ARLINGTON, VA | October 22, 2024 – The National Apartment Association (NAA) today announced the recipients of the NAA 2024 Innovation in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (IDEI) Grant and the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship. NAA believes that a growing and innovative rental housing industry must employ a workforce that reflects each respective community’s resident population. These important programs play an integral role in NAA’s mission to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in rental housing, inspire the industry’s leaders of tomorrow and strengthen those with whom the organization works and exists to serve.
“In a time when many companies face competing priorities, NAA knows how integral inclusive initiatives are to the rental housing industry and our communities,” said NAA President and CEO Bob Pinnegar. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to provide the next generation of industry leaders with the resources they need to thrive and to play our part in moving towards a more innovative and inclusive industry.”
The IDEI Grant is awarded to NAA member associations, property management firms, supplier partners and related groups that have innovative ideas to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within their own organizations. IDEI funds and their recipients will provide meaningful contributions to our industry and help further NAA's goal of encouraging an inclusive, supportive and richly diverse workforce. NAA’s total pool of funds for the IDEI grants is $15,000 per fiscal year.
Recipient and Location: PeakMade Real Estate | Atlanta, Georgia
Project Name: PeakLink Empower Leaders Development
Summary: The objective of PeakLink Empower Leaders Development is to utilize this grant to provide PeakMade Employee Resource Groups with the support and skills needed to effectively lead their groups and navigate organizational dynamics, thereby strengthening the impact of their ERG initiatives and avoiding burnout.
Funding Received: $9,000
Recipient and Location: Saint Louis Apartment Association | Saint Louis, Missouri
Project Name: Saint Louis Apartment Association's Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Summary: To encourage diversity within its Board and Product & Service Council over the next four years, the Saint Louis Apartment Association plans to use this grant to enhance programming by bringing in speakers to cover Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion topics at least twice a year.
Funding Received: $6,000
The NAAEI Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship empowers rental housing industry professionals from diverse backgrounds as they seek to advance their careers through NAAEI credential programs. Established as a scholarship fund by Alexandra Jackiw, CAPS, CPM®, both a past chair of NAA and a past president of NAAEI, this scholarship covers fees for three credential programs for recipients: Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS), Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT).
Recipient Name and Company: Gerry Jackson | Berkshire Residential Investments
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS)
Location: Maryland
Recipient Name and Company: Daniela Wilson | RealSource Properties
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
Location: Georgia
Recipient Name and Company: Malika Jones | PLK Communities
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
Location: Ohio
Recipient Name and Company: Brandon Hood | ECI Group
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS)
Location: Georgia
Recipient Name and Company: Tarvares Lloyd | RK Properties
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
Location: Georgia
Recipient Name and Company: Bianka Nisbeth | Venture Communities
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS)
Location: Ohio
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About NAA
The National Apartment Association (NAA) serves as the leading voice and preeminent resource through advocacy, education, and collaboration on behalf of the rental housing industry. As a federation of 141 state, local and global affiliates, NAA encompasses nearly 97,000 members representing more than 12 million apartment homes globally. NAA believes that rental housing is a valuable partner in every community that emphasizes integrity, accountability, collaboration, community responsibility, inclusivity, and innovation. To learn more, visit www.naahq.org. NAA thanks its Strategic Partners AppFolio, The Home Depot Pro, Lowe’s Pro Supply and Yardi.