Teaching women, minorities to be the next Donald Trump
| July 8, 2009 | 1:58 PM
More journal entries from Tillie Fong »
If Donald Trump is representative of the demographic of most real estate developers — white and male — the city of Denver is hoping to change that image through its Real Estate Diversity Initiative.
The nine-month mentorship program for women and minorities starts this month, pairing 42 local professionals, many in the real estate and construction fields, with six local developers to learn the ropes.
“It’s not a field for many years that was open to women and minorities,” said Tamela Lee, director of small business advocacy and suport with the Denver Office of Economic Development.
“It does require that you raise a lot of money. It’s about relationships and if opportunities exist. At least they (the program participants) will learn about how that world works.”
The program, supported by a $20,000 grant from the ULI (Urban Land Institute) Foundation, will include guest speakers, small group meetings and site tours of development projects. All aspects of development will be explored, from financing to construction management.
The city also will encourage developers to partner with program participants in future projects.
“The whole intent is, there may not be an immediate need (for women and minority developers) but when there is, you’re ready,” Lee said.
The city hopes to continue the program for at least another couple of years.
“If this is successful, we hope to duplicate this nationwide,” Lee said.
Denver Office of Economic Development, developers, minorities, Real Estate Diversity Initiative, Urban Land Institute, women
