The DEI Committee works to ensure that chapter programming, events and other activities reflect our diverse market, with a focus on acting as a resource and leveraging partnerships to attract and develop diverse talent industry-wide.
Vision Statement
Commercial real estate is an industry with rewarding career opportunities for professionals from all backgrounds regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity or disability status. NAIOP Arizona is a leader in providing resources for employers to improve workforce diversity and create inclusive workplaces. NAIOP Arizona provides opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to learn about and embark upon careers in commercial real estate (CRE).
Mission Statement
NAIOP Arizona’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee will work towards achieving our stated vision through:
- Education and resources for NAIOP member companies that want to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce and create an inclusive workplace culture that fosters a sense of belonging for all CRE professionals
- Chapter programming that builds commitment to diversity and connects members from under-represented groups to opportunities for career growth
- Partnerships with high schools and post-secondary educational institutions to introduce students from under-represented backgrounds to careers in CRE
Scholarships
Three individuals from NAIOP Arizona have been selected as recipients of the annual NAIOP and Prologis Inclusion in CRE Scholarship for Women and Underrepresented Professionals. They will be recognized at I.CON West: The Industrial Conference in Long Beach, California this week, where they will connect with industry mentors and will hear insights from industrial real estate leaders across North America.
The program, which recognized 15 total recipients this year, is designed to prepare a pipeline of diverse talent for development and operations positions in commercial real estate by connecting young professionals with mentors and advancing their industry knowledge.
The 2023 recipients from NAIOP Arizona are:
Jade Nunes, Regional Manager of Business Development, Cuhaci Peterson: In her role at Cuhaci Peterson, Nunes supports the firm’s strategic growth initiatives in defined markets. She is passionate about building and fostering relationships and assists in acquiring new clients while addressing the needs and pain points of prospective clients. When not at work, Nunez can be found exploring the trails of her beloved home state of Arizona or catching a concert in Downtown Phoenix.
Emeka Ukaga, Architectural + Structural Designer II, Michael Baker International: Ukaga is a civil/structural engineer and architectural designer based in Phoenix. With nearly a decade of experience spanning engineering, architectural design, and technology, Ukaga is humbled to be chosen for the NAIOP and Prologis Inclusion in CRE Scholarship and plans to utilize the education and support from NAIOP to continue to learn, network and contribute in a meaningful way to the field of commercial real estate development.
Serena Wedlich, Vice President, CBRE: Wedlich specializes in industrial sales and leasing in the Southeast Valley, Scottsdale, and Sky Harbor Airport submarkets, representing developers, landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers. She is involved in all aspects of leasing and marketing the team’s properties. She was named 2022 Emerging Broker of the Year by NAIOP Arizona.
The program, which recognized 15 total recipients this year, is designed to prepare a pipeline of diverse talent for development and operations positions in commercial real estate by connecting young professionals with mentors and advancing their industry knowledge.
The 2023 recipients from NAIOP Arizona are:
Jade Nunes, Regional Manager of Business Development, Cuhaci Peterson: In her role at Cuhaci Peterson, Nunes supports the firm’s strategic growth initiatives in defined markets. She is passionate about building and fostering relationships and assists in acquiring new clients while addressing the needs and pain points of prospective clients. When not at work, Nunez can be found exploring the trails of her beloved home state of Arizona or catching a concert in Downtown Phoenix.
Emeka Ukaga, Architectural + Structural Designer II, Michael Baker International: Ukaga is a civil/structural engineer and architectural designer based in Phoenix. With nearly a decade of experience spanning engineering, architectural design, and technology, Ukaga is humbled to be chosen for the NAIOP and Prologis Inclusion in CRE Scholarship and plans to utilize the education and support from NAIOP to continue to learn, network and contribute in a meaningful way to the field of commercial real estate development.
Serena Wedlich, Vice President, CBRE: Wedlich specializes in industrial sales and leasing in the Southeast Valley, Scottsdale, and Sky Harbor Airport submarkets, representing developers, landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers. She is involved in all aspects of leasing and marketing the team’s properties. She was named 2022 Emerging Broker of the Year by NAIOP Arizona.
Partnerships
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NAIOP Arizona is a proud sponsor of the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) at Arizona State University.
The mission of the HBSA is to prepare students to be future leaders, serve their communities, promote diversity and create a progressive learning environment. HBSA is committed to the continued development of its membership by providing leadership development and educational activities. |
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We are delighted to partner with Junior Achievement of Arizona to provide a 6-week course on Real Estate Development & the Built Environment to students at Gateway Early College High School. This program is designed to introduce students from under-represented backgrounds to careers in commercial real estate and to provide education on how the development process works.
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Programs and Events
- Develop Your Career with NAIOP hosted by Cousins Properties
100 Mill, Tempe, AZ
DEI-focused career mixer for is designed for ASU students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in commercial real estate. The event will feature (19) leading commercial real estate companies with available employment and internship opportunities.
Hosted by Cousins Properties.
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October 4th 2021, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Arizona State University, Virtually via Zoom 5th General Meeting - Sponsored by NAIOP Arizona October 27, 2021, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Arizona State University Speakers: Jennifer Villalobos (Sharp Construction), Kristina Cutillo (Cushman & Wakefield) & Vicente Ruiz (Trammell Crow Company) |
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Committee Members
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Resources
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Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations
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Toolkits and Guides for Employers Speakers LGBTQ
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Get Involved
If you’re passionate about DEI and want to be more involved by participating on the DEI Committee, please contact the NAIOP staff at (602) 230-1645.