August 25, 2022

Scholarship Recipient Update
Karen Le, 2019 Ollie Scholar, Earns RPA Designation!
Congratulations to our 2019 Ollie Scholar, Karen Le, for earning her Real Property Administrator designation! Karen earned her RPA in December 2021 and she has since transitioned into her role as Associate Real Estate Manager for CBRE at 125 South Clark Street.

Karen states, "The Reginald L. Ollie Inclusion and Outreach Scholarship has provided the foundation for my career in real estate. Since I received the award in 2019, I have used the wisdom to foster my career and my development. Through persistence, passion and hard work, the RPA designation program has strengthened my CRE industry knowledge while providing an environment to expand my network. As a result, my career has expanded along with my confidence. The RPA designation has provided many opportunities to implement what I have learned from the classes and provide first class service to ownership, CBRE and the tenants. The networking has provided opportunities to learn from my peers and share experiences. I strongly encourage those who are interested in the scholarship to apply. It will provide great opportunities for learning, networking and growth. I am so grateful to the Foundation for awarding me with this scholarship and for allowing me to earn my RPA designation."
10th Annual Diversity Celebration
June 17 Event Raised $130,000 for the Foundation!
The BOMA/Chicago Foundation held its 10th Annual Diversity Celebration on June 17 at The Old Post Office. We would like to thank our 400 attendees and 48 sponsors for helping us raise a record-breaking $130,000 for the Foundation. These proceeds fund scholarships, mentoring, outreach and other programs, including the Ollie Scholarship. View photos from the Celebration here.

During the Celebration, we heard from three Ollie Scholarship recipients about their experiences as minority CRE professionals and how the scholarship has impacted their careers. Congratulations again to our scholars: Daja Walker-Parker (JLL), Jose Bahena (JLL) and Vivian Orozco (Sterling Bay).

Watch Reggie Ollie's Speech!
Reggie Ollie, our Ollie Scholarship namesake, recorded a special message for the 10th Annual Diversity Celebration. You can watch Reggie's message here and you can also read Reggie's message by visiting our website.

Thank you to our 2022 Diversity Celebration Sponsors!

The BOMA/Chicago Foundation Participates in Pride Parade
Over 20 marched in the June 26 Chicago Pride Parade!
The BOMA/Chicago Foundation participated in the Chicago Pride Parade for the first time in its history on June 26. Over 20 participants joined us along the parade route as we passed out pride flags, fans and information about the Foundation. View photos from the parade here.
 
Thank you so much to Zeller for making our participation possible. We also thank the following donors: Crescent Cleaning Company, Image360, The Wrigley Building, 311 South Wacker, 401 North Michigan, A&A Elevated Facility Solutions, Harvard Maintenance, Independent Recycling Services, North American and Stuart Dean.
 
We also thank all of our participants:

  • Annette Gonzalez, A&A Elevated Facility Solutions
  • Ariel Walton, CBRE
  • Bastien Dias Da Costa, Mergault Cleaning Services
  • Bradley Borowiec, The Wrigley Building - Zeller
  • Jerry Murphy, Tishman Speyer
  • Liliana Leon, JLL
  • Marbella Hernandez, Crescent Cleaning Company
  • Maria Rodriguez, HBK Engineering
  • Mario Garcia, Titan Security Group
  • Marsha Fujimagari, Accesso Services
  • Max Andrews, Crescent Cleaning Company
  • Max Schroeder, Tishman Speyer
  • Melissa Nieves, NewMark
  • Morgan Barnes, Hines
  • Nobuko Andrews, The Andrews Group
  • Rachel Abbinanti, Lincoln Property Company
  • Stephanie Schatz, @Properties
  • Teresa Pena, Crescent Cleaning Company
  • Zachary Thomas, Willis Tower - EQ Office
2022 & 2023 Internship Program
Reach out to us if you will hire interns during the
2022 or 2023 calendar year!
Through our strong relationships with National Louis University (NLU) and other local non-profits, BOMA/Chicago has access to strong internship candidates. These candidates come from diverse backgrounds and are first-generation college students.
 
Since 2021, the Diversity Committee assisted six college students secure summer internships. We are here to help for 2022 and 2023. If you are hiring interns for the fall/winter or during 2023, please reach out to us.

Interns from the 2021 summer program are pictured. Thank you again to Hines, Glenstar, Transwestern and Able Services for their support of our internship program.
BOMA/Chicago Foundation Fund
Consider making a donation to the Foundation!
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.

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.
2022 Workforce Diversity Annual Partner
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.
You are receiving this email because you are a BOMA/Chicago member or have previously engaged with the BOMA/Chicago Foundation by attending an event or volunteering. If you would like to unsubscribe and no longer receive our Foundation emails, please click on the "Unsubscribe" link below.