PROJECT REAP

Happy Monday! Kick off your week with an insightful read by G. Lamont Blackstone, CRX on the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This innovative program blends immigration with financial capital to support U.S. commercial real estate projects, driving economic growth and promoting diversity. Blackstone highlights its transformative potential and success in attracting significant global investment, particularly from China and India. Dive into the full article here and start your week with new perspectives on real estate financing! #MondayMotivation #RealEstate #Diversity #Investment #Innovation Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gznJPJ4V

We are delighted to welcome Sonia Huntley, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the Urban Land Institute (ULI), to our Board of Directors. With over 25 years of experience in global business operations and a passionate commitment to creating communities of equity and belonging, Sonia is a beacon of leadership in the commercial real estate industry. At ULI, Sonia leads the strategic vision and execution of DEI initiatives, addressing racial inequity and systemic racism in real estate. Her previous roles include VP of Global Customer Service and co-leader of the DEI initiative, where she managed efforts of a 70-member DEI staff taskforce. G. Lamont Blackstone, CRX, REAP’s acting executive director, remarked, “During a decade when there is fog clouding public perceptions of diversity, Sonia Huntley will bring a beacon of illumination and visibility from one of the preeminent commercial real estate industry associations.” We look forward to the transformative impact Sonia will bring to our mission and the communities we serve. #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #RealEstate #Leadership #ProjectREAP

On June 10th, we had the honor of hosting the Chicago Silver Jubilee, a memorable event that marked a significant milestone for our community. The day was filled with inspiring speeches, joyous celebrations, and heartfelt connections. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this event a success. Special thanks to 👊🏾 Lyneir Richardson (The Chicago TREND Corporation) and our dedicated team: Jimena Sayavedra, Miguel Chacon, G. Lamont Blackstone, CRX, and ANGELA BROOKS, FAICP, and the amazing attendees who brought their energy and enthusiasm to the Jubilee. Your support and participation mean the world to us. As we look back on this fantastic day, we're also excited to announce that our next big event will be in Washington, D.C., this fall. Stay tuned for more details—we can't wait to celebrate with you again! #ChicagoSilverJubilee #ProjectREAP #Diversity #CRE

We are thrilled to share that Project REAP has been featured in ICSC’s newsletter, gaining elevated visibility in the retail real estate industry. This recognition underscores our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the sector. Special thanks to Michael Kercheval, Katrina R., and Randall E. Powell, CPM®, ARM®, RPA®, whose dedication and leadership continue to drive our mission forward. Their efforts are pivotal in shaping a more inclusive future for retail real estate. Proud to see Mike, Katrina, and Randall pictured in the newsletter, representing the heart and soul of Project REAP. #ProjectREAP #ICSC #RetailRealEstate #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership

Today is the BIG day! Join us for the Chicago Silver Jubilee and 2024 REAP Spring Academy Graduation. This special event will celebrate our achievements and the bright future ahead. We still have a few tickets available, so don't miss out! Our special guests, Jimena Sayavedra and ANGELA BROOKS, FAICP look forward to welcoming you. Date: June 10, 2024 Time: 4:00PM-6:30PM Location: The Chicago TREND Corporation Office, 30 W Monroe St. Suite 510, Chicago, IL 60603 Secure your spot and be part of an unforgettable evening. Click the link below to get your tickets now! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gM4vPiJ9 See you there! 🎉 #ChicagoEvent #SilverJubilee #SpringAcademyGraduation #CelebrateSuccess #NetworkingOpportunity #EventTickets

Alumni Spotlight: Hillman Lam One of Europe’s greatest philosophers opined that “one repays a teacher badly if one always remains nothing but a pupil.” For any instructor who had served the REAP NY 2008 class, Hillman Lam has repaid that debt a thousand-fold. Lam is both a dealmaker and educator—the latter reflected in his role as an adjunct assistant professor at New York University’s prestigious NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate. At NYU, he teaches courses in real estate finance, capital markets, market analysis, valuation, feasibility study, Excel, and Argus Enterprise financial modeling. Although teaching is one of Hillman’s passions, he is also a Managing Director with Sperry RE Capital, a commercial real estate finance company specializing in debt and equity for real estate transactions. At Sperry, he oversees business development, including sourcing, underwriting, and closing debt and equity financing for clients on all commercial real estate property types across major metropolitan markets in the U.S.A. Throughout his career, Lam’s professional background has encompassed acquisitions, brokerage, development, asset management, and capital markets. Hillman Lam is recognized by his REAP classmates as a relationship-builder and team player. In 2008, he was literally part of the team PROJECT REAP fielded to compete in the “Deal No Deal” real estate case study competition at the Global Diversity Summit in Atlanta, where his team took the honors. His commitment to the community is also evident as he frequently hosts social gatherings inclusive of REAP alumni and other CRE professionals. For his admirable representation of the REAP brand, Hillman Lam has earned this alumni spotlight. #ProjectREAP #AlumniSpotlight #RealEstate #Diversity #Inclusion #CRE #HillmanLam #Leadership #Education #Networking

Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce that the NY/NJ/CT 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Celebration has received jubilee coverage by the New York Real Estate Journal! This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team and community. We are committed to creating more opportunities and advancing diversity within the commercial real estate industry. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/grqHTBhh Thank you to ICSC and all of our sponsors who supported us on this journey. Here's to many more milestones ahead! #ProjectREAP #RealEstate #Diversity #Inclusion #NYREJ #MilestoneMoment #Celebration

We are honored to announce that two distinguished REAP alum members will be attending this special occasion: Jimena Sayavedra, Project REAP Vice Chair ANGELA BROOKS, FAICP, President of the American Planning Association This event promises to be a memorable celebration of our community's milestones and a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, network, and celebrate the accomplishments of our new REAP graduates. To enhance your experience, refreshments will be provided. Date: June 10, 2024 Time: 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM Location: The Chicago TREND Corporation Office 30 W Monroe St, Suite 510, Chicago, IL 60603 Tickets are available for purchase here: https://lnkd.in/gM4vPiJ9 We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating together! #ProjectREAP #Graduation #25thAnniversary #Chicago #CRE #Networking #DEI

Just 1 Week Away! The Chicago Silver Jubilee celebration is almost here! We are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of Project REAP's impact on diversifying the commercial real estate industry. Join us on June 10th for an unforgettable evening of celebration, networking, and inspiration. Tickets are still on sale, but they are going fast! Don't miss your chance to be part of this milestone event and witness the graduation of our 2024 Spring REAP Academy fellows. Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/ghvZWrcU Let's come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a more diverse and dynamic future in commercial real estate. See you in Chicago! #REAPAcademy #SilverJubilee #ChicagoEvents #CelebrateSuccess #DiversityInCRE #CommercialRealEstate #MilestoneEvent #OneWeekAway

Exciting News! We're celebrating our 25th anniversary Silver Jubilee in Chicago on June 10th along with the 2024 Spring REAP Academy graduation. Tickets are now on sale! #REAPAcademy #SilverJubilee #ChicagoEvents https://lnkd.in/gM4vPiJ9