ARLINGTON, Va. | September 25, 2025 – The National Apartment Association (NAA) today announced the recipients of three longstanding grants and scholarships designed to empower the next generation of rental housing professionals. While each unique, these honors provide best-in-class opportunities for professional development, innovation and industry recognition.
“At a time when many companies face competing priorities, NAA knows that real, long-term success comes from investing in the future of our industry’s talent,” 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 a part in fostering a more innovative industry.”
The Innovation in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (IDEI) Grant is awarded to NAA member associations, property management firms, supplier partners and related groups that have innovative ideas and will provide meaningful contributions to our industry through a robust project or program.
Recipient and Location: Chicagoland Apartment Association
Project Name: Cultivating Inclusion: Living the Mission
Summary: Focusing on a being a long-term investment, this project has goals for what the housing industry should look like. Those goals revolve around being equitable, representative and inclusive at every level. Some objectives include expanding DE&I education programming, launching a membership diversity accelerator and strengthening DE&I advocacy.
Funding Received: $12,500
Recipient and Location: Nevada State Apartment Association
Project Name: Opening Doors to Inclusion: A DE&I Initiative for Property Management Professionals
Summary: This initiative is for professionals in the rental housing industry centered around interactive in-person events and educational events. Nonprofit leaders will offer diverse perspectives during panel discussions, and these discussions and events will build DE&I initiatives, drive innovation and industry leadership and more.
Funding Received: $12,500
The National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship empowers rental housing industry professionals from diverse backgrounds and veterans/active-duty members of the military 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: Jason Cox, Asset Living
Scholarship Program: CAM - Recipient Name and Company: Yasmany Hernandez Perez, Greystar Management
Scholarship Program: CAMT - Recipient Name and Company: Mehrdad Nicholas Rahimzadeh, Indigo Real Estate
Scholarship Program: CAM - Recipient Name and Company: Ademola Dawodu, Vesa Commercial
Scholarship Program: CAM - Recipient Name and Company: Ellyana Brown, Gables Residencial
Scholarship Program: CAM - Recipient Name and Company: Ansel Sandoval, Arlington Properties
Scholarship Program: CAMT
The Apartmentalize Credential Holder Scholarship allows six rental housing professionals with NAAEI credentials the opportunity to attend Apartmentalize, the rental housing industry’s premier conference and exposition, for the first time in their careers. Covering airfare, registration and lodging, this scholarship empowers rising leaders to experience the full networking and education benefits that Apartmentalize offers.
- Name: Sammy Wayne Neighbors
Company: Daymark Apartment Homes Inc - Name: Kayla Raziel Mundzak
Company: Centerspace - Name: Marie Rohl
Company: Grubb Properties - Name: Jamaula Sykes
Company: Drucker And Falk - Name: Towanda McEachern
Company: Brownstone Associates - Name: Kelsea Haynes
Company: Management Services Corporation
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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 140 state, local and global affiliates, NAA encompasses more than 94,000 members representing over 13 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.