Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 16, 2025
Goldie Initiative Announces Record 40 Scholars for 2025-26 CRE Leadership Program
TLDR
- Attending the Goldie Gala provides networking access to top CRE leaders and emerging female talent, offering strategic advantages for career advancement and industry influence.
- The Goldie Initiative combines scholarships, mentoring, networking, and professional development to systematically cultivate women leaders in commercial real estate through structured programs.
- The Goldie Initiative creates a more inclusive commercial real estate industry by empowering women leaders and fostering diversity for a better future.
- The Goldie Gala on September 18, 2025 at Chicago's Union Station celebrates 40 new scholars and honors industry leaders with inspiring networking opportunities.
Impact - Why it Matters
The Goldie Initiative addresses the significant gender gap in commercial real estate leadership by creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified women professionals. With women historically underrepresented in C-suite positions across the CRE industry, this program directly impacts corporate diversity, innovation, and performance. Companies that support and hire from this talent pool gain access to highly qualified leaders who bring diverse perspectives and enhanced decision-making capabilities. For individual professionals, the initiative provides critical mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support that accelerate career advancement. The program's expansion and record-breaking scholarship cohort demonstrate the growing recognition that gender diversity in leadership drives better business outcomes and strengthens the entire commercial real estate sector.
Summary
The Goldie Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women leaders in commercial real estate, has announced its largest-ever cohort of 40 Goldie Scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year. Under the leadership of Katie Kazas, Managing Director of Capital Markets at Longfellow Real Estate Partners and President of The Goldie Initiative Board of Directors, the organization continues its 18-year legacy of supporting women pursuing graduate studies in real estate-related fields through scholarships, mentoring, networking, and leadership development. The initiative has cultivated over 200 alumnae who now hold leadership positions across the commercial real estate industry, contributing to organizational success and sector advancement.
The organization's signature event, the 9th Annual Goldie Gala scheduled for September 18, 2025, at Union Station in Chicago, serves as a major fundraising and networking opportunity that brings together industry leaders, rising stars, and influential voices. The Gala will honor Kim Adams of Clarion Partners with the Shero Award, recognizing excellence in leadership and mentorship. With nearly $1.2 million raised from over 200 sponsors this year alone, the event directly supports the next generation of women leaders while providing companies access to an impressive pool of female talent through meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities.
The Goldie Initiative's comprehensive approach includes strategic partnerships with organizations like the Center for Mentoring Excellence to ensure best practices in mentorship programming. Each Goldie Scholar is paired with a senior real estate professional in their area of interest, creating rewarding relationships that accelerate professional development and prepare women for C-suite positions. As the organization expands geographically into the Northeast U.S., it remains committed to driving diversity at the highest levels of management and shaping a more inclusive future for the commercial real estate industry.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, Goldie Initiative Announces Record 40 Scholars for 2025-26 CRE Leadership Program
