NAIOP Advances Diversity in Commercial Real Estate through Best Practices and Scholarships
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, has implemented new strategic initiatives that seek to advance diversity in commercial real estate by leveraging NAIOP’s network, embracing companies’ values and engaging the interests of those typically under-represented in the industry.
“Integrating employees from culturally diverse backgrounds yields new voices, global viewpoints and increased creativity and productivity,” said Thomas J. Bisacquino, NAIOP president and CEO. “For commercial real estate, attracting diverse professionals enriches the talent pool and enables the industry – and NAIOP member companies – to stay relevant and in-touch with an ever-increasing global business community.”
The industry resources that NAIOP has developed in the last year include a digital resource center, open to all website users, featuring company best practices and interviews with members of diverse ethnicities and gender who are succeeding in commercial real estate.
Today, NAIOP is announcing the newest component of its efforts: the NAIOP Diversity CRE Scholarship, which benefits students pursuing careers in commercial real estate. Five $5,000 scholarships have been awarded to individuals from demographics that are traditionally under-represented in commercial real estate and who are part of the NAIOP University Membership program.
“We are pleased to support these high-achieving students as part of NAIOP’s strategic diversity initiative,” said Bisacquino. “Each award recipient brings a unique perspective and passion for improving communities through commercial real estate – ranging from a focus on sustainable development to the revitalization of areas in need of economic impetus.”
Recipients of NAIOP’s 2016 Diversity Scholarship Award are:
- Michelle Doong, a graduate student in the Master of Real Estate Development program at the University of Utah.
- Dorcas Gyamerah, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Real Estate program at the University of St. Thomas.
- Cordell Hinton, a graduate student in the Master of Real Estate Development program at Auburn University.
- Ana Kalugina, a graduate student in the Master of Business Administration/Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate program at Cornell University.
- Emilie Rottman, a graduate student in the Master of Real Estate Development program at the University of Maryland.
In addition to the scholarship, each award recipient receives the opportunity to expand his or her business network and sharpen his or her commercial real estate acumen with complimentary registration for NAIOP’s Commercial Real Estate Conference 2016, September 26-28, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
To learn more about NAIOP’s strategic initiatives to advance diversity, visitwww.naiop.org/diversity.
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About NAIOP: NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP comprises 18,000 members in North America. NAIOP advances responsible commercial real estate development and advocates for effective public policy. For more information, visit www.naiop.org.
