Professional development is about more than building industry knowledge and expanding your network. It is also about understanding the community you serve and finding meaningful ways to contribute to it. That is why community service continues to be an important component of the CARW NextGen program.
Throughout the 10-month program, NextGen participants have opportunities to learn from leaders across the commercial real estate industry, build relationships with their peers, and gain exposure to the many disciplines that shape our communities. The community service component gives each class an opportunity to take those relationships outside of the classroom and work together toward a shared purpose.
This year, the NextGen class partnered with United Way for a Diaper Bank Repacking Event, volunteering their time to support an important community need.
A key part of the NextGen experience is also encouraging participants to take ownership and lead. Alex Vite and Grace Gallagher did exactly that, stepping up to coordinate the class’s community service effort and helping bring their peers together for the event. From organizing the details to encouraging participation, Alex and Grace took the lead in moving the initiative forward.
A special thank you also goes to Emily Van Allen, who helped connect the class with the opportunity.
For professionals working in commercial real estate, community involvement has particular significance. Our industry plays a role in shaping the places where people live, work, and gather. Giving back provides another way for emerging professionals to connect with those communities while developing leadership, collaboration, and a greater sense of responsibility to the places they serve.
For more than a decade, NextGen has focused on preparing the next generation of commercial real estate professionals. Experiences like this are an important part of that mission. We want participants to leave the program not only with stronger industry connections and knowledge, but also with an understanding that leadership includes being willing to step forward, contribute, and bring others along.
We are proud of Alex and Grace for taking the lead and of the entire NextGen class for showing up and giving back. It is exactly the kind of engagement we hope continues long after graduation.
