Diversity Advisory Board Approves New Statement
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By: Virginia Gonzales of Commercial Real Estate Management (Homestyle Magazine by The Albuquerque Journal)
The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Annual Fall Conference was held in San Diego, California the week of October 17, 2016. The collective group of real estate management professionals converged onto the scene from all over the world: Africa, Japan, Canada and from all the fifty states of the Union. It was the epitome of diversity. Recently, IREM approved the following statement of diversity: “We are an inclusive organization that embraces and values differences and welcomes individuals of all races, genders, creeds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and national origins and individuals with disabilities, proving an equal opportunity environment among its members, vendors, and staff.
Diversity in Action
I am the direct recipient of this statement in action. As I endeavor to earn my Certified Property Manager (CPM®) designation, I was awarded the 2016 IREM® Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. This scholarship afforded me the opportunity to attend the fall conference plus an additional $1,000 stipend for airfare, meals, and incidentals. The value of this experience was priceless. I was able to meet management professionals of all levels and markets. The individuals I met were supportive and willing to help, insincerity, with my goal of earning a CPM® designation. Most impressive is the educational and ethical value that is placed on the Certified Property Manager (CPM®), Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM®), Accredited Residential Manager (ARM®), and Accredited Management Organization (AMO®) designations as a whole. In addition to attending the Fall Conference, I was also awarded the IREM Foundation Diversity Outreach Scholarship. The purpose of the Diversity Outreach Scholarship is to assist individuals from under-represented population groups with the cost of tuition associated with achieving an IREM credential. This scholarship covers most of the cost for me to attend the ASM 603, ASM 604 and ASM 605 Investment Real Estate Financing and Valuation series offered in Chandler, Arizona this month.
Property Management Professionals
We work in a demanding field called property management. It makes sense to utilize the educational and professional advancement materials available to us as members of IREM Chapter 46 to better serve our property owners and tenants. If you would like to see how you can benefit and join our local group of diverse, experienced and ethical property management professionals, please see our website www.iremnewmexico.org or the national website www.irem.org. Please note that you don’t necessarily have to earn a designation to join IREM. Anyone who works in property management can also join as an Associate Member as well. In fact, it is highly recommended that you begin your membership at this level, which gives you the opportunity to navigate your way to success. College students working towards their chosen field of expertise may also want to consider pursuing a career in real estate, or more specifically, a career in property management.
The diverse and inclusive agenda of IREM should encourage investors and landlords. Obviously, increasing the value of your property and drawing long-term tenants are the goals so that you can reap a great return on your investment long term. Ultimately, having a property manager who is not only adept and in tune with the owner’s goals and objectives, the financial health of the property, and the ability to anticipate liability issues, while maintaining good rapport with the tenants, is what you get when you hire a CPM, ACoM, or ARM.
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