Our Diversity Committee provides outreach and opportunities to help bring about real change in our community. This is much more than just a standing committee -- it’s a strong commitment.

In 2014 the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS® launched its Diversity Initiative -- now the largest committee on our Board. It was formed to address the ongoing discrepancies within our industry, especially surrounding the issues of race and gender equality. In short years, the ACBR has made some truly remarkable steps forward. But, there is so much more that needs to be done.

We are at a turning point - not just in Atlanta, but in our country. The steps we take next will need to be bold, courageous, innovative -- and above all, ceaseless.

Chair: Cory Ferguson, T. Dallas Smith & Company, LLC
Co-Chair: Audrey Frey, CBRE

This committee was established to embrace, educate, and elevate minorities and women in the commercial real estate industry through avenues such as networking, education and mentorship programs.

Other Diversity Programs:

Diversity Mentorship Program

This is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals  to learn, connect, and succeed with the support and guidance of some of Atlanta’s most professional and highly respected leaders in commercial real estate. This is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals  to learn, connect, and succeed with the support and guidance of some of Atlanta’s most professional and highly respected leaders in commercial real estate.

As an annual program, this carries the full support of our Board and matches up approximately 12 individuals with a strong mentor to work together over 12 months on a one-on-one basis. In addition to being paired with a great mentor, this program goes beyond those sessions and hosts all mentees to all four(4) of the ACBR SIgnature Events, as well as conducting personalized classes just for our mentee class. In addition, this program allows mentees to support other commercial real estate organizations as well throughout the year and attend a wide variety of events, programs and unlimited opportunities.

Chair: Allison Bittel, Colliers
Co-Chair: Ben Pargman, Joel & Granot Real Estate, LLC

Mission: To establish a program for women and minorities in our industry. The mentorship program was launched and had it's first graduating class in 2015. Mentees are selected in September; Mentees and Mentors are paired; a kick-off meeting is held in November; and events take place throughout the year.

Partnership Program

Chair: James Cunningham, T. Dallas Smith & Company
Mission: To combine forces with industry organizations to improve diversity mission & results. This committee works with other commercial real estate organizations, such as CoreNet, NAIOP, etc. on joint diversity-focused events.

Race Awareness Program

The Race Awareness program is an empowering and emotional journey that will challenge, inspire and ultimately change a person’s thoughts and beliefs.

Being selected to attend this two day event is a testimony to an individual's professional experience and powerful reputation as an influential thought leader in commercial real estate. This highly selective program has been specifically designed to challenge one’s perceptions and presumptions., while being a transformative and life-altering experience.

Commercial Real Estate Studio (CRE Studio)

The CRE Studio was conceived to be a premier event, concentrating on one highly prominent individual -- a woman or a minority -- who faced intolerance and other obstacles on the path to his or her career triumph. This deeply insightful, and often highly personal, reflection of struggle, sacrifice and ultimate success is one of the most anticipated events of the year for the ACBR.

This honest and perceptive discussion provides so much inspiration to anyone who has faced challenges in their career and provides an essential lesson to everyone in our organization. With candor, confidence and a little bit of humor, the CRE Studio helps to bring about unity and understanding.

Chair: Dallas Smith, T. Dallas Smith & Company
Mission: To organize educational events with industry leaders providing their personal story of success in the commercial real estate industry.
This committee works to secure speakers, sponsors, and venues at this annual event. Additionally, this committee is charged with promotion and attendance, with a special focus on inviting minorities and women that are interested in commercial real estate to attend the event to network and meet fellow CBR members.