BOSTON – The Builders of Color Coalition, in partnership with NorthBridge Partners’ Coffee Connectors, hosted the 2024 Boston Student Summit on Friday, November 8, 2024. This one-day event brought together first-generation and underrepresented college students to explore career opportunities in the commercial real estate (CRE) sector.
Held in the heart of Boston at One Financial Boston, the summit welcomed 120 students selected from over 230 applicants, representing nearly 25 colleges and universities across Boston and New England. The event featured interactive sessions, engaging presentations, and exclusive networking opportunities designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the dynamic world of commercial real estate. The attending students engaged with well-established professionals from companies such as The Davis Companies, Colliers, Janey Construction Management, The Cummings Group, amongst many others.
“This summit is a pivotal step toward creating pathways for first-generation and underrepresented students to thrive in the commercial real estate industry,” said Dave Madan, Founder of Builders of Color Coalition. “We are proud to offer them a platform to learn, connect, and envision their future careers in this vibrant field.”
During the summit, students aspiring to learn more about the commercial real estate industry had the opportunity to take a deep dive into discovering the types of careers that were attainable in the space, along with various organizations they can tap into for young professional development and support. Twenty-three sponsors supported the summit, underscoring the industry’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. To ensure accessibility, each attendee received a $250 stipend to alleviate financial barriers such as lost wages or transportation expenses.
Students had the chance to network with industry leaders, gain insights into CRE career paths, and access valuable resources. The event also highlighted the importance of professional organizations and the role they play in supporting young professionals entering the field. The 2024 Boston Student Summit left a lasting impact on participants, inspiring them to pursue opportunities in the commercial real estate sector while expanding their professional networks. This initiative exemplifies a meaningful effort to promote diversity and inclusion within the industry.
