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StreetEasy Presents: The Essys 2020 Winners

Written by Lisa Holden | Oct 22, 2026

To celebrate and honor the best of the best NYC agents, StreetEasy's annual agent appreciation program – The Essys – went digital this year. Nearly 500 submissions were received from clients, colleagues, peers, and community members, nominating outstanding agents for two coveted awards: New Yorkers' Choice, and Community Champion.

One thing became clear after reading through each submission: New York City's real estate agents set a high bar. They regularly go above and beyond for their clients — even in irregular times. It's in that spirit that we proudly announce the winners of the 2020 Essys. Drumroll please…

Essys Community Champion: Darlene Brown, Oxford Property Group

The Community Champion agent defines what it means to give back to the community, both personally and professionally. As submissions poured in for Darlene, we noticed a clear theme: She consistently stands up for the rights, well-being, and dignity of her clients. Here's what her nominators had to say:

  • "Darlene is a pillar in her community. She helps people leave the homeless shelter, works with Section 8 vouchers, HASA, etc., and has literally helped hundreds of people to start a new life in her many years of real estate."
  • "She does the work that nobody wants to do. She takes on the hard cases. There is nothing fancy about it….but she does it anyway."
  • "She has helped 100+ people to leave the shelter and start a new life, even went out during the pandemic to help people. She is a true champion and known in the Bronx (her community) as Ms. D."

Here's a project Darlene spearheaded in the Bronx:

As this year's Community Champion, Darlene earns more than a trophy. StreetEasy is also making a $5,000 donation to one of the many charitable organizations she's affiliated with.

Essys New Yorkers' Choice – Beatrice Genco, Triplemint

This agent consistently goes the extra mile for their clients. In 2020, despite unprecedented challenges, the New Yorkers' Choice offered unwavering support as she helped New Yorkers find a home by using tech savvy to connect with clients in innovative ways. Here's what her dozens of nominators had to say:

  • "Smart, tech-savvy, knowledgeable, and determined. All great qualities for someone in real estate during the constant changes with technology."
  • "During the pandemic, she took this challenge head on. She immediately posted photos and videos on her social media accounts and continued with work. Bea knew that technology would be her aid, and she ran with it successfully. A nominee deserving of this award during a pandemic not seen for over a century."
  • "Her tips and updates about NY real estate on social media are a big differentiator."

Congrats to All Nominees

For the hard work they put in during a particularly unpredictable year, please join us in giving thanks and celebrating all the tremendous agents who were nominated for a 2020 Essy Award.

Essys Community Champion 2020 Nominees

Essys New Yorkers' Choice 2020 Nominees

Congrats, again, to our 2020 StreetEasy Essy winners and nominees!

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