Promoting careers in commercial real estate

It started in 2015 when a group of Oklahoma City commercial real estate professionals attended a national conference of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women), a global business organization for women in commercial real estate. What they found at the conference was an international network of 12,000 professionals in over 75 major global markets. The Oklahoma City women were determined to bring that international network back to their hometown, and CREW-OKC was launched in June 2016.

Our own Leana Dozier is joining the CREW board of directors this month, helping the organization advance women and girls in the profession.

CREW-OKC members represent every aspect of the commercial real industry, including acquisitions, brokerage, construction, design, development, engineering, finance, law and property management, as well as other markets that support the commercial real estate industry. The organization provides an important connection in developing the profession by helping to mentor, share knowledge and empower one another as well as young women who may not otherwise be exposed to the many different careers that this industry offers.

Since 2005, CREW Careers has introduced thousands of high school girls to the many career opportunities available to them in the commercial real estate industry. Hosted by CREW Network chapters, this hands-on event uses local real estate developments, projects or sites to showcase the many career options available within commercial real estate. This year, the Oklahoma City CREW Careers event will take place March 3 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. CREW OKC works with Francis Tuttle in identifying students who are interested in learning more about the commercial real estate industry.

The national organization is accepting scholarship applications until April 15 from women currently enrolled in college with the intent to pursue a career in commercial real estate. The CREW Network Foundation will award 30 scholarships of $5,000 for tuition and books and paid internship opportunities.

Finally, the CREW Network Spring Leadership Summit will be held June 22-23 at the Omni in Oklahoma City. We are proud to host the national organization, showcase our city and offer this unique opportunity to network with dynamic and accomplished women locally and around the country. I encourage those who work in any aspect of the commercial real estate industry to learn more about the organization. For more information, see the website at www.crewokc.org.