November 30, 2021

The BOMA/Chicago Foundation had its busiest and most successful year yet because of our generous donors and passionate volunteers. Please read through our newsletter to learn more about our programs and events.

Below is a quick recap of the BOMA/Chicago Foundation's accomplishments and events. In 2021, we:

  • Hosted the Diversity in CRE Soiree with 180 attendees and raised $76,500!
  • Created a brand-new internship program and placed six first-generation college and minority students at member companies.
  • Held 15 career days with local high schools and colleges with a total of 415 students in attendance.
  • Awarded two $10,000 RPA scholarships (Full Designation and Ollie) and one Single Course Scholarship for the RPA.
  • Covered the tuition for 18 RPA classes ($23,500) for scholarship recipients.
  • Launched the Financial Empowerment Class & Home Buyers Workshop for CRE professionals, security guards and janitorial staff.
  • Held a special panel event on May 25 – Historical Exclusion, Current Barriers & Becoming an Ally for an Equitable Future.
  • And more!
Congratulations to Allie Borrego for Earning her RPA!
Allie Borrego, RPA, CMCP, was the recipient of the Full Designation Scholarship in 2019. In July 2014, Allie began her Property Management career by joining JLL as a Tenant Services Representative at 300 South Riverside Plaza, a 1.1 million square foot commercial office building located in the West Loop. Allie quickly advanced in her role and became a Property Administrator at 540 West Madison in 2016 and then she returned to 300 South Riverside in 2018 as the Assistant General Manager.
 
Upon receipt of the scholarship in 2019, Allie completed all RPA courses within a year and then received her Real Property Administrator designation in early 2021. During that time, she also received her Real Estate License, became a Certified Manager of Commercial Properties (CMCP) and a first-time mom!
 
“Being the recipient of the Full Designation Scholarship not only expanded my knowledge of the industry, but also expanded my network tremendously! The educators in the program are all seasoned, well-regarded professionals. Not only was I able to learn from the best, but I also made connections with people who have greatly aided my career. BOMA/Chicago has helped me grow in more ways than I could ever imagine and I am beyond grateful for this scholarship.”
Updates from BOMA/Chicago Foundation
Scholarship Recipients

Nicole Papazian
2021 Full Designation Scholar
Assistant General Manager for JLL
200 South Wacker
 
In August 2021, I was promoted to Assistant General Manager of 200 South Wacker, a 850,000 sq ft Class-A building located near Union Station with beautiful views of the Chicago River. As this was previously a self-managed building, I have been assisting the existing team with the transition to JLL policies and procedures while getting acquainted with the building and the responsibilities of my new role. Thus far, everyone has been extremely welcoming and I am excited for this next step in my career!
 
In addition, I have taken five of the eight RPA classes so far and I plan to obtain the designation by Fall 2022. As I reflect on the last year of my coursework, the knowledge obtained through the RPA program has been instrumental to my career in property management.

Joe Sherman
2014 Full Designation Scholar
Production Manager
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
 
During the 20-21 CSO season, I was part of the production team that brought "CSO Sessions" to CSOtv, an on-demand platform that allows people to experience the music of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on their own device and schedule.
 
Over the summer, I was able to take several fun camping trips with my family and two dogs in Asheville, NC, Louisville, KY, St. Joseph, MI, Horicon, WI, and Des Moines, IA.
 
Along with my incredible Symphony Center colleagues, I am thrilled to once again be welcoming audiences into our historic Orchestra Hall for an exciting 21-22 season. And I hope to see you all soon at an upcoming show!
BOMA/Chicago Foundation Diversity in CRE Soiree
Thank you to attendees and sponsors who helped us raise $76,500!
Thank you to all of our sponsors and those who attended the October 21 Diversity in CRE Soiree. We are so excited to announce that we raised $76,500 at the Soiree!

 
If you attended the Soiree and want to get involved, here is how you can help:
Diversity in CRE Soiree
Diamond Sponsor Spotlight

Hines was honored and humbled to be the Diamond Sponsor of the 2021 Diversity in CRE Soiree. We recognize our role in shaping the future of real estate and are committed to partnering with BOMA/Chicago, the Diversity Committee and others to ensure the CRE community becomes as diverse and inclusive as the global areas where we operate.
 
The collective response to events of the last 18 months makes it clear that DEI is much more than a box to check. In addition to DEI recognition as a business imperative, it is a cultural and organizational mindset that involves checking our assumptions, challenging ourselves, and ensuring that we’re bolstering our good intentions with meaningful action. We are proud to support the Foundation's Ollie Scholarship and all former recipients, as one such meaningful action that provides equitable access to our industry and helps make our “new normal” more representative than before.
 
