The Intentional Impact ("I²") Committee
About the I² Committee
The NAIOP Central Florida chapter is committed to increasing diversity across all industries related to Commercial Real Estate (CRE). We are seeking to increase the awareness of, access to, and opportunities within our industry; with a specific focus on minorities and individuals coming from a disadvantaged background. We recognize that many people lack exposure to the career fields available in our industry, and therefore never develop a vision for what a career in our industry could look like.
We believe diversity fosters better collaboration, innovation, and creates a higher performing industry that will positively impact our community. To support this effort, NAIOP Central Florida established a Intentional Impact Committee with a specific focus of increasing diversity within our industry.
Our region has also been accurately described as a diverse demographic salad. Youth here trace their roots to over one hundred countries. English as a Second Language is a widespread reality. Many of these young adults might have a colorful future in one of our business disciplines, with successful companies, here.
Let’s get started.
If you wish to participate as an Aspiring Young Professional, please fill out THIS FORM and we will contact you.
If you wish to participate as a Career Advisor, please fill out THIS FORM and we will contact you.
To Increase Awareness and Provide Access to the dozens of careers available within the CRE industry in Greater Orlando, we have developed a partnership program in which Aspiring Young Professionals can spend time with established Career Advisors in our industry.
A Career Advisor (CA) is an industry professional that can help provide a picture of what a career in CRE may look like. They serve as a friend to AYP’s and can help them establish their network in the industry, answer questions, and provide advice on education, training, etc. that may help the AYP towards a fulfilling career in our industry.
An Aspiring Young Professional (AYP) is anybody over the age of 18 that is curious about a career in the CRE industry. It may be a recent high school graduate, a college student, or an individual looking to make a mid-career change.
The Commercial Real Estate industry includes many different professions. To name a few:
|
|
OUR APPROACH:
- Enlist dozens of Career Advisors in our industries
- Arrange for each Career Advisor a proper, safe connection with an Aspiring Young Professional
- One-on-one friendly relationship where the Career Advisor and Aspiring Young Professional meet periodically (virtual or in-person) over the course of a 6-month period. Over time, the hope is for a long-term relationship to form between the Career Advisor and Aspiring Young Professional. Additionally, the Career Advisor will help make introductions to other industry professionals.
- Career Advisors will ask key questions and listen, intently.
- Job-shadowing is encouraged.
- Minimum age for an AYP is 18
- The I² Committee will pair Aspiring Young Professionals with registered Career Advisors. (See registration details below).
I² Aspiring Young Professional Scholarship Program
The Intentional Impact Committee is partnering with a wide variety of entities including UCF, FAMU Law, Valencia, Seminole State, University of Florida, Bethune Cookman, and many other local organizations to identify Aspiring Young Professionals and support them towards a career in CRE. Recognizing that financial hardship is often a barrier for many students, the NAIOP I² Committee established a $10,000 Intentional Impact Scholarship fund.
The format is an educational scholarship fund awarded to students entering their sophomore to their senior year or pursuing a graduate degree. The student must demonstrate an intention to pursue a career in Central Florida in the commercial real estate industry or related fields through his/her/their course studies, employment or internships in the commercial real estate industry or other notable experience or achievements. Up to 10 scholarships will be granted in 2023 in the amount of $1,000 or $2,000 per semester. If the recipient resides in Central Florida area at the time of the award, the scholarship may also include a one-year student or graduate student (as applicable) membership to NAIOP Central Florida.
