WHO: Project REAP (Real Estate Associate Program), the nation’s leading diversity initiative in commercial real estate (CRE), has been building bridges between talented multicultural professionals and the industry through classes taught by expert instructors as well as mentorship and networking opportunities for over 20 years. REAP has held programs in nine major cities to date including New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
WHAT: REAP is returning to host classes covering all aspects of CRE in a trio of the nation’s leading urban centers: Atlanta, Dallas and Los Angeles. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of professional experience. Real estate experience is NOT required.
WHEN: Applications are now open through the website atwww.projectreap.org and will close Thursday, August 1. Classes run evenings from September to November.
WHERE: Class locations in Atlanta, Dallas and LA will be held at REAP-sponsored locations accessible to mass transit and/or highways as applicable.
WHY: CRE remains seriously under-represented by persons of color. Black, Hispanic and Asian men comprise roughly 6% of senior positions and non-white women under 1%. Over 400 REAP alumni now serve in executive and management positions with major retail giants, financial institutions and corporations including IKEA, Target, Netflix, TIAA-CREF, Citi, and Tiffany & Co. Many alumni have created highly successful entrepreneurships. REAP alumni, board members and organizers often serve as mentors to current students and recent graduates. REAP is supported by such nonprofit organizations as NAIOP, NMHC, ULI, NAA, and BOMA which offer networking opportunities that extend long past graduation.
Ken McIntyre, executive director of REAP, said at the Spring 2019 NYC REAP graduation, “This is not the end; it is the beginning. You now have a community to help you get where you want, and need, to be.”
REAP administrators, board members and regional organizers are available to speak to the media about the program and other aspects of diversity in CRE. Please contact Evelyn Mertens at emertens@westnet.com