Our sincere congratulations to all Ollie Scholarship recipients. We look forward to witnessing your positive impact on our industry and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!

Darnell Jones, J.D.
Hines Global Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity in CRE Soiree Diamond Sponsor

Thank you to our Soiree Sponsors!
Reginald L. Ollie Inclusion & Outreach Scholarship
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 for this scholarship by visiting our website. 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 2, 2022.  

Recipient Benefits: Along with earning the $10K full RPA designation tuition, the recipient will also be able to enroll in the March 2022 Asset Management course and begin the RPA program immediately. The recipient will also be honored at the 2022 Diversity Celebration and will give a short speech.
Becky Miles Steps Down from Foundation Board
Let's thank Becky for all of her contributions!
The BOMA/Chicago Foundation is grateful to Becky Miles, formerly with M&J Wilkow, for her commitment to our DEI initiatives and for 20+ years of combined service to the Foundation Board, Diversity Committee and the BOMA/Chicago Board.
 
During the past 20 years, Becky chaired and served on the Diversity Committee along with providing leadership and insights as a Foundation and BOMA/Chicago board member. Becky was instrumental in helping us launch our CRE Career and Tour Days, where we meet with minority high school students to give tours of downtown Chicago buildings. Becky has also mentored Ollie Scholars and helped us create strong partnerships with local organizations who are also dedicated to diversity programs.
 
Becky – thank you so much for your time and leadership. The BOMA/Chicago Foundation continues to grow its impact and outreach because of volunteers like you!
BOMA/Chicago Foundation Fund Campaign
The BOMA/Chicago Foundation and our 26-year-old Diversity Committee are 100% committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in commercial real estate. As we continue to expand our efforts, we also need to expand and grow our resources. Under the leadership and guidance of CRE leaders and our Board of Directors, we have launched the BOMA/Chicago Foundation Fund campaign.

Our goal is to raise $250,000 by the middle of 2022. So far, we have raised $95,000. Can you make a donation to help us reach our goal?

Donations and the interest earned from them will be unrestricted. We will use these funds to support all of the Foundation’s current and future programming, including scholarships, career days, student building tours, financial empowerment classes, internships and more.

You and your company can play a part in supporting the BOMA/Chicago Foundation. Make a donation today! Click here to be directed to our Foundation Fund donation webpage. Thank you in advance for your support!

The BOMA/Chicago Foundation is qualified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible as charitable contributions or as ordinary and necessary business expenses. Donors should check with their tax advisors.
Diversity Committee Hosts Virtual CRE Career Days at Chicagoland High Schools & Colleges
With the help of our Diversity Committee and Ambassadors, we have held 15 career days at local high schools and colleges in 2021 and we have reached 415 students. You can learn more about each of these events below.

2021 CRE Career Days
Call for Foundation Board & BOMA/Chicago Board Applications Learn More Below & Apply by December 15 
The BOMA/Chicago Board of Directors and the BOMA/Chicago Foundation Board of Directors each have one open Director position to fill unexpired director terms. The Boards anticipate filling the positions by Board appointment in early 2022.
 
As each Board continues to focus on increasing the diversity of their members, we seek to recruit new directors from a diverse pool of applicants. If you are a member of a group that is underrepresented in our local commercial real estate industry, you are encouraged to self-identify in your statement of interest.
 
Apply By December 15
If you are interested in being considered for either position, please submit a resume and statement of interest by December 15 at 5 p.m. to nominations@bomachicago.org. Make sure to include in the subject line whether you are interested in the BOMA/Chicago Board position or the BOMA/Chicago Foundation position.

BOMA/Chicago Foundation Board Expectations (Three-Year Term)
Board members are expected to have the passion and ability to help advance our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. They should be available to attend the Association's four Foundation Board meetings each year, in addition to attending the Diversity Celebration and other Foundation events. Experience with fundraising efforts and a broad network to help with the Foundation Fund (goal is to raise $250,000) are desired. Applicants do not need to be a commercial real estate professional to serve on the BOMA/Chicago Foundation Board.

BOMA/Chicago Board Expectations (Affiliate Member Position – Initial term expires at the end of 2022)
Board members are expected to be available to meet potentially every month for Board business and to be active participants in Board discussion. They should support the Association’s activities with attendance at events and be reasonably available to Association staff for questions or other Association business outside of board meetings.
Become a Diversity Ambassador Today!
Meet your peers and volunteer at our diversity events!
Are you passionate about enhancing diversity, inclusion and equity within our industry? Then we want you to join us as a Diversity Ambassador!

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
  • 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.
Learn More About the BOMA/Chicago Foundation
The Foundation offers scholarships, CRE career days & more!

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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