Equity Residential, Ventas, Equinix, and Carolyn Carter Singh of Brixmor Property Group honored for their commitments to DEI
WASHINGTON, D.C., (Nov. 10, 2021) - Nareit presented its third annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Recognition Awards during its REITworld: 2021 Annual Conference. These awards honor Nareit members that have demonstrated their commitment to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their companies as well as with the real estate industry at large.
The 2021 Corporate Award winners include:
Gold: Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR)
Equity Residential has identified diversity and inclusion as a business imperative and is committed to creating communities where people thrive. With a workforce of 62% people of color, EQR has a goal to remove barriers to success for all within their organization. Equity Residential has made significant strides including increasing women of color representation on the Executive Team by 17% and increasing their diversity and inclusion engagement score from the 75 th to the 82nd percentile this year, according to an annual EQR employee engagement survey, by helping employees recognize the importance of understanding cultural differences and how they may appear in the workplace. EQR's strategic focus on building cultural awareness and competence has garnered greater empathy and helped their employees feel safe, respected and connected.
Silver: Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR)
Ventas has long been committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. From being the first REIT signatory to the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, curating a diverse Board of Directors and fostering employee-led networks, Ventas integrates inclusiveness across the company. Through its cross-functional DE&I Committee made up of more than 40 employees, Ventas is developing tangible goals and action plans that will drive change at Ventas and beyond. In 2021, Ventas was named a Founding Partner of the Real Estate Executive Council (REEC)'s Diversity Initiative to promote increased diversity, equality and inclusivity throughout the CRE industry.
Bronze: Equinix, Inc. (NASDAQ: EQIX)
Two decades ago, Equinix was founded on the principle of deepening interconnections. Today, it continues to uphold the belief that a company committed to connection must also be a company committed to diversity and inclusion. Through programs such as the Equinix Employee Network Connection groups, Allies Council, and participation in the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy, Equinix is supporting members of underrepresented groups and is building a diverse and inclusive culture where every employee can say "I'm safe, I belong, and I matter."
Individual Award Winner: Carolyn Carter Singh, Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer, Brixmor Property Group (NYSE: BRX)
As Chief Talent Officer at Brixmor Property Group, Singh leads Brixmor’s DEI efforts and the broader company culture. During her tenure, Singh has worked to establish DEI plans for all levels, is a champion for pay parity and has sought new ways to attract entry-level diverse talent to our industry. Under her leadership, the 2020 Brixmor survey reported that 97% of employees say they feel like they “belong” at Brixmor, 96% see others using behaviors that foster inclusion, and 97% believe that their opinions matter.
“The past few years have underlined the urgent need to ensure that our entire society, including the REIT industry, supports the drive for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces, businesses and communities. We are so proud to see our members progress forward and we look forward to seeing continued work in DEI across the industry in years to come,” said Nareit President and CEO Steven A. Wechsler.
Representatives from winning organizations will speak during a spotlight session at Nareit’s REITworld Conference to provide insights into their successful DEI efforts. Complimentary registration for the conference – taking place today – is available. Award winner presentations include:
- Equity Residential: Mark J. Parrell, president and CEO, and, Catherine Carraway, EVP & CHRO
- Ventas, Inc: Tim Sanders, senior investment officer & co-executive lead for DEI
- Equinix, Inc.: Bruce Owen, VP, employee and community impact
- Brixmor Property Group: James Taylor, president and CEO, and Executive Vice President & Chief Talent Officer, Carolyn Carter Singh, EVP and CTO
Each year, winners of Nareit’s DEI Recognition Awards are selected in a blind evaluation by a panel of judges with an expertise in DEI who work outside the REIT industry. The 2021 judges reviewed applications from companies and nominations for individuals and evaluated them based on their DEI programs, recent accomplishments, and reporting metrics, in addition to other factors. The panel of judges included:
- Dr. Shai L. Butler , VP, advancement and external affairs, Springfield Technical Community College
- Raquel F. Favela , SVP, National Development Council
- Alade S. McKen, Ph.D ., assistant dean of recruitment, diversity, and inclusion, Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation
- James H. Pogue, Ph.D. , president and CEO, JP Enterprises, LLC.
“Nareit believes it is crucial that REITs and commercial real estate in general continue to work for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry,” said Nareit SVP, Industry Affairs and Social Responsibility Nathaalie Carey. “Nareit’s DEI Recognition Awards celebrate the commitment to prioritizing DEI and encourage the progress and improvement our industry demands moving forward.”
To learn more about Nareit’s DEI Recognition Awards and its Dividends Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative, visit: /nareit/dividends-through-diversity-equity-inclusion-initiative .