Grant and Humanitarian Award in 2022 and 2021. At her local Realtor’s Association, Southland Regional, was newly elected to the Board of Directors for a two year term and she received an appointment to REALTORS® ACTION FUND and serves on Government Affairs passionate about advocating for homeowners and property rights. She is a recent graduate for the second time, of her Association’s Leadership Academy. For the California Association of REALTORS®, currently Renée serves as Issues Chair for the Taxation and Government Finance Committee after serving last year an appointment to the Communications Advisory Committee. She also serves on Homeownership Housing. In California she serves on the Board of Directors for the California Association of Black REALTORS® for a second term. On the National level, Renée loves serving on the National Association of REALTORS® Federal Housing Policy Committee. Last year it was her honor being appointed to Chair the Housing Choice Voucher Task Force working with HUD to encourage using the Housing Choice Voucher for homeownership. Renée was selected to participate in Southland California’s Association of Government Leadership Academy and is a proud graduate having worked on a policy to transition renters to homeowners in SPA 2. Her passion is homeownership for all and grateful to the Women's Council of REALTORS® for so many opportunities.
Her designations include Women’s Council of REALTORS® PMN, AHWD and ABR.

Richard Thierry
Affiliate Member Board Positions
Board of Directors

Darrell Woods
Board of Directors