Episode 344: Nareit’s Ayris Scales says REITs Undertaking “Critical” Work to Better Reflect Diverse Demographics

The REIT industry is undertaking “critical” work to ensure that real estate’s leadership, staff, and procurement opportunities better reflect the nation’s wider demographics, says Ayris T. Scales, Nareit’s senior vice president for social responsibility and global initiatives.Speaking on Nareit’s REIT Report, Scales said that Nareit is working together with its REIT members to accelerate change collectively and “elevate the way that we do things on behalf of the industry.”Scales outlined two key projects underway at Nareit to advance diversity and inclusion throughout the industry.She noted that the grant application process for the Nareit Foundation’s Dividends through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DDEI) Giving Campaign opened this week.Among the groups urged to apply, Scales said, are organizations focusing on ways to help secure talent for the real estate industry by looking at ways to expose high school or college students to real estate opportunities through mentorship, internships, and any other types of leadership and professional development opportunities.