Star Tribune — The commercial real estate industry remains a particularly white, male business in Minnesota, standing out even in a state that’s considerably less diverse than the nation as a whole.
And while women have struck some blows for gender equity in certain areas, such as retail real estate brokerages and property management, the lack of racial diversity within the real estate world is still pronounced, particularly at the upper management levels, according to surveys.
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Part of the Diversity Collaborative’s strategy for encouraging diversity is awarding scholarships for minority students at area universities, aiming to introduce some to commercial real estate and uncover hidden talent.
The first recipient was Dorcas Gyamerah, 24, a former St. Cloud State student from Africa’s Ivory Coast, now working in property management for Minnetonka-based Welsh & Colliers. Gyamerah said she was completely unaware of commercial real estate while majoring in finance at St. Cloud State, but when finally exposed to the business by her professor, found her calling.
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