Community, education, & networking

IREM chapters around the nation are bringing members together through programming, chapter meetings, dinners, and even game nights focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Especially as many chapters are still trying to bounce back from the pandemic, DEI-themed events have become a way to create meaningful conversations on important topics, deepen networking connections, and energize membership in person.

Fantastic success in Houston

James G. Woodley, CPM^®

The Houston chapter’s new DEI Game Night is a great example. The goal of the event is to provide a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free atmosphere where members can discuss DEI-related topics that affect many individuals, not only in their personal lives, but also in their professional lives. Launched in 2023, DEI Game Night was planned to be a one-time event. But it was such a success the chapter has decided to make it annual; the second one took place this past September.

James G. Woodley, CPM^®, founder and CEO, J. Woodley Realty, LLC and IREM Houston’s 2023 DEI Committee chair, described the event as filled with “laughter, learning, and a true sense of community.”

“With the help of an amazing committee, our DEI Game Night was a fantastic success, bringing people together for a night of fun and meaningful engagement,” Woodley says. “By the end of the night, everyone left with a deeper understanding of DEI and the joy of having shared an unforgettable experience.” 

Derek Montz, CPM^®

Derek Montz, CPM^®, senior property manager at Transwestern and IREM Houston’s 2024 DE&I Committee chair, said the event helps break down misconceptions about DEI. “Most people know a little about DEI, but they might not know how widespread it is or how it encompasses so many different facets of life,” Montz says. “I believe we’ve created a platform where our industry peers can come together to gain a better understanding of DEI and share that understanding with others.”

Pride in San Francisco

Shy Lazatin

In June, the San Francisco Chapter celebrated Pride Month with a DEI Networking Event. The event featured a group of diverse panelists—a student member, a seasoned professional, and a staff member from IREM HQ—who shared their real-life stories about the significance of fostering inclusivity, the importance of professionals in the real estate industry to make a difference in their own companies and communities, and championing LGBTQ+ equity in all facets of life. The event also featured light refreshments. About 30 people were in attendance. 

Shy Lazatin, IREM San Francisco student member, said the DEI Networking Event and other events like it help set IREM apart from other organizations. “As someone who’s been looking into different CRE organizations, I’ve found that IREM San Francisco is the only one with a DEI committee. We need more of that inclusivity,” Lazatin says.

Connecticut and the CROWN Act

In Connecticut, leaders invited state Rep. Robyn Porter, to educate members about the CROWN Act, a state law created to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles. Porter explained that race-based hair discrimination remains a systemic problem in the workplace—from hiring practices to daily workplace interactions—disproportionately impacting Black women’s employment opportunities and professional advancement. 

Rhonda Caldwell

“Training members on the passing of the CROWN Act legislation will remind people that women of color have the freedom to wear ethnic hair styles without discrimination at work, school, and other official settings,” says Rhonda Caldwell, an IREM Connecticut Chapter board director. “For decades, women of color have been denied jobs and educational opportunities because of their hair, and now, with the passing of this legislation, this opens the door to many new opportunities.”  

Connecticut has also created an email blast called the Monthly DEI Corner, sharing relevant topics related to current events, promoting diversity and equity, and ensuring inclusive communications and marketing.

Honest and open discussion in New York

Sharon Hart Fanelli, CPM^®

The Greater New York Chapter hosted members and guests for an informal breakfast called Coffee and Conversation: A DEI-Focused Discussion. Attendees had the opportunity to get to know each other through an in-depth, thought- provoking conversation centered around DEI in the workplace, what it means, and what it can accomplish. The discussion was led by IREM Greater New York Chapter president Randall Powell, CPM^®, who is also chair of the DEI Committee. He started the conversation by asking attendees, “What does DEI in the workplace mean to you and the company you work for?”

Sharon Hart Fanelli, CPM^®, senior director, New York Life Investors Corporate Real Estate, describes the event as “[a] great, honest and open discussion about what challenges people are facing in regard to their race, gender, age, and other factors.

“It was a welcoming group where different experiences and suggestions were shared. It really was a valuable experience, and my team thanked me for encouraging them to participate as well,” Fanelli says.

Tarshia Champagne, CPM^®

Tarshia Champagne, CPM^®, assistant director of management operations, senior property manager, ARGO Real Estate and chair of the Greater New York Chapter’s Women’s Leadership Committee, describes the event as very necessary.

“DEI requires additional exposure on all platforms. It was interesting to hear different perspectives on how DEI impacted everyone in the room and what we need to do to continue to promote improving diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Local history in Austin 

In Austin, Texas, chapter members were invited to learn about local history while networking. The East Austin Black History Walk took members through the beginnings of Austin’s Black community, starting in the past and ending in the present. Members learned about the City of Austin’s 1928 Master Plan and creation of the “Negro District,” visiting important sites and institutions over the course of a one-mile walk. At the end, members engaged in dialogue about the changing nature of East Austin and the city’s Black community. Attendees described the event as an amazing experience, sharing important truths about Austin’s history that might have been otherwise overlooked.

Maryland celebrates identities

The Maryland Chapter held its third annual Dinner, Drinks, and DEI event back in April. This year’s theme was Celebrating Identities, which aligned with National Diversity Month. Guest presenter, Catherine Hyde of Navigating What’s Next, led a discussion about identities and how they’re the basis for our sense of belonging. Other topics included intersectionality, pronouns, and heteronormativity. Attendees described the event as active and engaging, with strong participation through dialogue and exercises. 

DEI initiatives can bring people together in deeper ways, inspiring meaningful dialogue and deeper networking. They also help set IREM apart from other organizations by showing how we put our values into action.