Throughout 2020, the BOMA/Chicago Foundation remained focused on our mission to advance the development of emerging talent in CRE through education, exposure and outreach. In fact, 2020 was our most successful year yet in regards to our mission – and that was possible because of YOU.
Here is an overview of the Foundation’s 2020 accomplishments:
- Because of the support of our 33 sponsors (listed below), we raised $63,800 for our scholarship programs, CRE career days and diversity initiatives. We want to thank each of our sponsors for their financial and moral support.
- We awarded three scholarships and celebrated as previous scholarship recipients earned their RPA (listed below):
- 2017 Ollie Scholar Lily Leon (JLL): Earned her RPA, began MBA studies at DePaul University and was recently promoted to General Manager at JLL
- 2018 Ollie Scholar Christina McInerney (Cushman & Wakefield): Earned her RPA and will earn her MBA from Northeastern Illinois University in Spring 2021
- 2018 Full Designation Scholar Zaena Rihani: Earned her RPA in 2020 and recently transitioned into role as Assistant General Manager at Bucksbaum Properties
- 2020 Full Designation Scholar Caroline Foulk (JLL): Halfway through the RPA program!
- 2020 Ollie Scholar Vivian Orozco (Sterling Bay): Halfway through the RPA program!
- 2020 Single Course Scholar: Jose Bahena (JLL): Completed his first RPA course in October 2020
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We have grown our Diversity Ambassador program and we now have 20 Ambassadors from both our membership and the community at large.
- The Diversity Committee, with the help of our 20 Diversity Ambassadors, organized and participated in eight CRE career days (listed below):
- January 8, 2020: Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy High School CRE Career Day
- February 11, 2020: Fenger High School Youth Motivation Career Day
- February 29, 2020: Pass With Flying Colors Gala
- March 3, 2020: National Louis University Career Bridge Event
- April 3, 2020: Year Up Chicago Virtual Guest Speaker Series
- August 26, 2020: National Louis University (NLU) Communications Career Panel
- November 9, 2020: National Louis University (NLU) Career Panel
- December 16, 2020: Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Youth Motivation Career Day
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The Diversity Committee created an outline with recommendations of how you can create a diverse and inclusive workforce at your company. You can read through those recommendations here.
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Because of BOMA/Chicago’s long-standing commitment to diversity and the experience we have gained through our 25-year old Diversity Committee, our staff has been invited to serve on BOMA International’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. On this Committee, we will share our insights with BOMA and work with leaders from across the nation to recruit and mentor minority professionals along with ensuring our minority leaders thrive in the workplace.
The Foundation’s mission and work has never been more relevant. Now more than ever, we remain committed to diversifying our industry and educating Chicago’s youth about the many career paths in CRE. We are so grateful to each of you for helping us bring fundamental change to our city and the world.
In 2021, we will have more information about sponsorships and charitable opportunities. If you would like to become a sponsor, make a donation or learn more about the BOMA/Chicago Foundation, please reach out to us at any time.
We hope you have a great holiday season! We look forward to all 2021 has in store for us!
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Updates from BOMA/Chicago Foundation
Scholarship Recipients
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Liliana Leon, CMCP, RPA & LEED Green Associate
2017 Ollie Scholarship Recipient
General Manager at JLL
Diversity Committee Vice Chair
JLL is our 2020 Diamond Sponsor!
On December 9, I was promoted to General Manager for JLL at 1 North Franklin, a 620,000 SF building in the heart of Chicago’s Central Business District. I transitioned from an Assistant General Manager at 515 North State to lead a team of three property management professionals and five engineers in my new role. In addition, I completed the first quarter of my MBA studies with a 4.0 GPA at DePaul University in the Corporate Partner Cohort. The program has been amazing thus far and filled with eager graduate students who have found a way, even in midst of COVID, to network and rely on each other. I am so thankful for the support of my entire family as well as the JLL and BOMA/Chicago community.
As my career continues to evolve, I often think of my father, who traveled from Oaxaca, Mexico to Chicago for a better life. I reflect on all the sacrifices he made to ensure my twin sister and I had the resources to succeed by our own definition while continuously stressing the importance of education and perseverance. His determination allowed for his dreams to become a possibility for his daughters and for that I am forever grateful.
For that reason alone, I sincerely believe in paying it forward. As the Diversity Committee Vice Chair, an Ollie Scholar and as a Latina professional, I am committed to the mission of the Diversity Committee and to educate the community about our industry and mentor future leaders. All of us can work together to help others enter and thrive in this industry.
For all of our future leaders out there, I want you to know that I am here to support you. I urge you to take opportunities to invest in yourself, step outside of your comfort zone and be vocal about your passions. As this challenging year comes to a close, I look forward to my new role and all that 2021 will bring my way. Vamos!
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Christina McInerney, RPA & LEED Green Associate
2018 Ollie Scholarship Recipient
Senior Assistant Property Manager at Cushman & Wakefield
I would like to share some exciting news...I am officially an RPA graduate! My two years in the RPA program not only allowed me to network with fellow students...but I also am now able to implement knowledge and tactics to increase the value of the 870,000 square foot, Class A property I manage in Rosemont.
