Lisa Gardner is joined by Kimberly Brown, the president of the African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) in Los Angeles, to discuss authentic representation, diversity across the industry and the idea of “lifting as we climb”.
 
Highlighting the influx of young talent dedicated to community development, Kimberly believes in the transformative potential of organizations like AAREP in nurturing talent and embedding equity in real estate projects. Through personal reflections and professional advice, Brown's narrative inspires listeners to embrace meaningful careers grounded in integrity and purpose, signaling a future of inclusive and impactful urban development. 
  
Also in this episode: 
 

• A significant increase in young black talent passionate about community development roles over corporate positions. 

• Organizations like AAREP are crucial in fostering black talent and ensuring accessible opportunities in real estate development. 

• Proactive steps, including networking and alliances, are taken to prepare and include black professionals in the industry. 

• Why young professionals should accept offers from large firms for training and learn financial modeling. 

• Patience, understanding organizational dynamics, and gaining work experience are essential for career growth. 

• Kim’s personal challenges, the importance of sponsors, and trends of black women seeking impactful roles. 

 
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About Kimberly Brown 
Kimberly Brown is the Managing Principal of IMPACT Realty Advisors and a founding partner of Housing Impact Partners, focusing on affordable and workforce housing to create generational wealth. With over 30 years of experience, she manages investor relationships and sources opportunities for various investors. She also has 20 years of experience in Supplier Diversity, emphasizing inclusive sourcing and access to MBEs and BIPOC developers. Her work is driven by ESG initiatives, impacting historically overlooked communities. Named “2022 Commercial Real Estate Woman of the Year” and a “2023 Leader of Influence,” she also leads the African American Real Estate Professionals LA Chapter. 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children.