MAR Foundation Trustee and past chair Cari Linn was the first person of color and first Asian American to serve as President of MAR. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we shine a light on her and her volunteer service to our association, MAR Foundation and our community as a whole.

How long have you been a Realtor® and a member of MAR? What prompted your decision to become a Realtor®? 

First got my license in 1982. I had just moved back to Minneapolis from Chicago and decided I had enough of corporate America and working for somebody else. I wanted to know what it felt like to be my own boss. What better industry than real estate?

What do you like about being a Realtor?

Helping people find a place to call “home.” Buying and selling a home is such a big decision. It’s humbling to be trusted enough to be a part of making that decision become a reality.

Why did you get involved in the MAR Foundation?

It’s important for me to give back to the community that has given so much to me. There are many organizations in our city that are equipped to help those who are in need of housing. Why not partner with them to maximize our impact on as many people as possible? Our foundation has the ability to do just that.

What is an accomplishment or favorite memory of your time on the Board of Trustees?

2020…what a year…the pandemic, George Floyd, social distancing, distance learning, working from home, Zoom meetings and a crazy real estate market. I was the chair of the board of trustees last year and we didn’t know what to expect from a year like no other. The gala, our yearly fundraising event would have to be canceled. With a joint effort between MAR, SPAAR and MNAR we decided to go forward with an online giving campaign. We rallied our troops and collected over $250K in donations. In addition, we were able to contribute to 8 organizations after the George Floyd killing and fulfill our annual grant commitments. The year 2020 is a highlight for me because of the accomplishment of the Foundation through the collaboration of MAR, SPAAR, MNAR and the participation of our membership, sponsors and auxiliary members.

What would you like people to know about the Foundation and its work? 

Any/all donations go directly to the Foundation and into the organizations that meet our mission statement.

Why is it important for people to give to the Foundation? 

To serve and support the people, community and industry that supports them.

What is a goal you have for your term on the Trustees?  

Let members know we have a Foundation and grow the membership.