ARLINGTON, VA | September 13, 2023 – The National Apartment Association (NAA) today announced the recipients of the 2023 Innovation in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (IDEI) Grant and the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship. These important programs play a central 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.
“Fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce is the foundation of building a stronger and better rental housing industry,” said Bob Pinnegar, NAA President and CEO. “In the spirit of that mission, we’re honored to support these professional development opportunities and provide the next generation of industry leaders with the resources they need to thrive.”
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 $25,000 per fiscal year.
Recipient and Location: Campus Advantage | Austin, Texas
Project Name: #YouBelong Campaign
Summary: To bolster its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work, Campus Advantage plans to launch the Campus Advantage #YOUBELONG Campaign. This initiative will include providing DEI scholarships, reaching out to employees and residents, and spreading knowledge to empower its teams, which will ultimately benefit the over 18,000 college students who reside in the organization’s/nonprofit’s student housing communities across the country.
Funding Received: $8,500
Recipient and Location: Midwood Investment & Development | New York, New York
Project Name: Building Bridges of Inclusion: The Multifamily Affinity Toolkit and Training Academy
Summary: The rental housing industry plays a critical role in providing housing and shaping communities, yet it faces significant challenges in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). To address these issues, Midwood Investment & Development proposes a project aimed at creating an Affinity Toolkit exclusively for multifamily professionals and individuals within the industry, along with a comprehensive Training/Academy program to develop leaders who can effectively lead affinity groups, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and other DEI-focused initiatives within organizations and local affiliates.
Funding Received: $7,000
Recipient and Location: PeakMade Real Estate | Atlanta, Georgia
Project Name: Fostering Inclusive Excellence & Belonging Through Leadership Skills Cohort Workshop
Summary: PeakMade Real Estate has worked hard over the last three years to continue to expand its resources and education as it relates to fostering belonging and cultural competency within its organization and it looks forward to partnering with NAA to help achieve that goal. The objective of Fostering Inclusive Excellence and Belonging is to give PeakMade Real Estate’s leadership team – Directors, RVPs, Regional Managers, and more, the ability to re-evaluate where they are currently in relation to their ongoing DEI journey and where they have opportunity to close the gap and enhance their understanding of unconscious bias.
Funding Received: $9,500
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: Lana Christensen | Property Resources Group
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Recipient Name and Company: Judith Cuatecontzi | The Life Properties
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Recipient Name and Company: Andrew Sedillo | The Bella Group
Scholarship Program: Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT)
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Recipient Name and Company: Ruthie Woodard | University Partners
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS)
Location: Dallas, Texas
Recipient Name and Company: Angela Maples | Cushman & Wakefield
Scholarship Program: Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
###
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 over 92,000 members representing more than 11 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: The Home Depot Pro & HD Supply, Lowe’s Pro Supply and Yardi.