Arlington, VA – The National Apartment Association (NAA) has announced the recipients of the 2022 Innovation in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (IDEI) Grant and the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship.
The IDEI Grant, sponsored by The Home Depot Pro, is awarded to NAA member associations, property management firms, supplier partners and related groups that have innovative ideas to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within their own organizations. NAA’s total pool of funds for the IDEI grants is $25,000 per fiscal year.
IDEI Grant Recipients
The 2022 IDEI grant funding is broken down as follows, accompanied by project summaries submitted on the recipients’ applications.
The Morgan Group: DE&I Education & Development Program – $5,000
“Morgan embraces and respects differences in age, ethnicity, gender identity, learning styles, national origin, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic class. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and Committee members continue to move Morgan’s DEI goals from aspiration to reality. The DEI members strive to demonstrate our commitment through our leadership, curriculum, programs, practices, and in every aspect of our community and culture. Together, we will work to ensure that all employees of Morgan feel a deep sense of belonging. To encourage training and education on DEI for our people to ensure a diverse workforce that is prepared to meet our current and future needs.”
Weller Management: DEI – A Business Strategy, Delivery Workplace Change and Belonging Program – $12,000
“At Weller, diversity, equity, and inclusion are the core of our values. In support of our ever-changing multi-family rental industry, Weller’s continued commitment to positively impacting and representing the communities and lives Weller serves includes developing and launching the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program (DEI Program). Weller is committed to embracing a culture of belonging by building a framework of initiatives, programs and accountability that are aligned through the entire culture of the company where all people feel respected, accepted, supported and valued. By developing a framework that holds the organization, leaders, and all employees accountable, Weller and employees alike benefit from an inclusive, belonging workplace culture.”
PeakMade Real Estate: Fostering Inclusive Excellence & Belonging Through Microlearning Live Training Program – $8,000
“We have worked hard over the last two years to continue to expand our resources and education as it relates to fostering belonging and cultural competency within our organization and we look forward to partnering with [NAA] to help achieve that goal. The objective of Fostering Inclusive Excellence and Belonging is to give our leadership team – directors, RVPs, regional managers, and more – the ability to reevaluate where they are currently in relation to their ongoing DEI journey and where they have opportunity to close the gap and enhance their understanding of unconscious bias.”
The NAAEI Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship is awarded to rental housing industry professionals from diverse backgrounds as they seek to advance their careers through NAAEI credential programs. Established as a scholarship fund by Alexandra Jackiw, CAPS, CPM, both a past chair of NAA and a past president of NAAEI, this scholarship covers fees for one of two credential programs for recipients: Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) or Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS). The 2022 recipients are listed alongside their member company as well as the program for which their scholarship will cover.
- Demetri Gantt, RangeWater Real Estate (CAM)
- Trey Leotti, Greystar (CAM)
- Christine Munda, Berger Rental Communities (CAM)
- Kara Lea Elzey, Apartment Management Consultants, LLC (CAM)
- Caleaya Miller, Highmark Residential (CAPS)
- Amanda Graham, Olympus Property (CAPS)
- Selena Curtis, ConAm Management (CAPS)
“Fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive industry is a key priority for NAA, and we are proud to lead these important efforts to ensure everyone feels at home within the rental housing industry,” said Bob Pinnegar, NAA president and CEO.
