DePaul University’s Department of Finance & Real Estate is hosting its inaugural DEI Conference, “Breaking Barriers: Transforming Real Estate and Finance Institutions through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at its downtown Chicago campus.
The event, at 1 E. Jackson Blvd., will feature a keynote presentation, a panel discussion, and a networking reception.
HP Sori, a seasoned professional in the field of Commercial Real Estate, and currently the Florida CRE Market Manager at TD Bank, established an endowment at DePaul University to host an annual DEI conference for the Finance and Real Estate industries.
Avis Devine, Associate Professor, Schulich School of Business, York University will deliver the keynote address, “Breaking Barriers: Transforming Real Estate and Finance Institutions through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
According to conference organizers, this topic allows for exploration of how diversity, equity, and inclusion principles can positively impact the real estate and finance sectors.
A panel discussion, “Fostering Inclusivity in Finance and Real Estate” will follow and feature Leah Dillon, COO & Head of Partner Engagement, Alliance Global Advisors; Christy Lockridge, Managing Director- Chief DEI Officer, PGIM Real Estate; Erica Marquez Avitia, COO, Old Mission Holdings; Rachna Velamati, Chief Diversity Officer, Heitman. The session will be moderated by Valerie Johnson PhD, Chair & Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, DePaul University.
The panelists will share experiences, personal success stories, research findings, and innovative ideas related to DEI in the finance and real estate sectors of business. The panel will advance strategies for promoting and nurturing diversity in hiring and mentoring and how to overcome potential biases.
The final hour of the event will feature a networking reception that will allow participants, attendees and DePaul students the opportunity to connect as potential mentors/mentees and employers/employees.
Registration for the event can be completed online. For more information, please contact Olinda Rios at 312-362-5905 or orios@depaul.edu.