Since becoming the 2018 Ollie Scholar, I transitioned from a Property Administrator with JLL to Senior Assistant Property Manager with Cushman & Wakefield. In this role, I manage tenant improvement construction projects and capital projects, including two lobby renovations. Also, during 2020 and the pandemic, I have managed a garage refresh project at three parking garages, which included updated directional signage and color scheme, along with the installation of EV car chargers and a License Plate Recognition system. I also managed a turnstile installation project at two buildings.
As an Ollie Scholar, I am also lucky enough to stay involved in BOMA/Chicago as a volunteer. This year, I joined the Foundation's Scholarship Committee and assisted the team in reviewing Full Designation Scholarship applications and interviewing applicants. As someone who sat on the opposite side of the scholarship table just two years ago, this has been a rewarding experience. I take pride in assisting future leaders.
Throughout 2020, I have continued my MBA studies at Northeastern Illinois University. I will graduate in May 2021. During my MBA program, I have been a Goldie B. Wolfe Miller Scholar. This scholarship program runs for two years and includes mentorship, professional development training and $15,000 in MBA funding each year.
As 2020 comes to a close, I want to thank the BOMA/Chicago network and Cushman & Wakefield for supporting me in both my RPA and MBA studies. Although 2021 will be yet another unique and challenging year, I have my sights set on earning my Masters and continuing to support all of the amazing tenants at my property!
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Read Our Blog Posts by Angel Brown & Blanca Lopez
Check Out the Blogs Written by Diversity Committee Members and Ambassadors!
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We invite you to read two blogs recently written by a Diversity Committee Member, Blanca Lopez, and a Diversity Ambassador, Angel Brown.
Angel Brown, Property Manager with Piedmont Office Realty Trust, discusses her favorite volunteer experience during a CRE Career Day at her Alma Mater and her involvement as a Diversity Ambassador. Angel is also an Ollie Scholar and she became a TOBY judge this year! Read Angel's blog here.
Blanca Lopez, Assistant General Manager at JLL, shares her perspective as a first-generation immigrant and her involvement in the Diversity Committee's Youth Motivation Career Days. We are also excited to announce that on January 1, 2021, Blanca will be promoted to General Manager at 200 West Jackson. Congratulations, Blanca! Read Blanca's blog here.
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Ollie Scholarship Due February 3
RPA Full Tuition Opportunity for Underrepresented CRE Professionals
The BOMA/Chicago Foundation is now accepting applications for the Reginald L. Ollie Inclusion and Outreach Scholarship. The Ollie Scholarship provides the $10,000 full tuition to underrepresented professionals in the commercial real estate industry to achieve the Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation.
Please review the eligibility criteria (listed below) for this scholarship. If you meet these criteria, we invite you to apply! Click here to download the packet containing the application and reference forms (note: forms must be submitted online using links in the packet). All parts of the application are due on February 3, 2021.
Eligibility Criteria
- Belong to an underrepresented group; underrepresented professionals are classified as: racial, ethnic, LGBTQ and disabled
- Applicant does NOT have to be a BOMA/Chicago member
- Must have a minimum of two years of experience in the commercial real estate industry
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Have taken three or less RPA/FMA designation classes prior to applying for the scholarship
- Completion of at least one year of college level courses at a college/university and earned a GPA of 2.5/4.0 or 3.5/5
- Completion of the application, along with submission of all attachments and references, by February 3
- Available to interview with the Scholarship Committee on the morning of February 17
If you plan to apply for this scholarship, please email Jaclynne Madden or call (312) 870-9608 so that we can discuss the application process and requirements.
Runner-Up Scholarship: The scholarship runner-up will be given the opportunity to use a Single Course Scholarship for one RPA class offered in 2021.
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Become a Diversity Ambassador Today!
By becoming a Diversity Ambassador, you will help the Diversity Committee and Foundation:
- Facilitate honest conversations about diversity and inclusion by encouraging others (and yourself) to share stories and experiences
- Educate and mentor underrepresented high school and college students about the CRE industry
- Recruit underrepresented professionals to the CRE industry and create professional advancement opportunities
- Host building tours, job shadow days and networking events (virtually until conditions are safe)
- Plan D&I education programs
BOMA/Chicago members and our community-at-large are encouraged to become Diversity Ambassadors. You will work hand-in-hand with our Diversity Committee in making measurable, positive steps in diversifying the CRE industry. Our future leaders are right here in our own community and YOU can make a difference by volunteering alongside us.
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Learn More About the BOMA/Chicago Foundation
Watch a Video Highlighting our Volunteers!
The BOMA/Chicago Foundation is a strong non-profit organization that touches the lives of CRE emerging leaders and Chicago's underserved youth. Behind every successful non-profit stand the leaders who volunteer their time, expertise and uplifting spirits. Our volunteers walk the walk when it comes to diversity and that is why the Foundation is still going strong after 12 years. YOU are our lifeblood. YOU are the BOMA/Chicago Foundation!
The mission of the BOMA/Chicago Foundation is to advance the development of emerging talent in commercial real estate, inclusive of underrepresented groups, through education, exposure and outreach. Learn more by visiting our website and watch a video highlighting our mission and volunteers.
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2020 BOMA/Chicago Foundation Sponsors
Thank you for your support!
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DECADE OF DIVERSITY SPONSOR |
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Thank you to our 2020 BOMA/Chicago Premier Partners!
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