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  

Partnerships

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.  

Hispanic Business Student Association presentation February 2024. Pictured left to right: Juan Montoya, Gretystar; Tino Hernandez, Nations Group; Lauren Lovell, CBRE; Alexandra Ayres, STG Design

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 and South Pointe 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. 

Resources

Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations

• Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Tucson Hispanic Chamber
• Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce
• American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Arizona
• Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona 
• National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Arizona 
• African American Real Estate Professionals​

Student Organizations and Scholarships

• Arizona State University – Hispanic Business Student Association ​​
• NAIOP and Prologis Inclusion in CRE Scholarship ​​
• NAIOP Diversity Student Scholarship
• Project Destined - Virtual internship program in real estate for diverse high school and college students
• Financial Literacy Resources for Students

Toolkits and Guides for Employers

• NAIOP Corporate’s Diversity Resource Center 
• Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce – Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit for Business 
• Step-by-Step Guide to Workplace Diversity through Recruitment 
• Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

Speakers

• Joe Gerstandt – Diversity & Inclusion speaker
• Bernadette Smith - The Equality Institute

​LGBTQ

• ONE Community ​

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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.