Ra'eesa Motala, REDi 2021 Co-Chair
Vice President, Lee & Associates
Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDi)
REDi 2021 is a virtual 12-session curriculum designed for professionals of color and women working in real estate industries. The program aims to advance participants’ careers and expand their professional networks.
ULI Real Estate Diversity Initiative
The REDi program was an incredible professional development opportunity. It increased my proficiency, confidence, and passion for real estate development.
Kolu Wilson
Director, Minnesota DEED Office of Economic Equity and Opportunity and REDi Participant
The ULI Minnesota Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDi) Program helps participants learn more about what it takes to put together a successful development through a combination of curriculum and case study work. Each team will produce a development plan, pro-forma, and marketing plan. Chosen participants will engage in both large group and small group mentoring sessions. Due to COVID-19, the 2021 REDi Program will be conducted virtually.
REDi 2021 – Application is now open
Apply here!
REDi 2021 application deadline is December 18th at 5pm CST. Applications can be submitted digitally via the link above. You may also request a PDF application by emailing rachel.keenan@uli.org. Applicants will be informed about selection decisions on January 8, 2021.
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What does the program offer?
- One-on-one mentoring and education worth more than $15,000
- Comprehensive curriculum of the stages of real estate development
- Mentorship and coaching from professionals active in the field
- Opportunity to develop a full proposal for real-world case study
- Free one-year membership to ULI, with access to more than 600 members working in many different areas of the real estate industry
- Access to network of 100+ alumni and allied professionals across all sectors of real estate
What is the time commitment?
- 3-hour interactive sessions every other Tuesday afternoons
- Sessions run from January 19 to June 8,
with the final review on June 15, 2021.
Who Should Apply?
- Early to mid-career professionals interested in expanding their understanding of real estate development, those with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and/or those interested in becoming a Developer or Owner of projects.
- Because this course is not taught at a 101 level, the ideal participant will have at least 2-4 years of experience in real estate or a related industry.
- Exceptions to these guidelines may be considered for applicants that demonstrate an applicable community role, high level of motivation, and a higher level of real estate knowledge and experience through their personal essay and recommendation letters. Please contact us (rachel.keenan@uli.org) to discuss whether REDi is the right fit for you.
Eligibility and Cost:
- REDi is open to people of color and woman.
- Admission is competitive and requires a completed application.
- Registration is $300 payable upon acceptance, with a limited number of partial scholarships available.
- Due to COVID-19, the 2021 sessions will be hosted virtually to prioritize everyone’s health and safety. Since this is the case, you must have access to a computer and an internet connection to participate.
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REDi not right for you, but you would like to recommend the program to someone? Refer a colleague here!
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Application Requirements:
- Basic contact and demographic information
- Overview of experience level and areas
- Commitment to program requirements
- Attachment: Professional Resume (1 or 2-page resume that includes your education and work history)
- Attachment: Personal essay which explains (in 200-500 words) what you hope to gain by completing the REDi program and how you will use the information you learn
- Attachment: Two letters of reference (1 page each) from persons who have strong knowledge of your abilities and interest in real estate development. If you are employed full time, one of your letters must be from your supervisor stating that they will support your participation and allow the classes to be a priority.
Participation Selection: Selection of participants will be based on level of relevant experience (resume), commitment and desire to participate in the program (personal essay), and letters of reference, reviewed by our local REDi Steering Committee. This selection process is competitive, and not everyone who is qualified is accepted. Class sizes range from 20-30 people and the final number is based on having 3 balanced “development teams” within the class.
REDi 2021 application deadline is December 18th at 5pm CST. Applications can be submitted digitally via the link below. Applicants will be informed about selection decisions on January 8, 2021.
REDi 2021 – Application is now open
Apply here!
Amber Turnquest, REDi 2021 Co-Chair
Principal City Planner at City of Minneapolis
This program gave me the opportunity to explore, learn new things and meet extraordinary people. We studied some areas I had feared in the past, but this program allowed us an insider’s view to the process while providing information right at our fingertips and the best people across industries to walk us through and teach us along the way. You never know what you are fully made of until you start doing and understanding those things you feared the most.
Summer Cline
Property and Leasing Manager, U of M Foundation Real Estate Advisors and REDi Participant
2020 REDi Graduates
Adrienne Bockheim, Principal City Planner, City of Minneapolis (CPED);
Amber Turnquest, Principal City Planner, City of Minneapolis (CPED);
Asher Michels-Allen, Housing Development Associate, CommonBond Communities;
Ashley Burdine, Property Administrator, Wellington Management;
Cerena Vang, Development Associate, JB Vang
Cherie Shoquist, Analyst, City of Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority;
Denetrick Powers, Director of Real Estate Development, NEOO Partners, Inc.
Domonique Jones, Program Director, City of Lakes Community Land Trust;
Eric Jacques, Owner and CEO, Jacques Properties LLC;
Erika Byrd, Development Project Coordinator, City of Brooklyn Park;
Ivan Alvarado, Asset Manager, Ackerberg Group;
Jackie Funk, Broker/Owner & Real Estate Advisor, BrBaGa Real Estate;
Jama Adam, Property Manager, Aeon;
Jason Moore, Realtor, Realty Group, Inc.;
Jen Small, Housing Development Associate, Aeon;
Jude Nnadi, CEO, HomSavvy Inc.;
Julie Siegert, Housing Director, Scott County Community Development Agency;
Martha Faust, Redevelopment Program Manager, Ramsey County;
McKenzie Erickson, Founder and Chief Experience Designer, Caleidoscope;
Meg English, Real Estate Specialist at Capital City Property Management;
Merritt Clapp-Smith, Owner and Principal, Moxie Consulting LLC;
Molly Dalsin, Project Architect, AWH Architects;
Nichole Klonowski, Business Development Director, Pope Architects;
Nikki Mohs, Program and Loan Officer, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund;
Oliver Smith, Senior Project Coordinator, City of Minneapolis (CPED);
Ra’eesa Motala, Vice President, Lee & Associates;
Robin MaGee, CEO, RKM Diversified Industries;
Tara Roberts, Project Coordinator & Loan Originator, City of Minneapolis (CPED);
Zer Khang, Director of Construction Training, Asian Economic Development Association
2021 REDi Sponsors
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please keep in touch .