LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2019 – Nareit presented its inaugural Dividends Through Diversity and Inclusion Recognition Awards today during its REITworld: 2019 Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
These awards recognize Nareit members, both companies and individuals, who have demonstrated a strong commitment and made outstanding contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion within their organizations and the broader REIT and publicly traded real estate industry.
“The Nareit Diversity & Inclusion Recognition Awards recognize our members who have shown dedication to creating inclusive and diverse workplaces,” said Nareit President and CEO Steven A. Wechsler. “By showcasing the successes of some of the companies at the forefront of D and I, we hope others will be encouraged to implement similar programs in their own businesses.”
The Corporate Award winners were:
- Gold: Duke Realty Corporation (DRE)
- Silver: Healthpeak Properties, Inc. (HCP)
- Bronze: Camden Property Trust (CPT)
The Individual Award was presented to James Connor, chairman and CEO of Duke Realty Corporation.
“The winners were chosen on the basis of the scope and execution of their overall diversity and inclusion programs,” said Bonnie Gottlieb, senior vice president of industry affairs and strategic initiatives. “These members have committed to lasting change regarding diversity and inclusion within their businesses’ cultures.”
The judging was conducted independently of Nareit and without knowledge of company identity by a four-person panel, each of whom specializes in diversity and inclusion issues in either academia or in non-real estate organizations. The judges were:
- Rhonda Nesmith Crichlow, senior vice president and chief diversity officer, Charter Communications
- Jerry Kang, vice chancellor for equity, diversity, and inclusion and distinguished professor of law, University of California, Los Angeles
- Scott E. Page, John Seely Brown distinguished university professor, University of Michigan
- Kimberly L. Weatherly, assistant dean and director, Center for Student Diversity, William & Mary