Meet Erika Kim

What is your role at Avison Young?

Vice President of Marketing, Northern California. I am responsible for Avison Young’s brand growth strategies, marketing communications programs, and regional marketing efforts for Northern California. I am involved in business development opportunities, property marketing, manage social media, event planning, and brand development. Also, I provide training and process structure for our marketing and administrative team.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I was working for an architecture firm in Los Angeles as a graphic designer, and I fell in love with architecture. In 2007, I opened my marketing and design firm called “Studio Chavez”. In 2008, I reached out to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to offer my marketing and design services. I met Mary Tamaki, who hired me to work on the San Francisco Skyline brochure and later offered me a full-time job on her marketing team. It has been an amazing ride!

Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

The biggest influences in my life have been my mom, dad, and paternal grandmother. They've had the best intentions for me and they speak from their heart. My grandmother was a very strong woman, she raised three kids by herself in Mexico City and experienced a lot of discrimination because of her Asian/Korean background. She was an entrepreneur just like my mom and dad. My dad has been a big influence on my life also. He expects the best from me by getting an education, doing my best and not waiting until the last minute to go after my dreams.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I have received has been to be confident, communicate and be positive. It’s important to stay positive no matter the situation; everything happens for a reason. There are no mistakes or failures, only learning experiences.

How has Avison Young supported you as a woman in business?

AY has supported me by giving me this job and the opportunity to bring my skills to the company and help the company grow.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am ½ Korean. ½ Spanish and was born and raised in Mexico City.