Engaging the next generation

Each year, our mission at IREM Georgia has been to make an impact that results in a lasting impression on our members. We decided to concentrate on student awareness at colleges and high schools. In 2023, we recognized a 107% uptick in growth in our student membership and engagement. We had expanded our reach to other universities, such as Georgia State University, Spelman College, and Morehouse, diversifying our student membership pool. We also understood the barriers to retaining students post-graduation.

To enhance the experience our students were having with IREM, we sought to understand the gaps in our current engagement efforts. We aimed to take participation up a notch by inviting them to the IREM Global Summit, knowing that other chapters had done this successfully as part of their student outreach efforts. The IREM Global Summit is the perfect environment for students seeking to learn more about IREM and our industry from leaders across the globe. Students get exposure to the world of property management from a global perspective, connect with other students who share the same professional interests, and gain access to our profound network from all corners of the world. This can be career-changing for students, and we wanted to help be the vehicle for this experience.

IREM Foundation grants

The IREM Foundation has recently provided the opportunity for funding through General Fund Grants for the innovative advancement of real estate management. These grants are awarded quarterly and provided to the chapters to encourage “forward thinking and `curious’ approaches to existing challenges.” We had not previously applied, but we were up to the challenge of seeking funding to send our students off to the Global Summit. In addition, the Robert K. and Gladys M. Beal Chapter Grants support the Beals’ desire for IREM to prosper, lead, educate, create passion, and endure in the field of professional real estate management.

Our goal was to send 10 students to the Summit and pair them with a mentor serving our local chapter. Following their attendance at the Summit, each student would be required to join a committee and continue their membership service with our local chapter to ensure a continuance of their local activity and engagement. Once submitted, we were fortunate enough to obtain both grants to move forward with our program.

IREM Georgia’s PR chairperson, Anna Gronholm, worked with our IAE, Deborah Westphal, CPM^®, to quickly draft material to blast across all our platforms. Our DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and Membership Committees sent communications to the top 10 universities and HBCUs in Georgia. We also worked with our student members to extend the opportunity to their peers on campus. We had a great turnout of applicants. Once we reviewed all entries, student representatives were informed they were selected to attend the Global Summit in Canada. They were thrilled!

Following their attendance, we asked a few students to share a bit about their experience as an IREM Georgia Student Representative.

How did you find out about the opportunity to represent IREM Georgia at the Global Summit?

Thomas Letke

Thomas Letke: I learned about the opportunity through Sherle Brown, one of my professors at the University of Georgia for the Housing Management and Policy major and Residential Property Management emphasis. She encouraged students to apply and showed how IREM has an incredible impact on students.

Tariq Sule: I became aware of the opportunity to represent IREM Georgia at the Global Summit through communication from Deborah Westphal, CPM^®, in which she outlined the scholarship offerings to 10 Georgia students. These scholarships offered a unique chance to attend the Summit in Canada and gain comprehensive insights into real estate and IREM.

What was your most impactful moment from the Summit?

Rihan Ballari: The most impactful moment for me at the Summit was having the opportunity to have my voice heard as a student. I remember gathering the courage to speak in front of 200 members, thanking them all for supporting the students and providing individuals like me the opportunity to attend the IREM Global Summit.

Tariq Sule

Tariq Sule: The Summit’s most significant highlight for me was the Regional Forum and breakfast. I had the distinct honor of engaging with esteemed members from the Georgia chapter and establishing connections with individuals from other chapters. This event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing the member experience, inspiring in me a heightened commitment to achieve not only personal gains from the industry but also to contribute meaningfully and foster a positive impact.

Thomas Letke: The most impactful moment of the Summit was The Gala in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto. At this event, I was immersed in the reality of IREM’s contribution to real estate management and was given an opportunity to witness a variety of individuals be recognized. The experience provided me with a sense of inspiration about IREM’s impact on partnering companies and also assured me that my endeavors in this industry could make an impact, too!

How has the experience provided additional support for your future career ambitions?

Thomas Letke: The experience brought me into a world of networking and professional leaders in the industry. I also gained new confidence in my ability to “net-weave” and build professional relationships.

Rihan Ballari

Rihan Ballari: This experience has connected me with various individuals across all facets of commercial real estate. From student leaders from other chapters around the country to former presidents of IREM, it was a pleasure to hear everyone’s story, brought together through IREM. I found the leader meetings and board discussions helpful in understanding the important topics and conversations that IREM members face in the ever-changing environment of real estate, the field of property management, and the IREM organization as a whole.

In what ways do you feel you’ll still be connected and involved with the IREM Georgia chapter?

Tariq Sule: I remain actively engaged with IREM by participating in events such as the “Unleashing your potential” 4th quarter event held last year. Additionally, I am currently serving on the Emerging Leaders Committee, where my responsibilities have included coordinating a tour of the Boulevard at Grant Park, a mixed-use property developed by Greystar, AMO^®. In this capacity, I have extended invitations to members of my school’s real estate club to join and contribute to the enriching experience.

Rihan Ballari: The sense of being part of a large family makes me feel connected and involved with the IREM chapter. I appreciate that everyone is just a call or text away, ready to exchange ideas and share their experiences and opportunities. Attending the Knowledge Solutions Advisory Council meeting at the IREM Global Summit and hearing the strategies discussed inspired me to volunteer for the education committee in my local chapter.

We are beyond grateful to the IREM Foundation for seeing our vision and believing in our mission to “Make an impact” by actively engaging the next generation of real estate professionals. This has profoundly impacted our membership growth and long-term relationships with universities in our local area. We aim to stay engaged and provide resources to the students in hopes of creating a ripple effect for years to come!