Episode 344: Nareits Ayris Scales says REITs Undertaking Critical Work to Better Reflect Diverse Demographics
The REIT industry is undertaking \u201ccritical\u201d work to ensure that real estate\u2019s leadership, staff, and procurement opportunities better reflect the nation\u2019s wider demographics, says Ayris T. Scales, Nareit\u2019s senior vice president for social responsibility and global initiatives.
Speaking on Nareit\u2019s REIT Report, Scales said that Nareit is working together with its REIT members to accelerate change collectively and \u201celevate the way that we do things on behalf of the industry.\u201d
Scales outlined two key projects underway at Nareit to advance diversity and inclusion throughout the industry.
She noted that the grant application process for the Nareit Foundation\u2019s Dividends through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DDEI) Giving Campaign opened this week.
Among the groups urged to apply, Scales said, are organizations focusing on ways to help secure talent for the real estate industry by looking at ways to expose high school or college students to real estate opportunities through mentorship, internships, and any other types of leadership and professional development opportunities.