Delegates to NAREIM’s second annual Black Real Estate Roundtable explored career experiences and opportunities in Atlanta earlier this week. As an under-represented group, accounting for an estimated 7 per cent of the U.S. commercial real estate sector’s workforce, that necessarily entailed a discussion of isolation, obstacles to advancement and lack of psychological safety.
In turn, attendees considered a range of professional development strategies. In summarizing the event’s key takeaways, NAREIM (National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers) emphasized: “We all know relationships are important, but for black professionals in real estate investment management it’s absolutely critical to advancing careers and opportunities.”
The inaugural Black Real Estate Roundtable — billed as a resource for junior and mid-level professionals — occurred in New York City in 2022. This year’s half-day event brought together professionals from more than 40 major real estate management firms for keynote addresses, question and answer forums, workshops and networking. Sessions focused on: advocates, sponsors and mentors; applying the Birkman Method for career development; career anchors; and peer coaching around career best practices.
