The Real Estate Finance Association gearing up for the 32nd Annual REFA Gala

Boston, MA The Real Estate Finance Association hosted its 6^th Webinar on Wednesday, September 30^th. The webinar, Building a Diverse Organization, was moderated by Mandy Eckhoff, partner, Robinson + Cole, and included panelists John Cruz III, president and CEO, Cruz Companies, Linda Dorcena Forry, vice president of diversity, inclusion & community for the Northeast, Suffolk Construction, and Tom O’Brien, founding partner & managing director, The HYM Investment Group. The panel discussed how companies have made diverse hiring a priority, as well as the importance of diverse teams, creating a culture of inclusiveness, and how companies can refine their own hiring practices to build a more diverse workforce. 

Please join REFA for the 32^nd Annual REFA Gala and Presentation of the Swain Distinguished Service Award. This year’s Gala, Monday, October 19^th, 4:00 pm, will be a virtual celebration honoring Tammy Jones, co-founder and CEO, Basis Investment Group and Kirk Sykes, co-managing partner, Accordia Partners. Both extraordinary leaders in Boston’s commercial real estate industry, they are also driving forces for diversity and inclusion in Greater Boston. 

As this is a different year for the REFA, there will be some new special features included in this year’s Virtual Gala. The program will feature a Fireside Chat with 2020 REFA president Claudia Piper and the honorees, giving attendees the chance to learn more about Tammy Jones and Kirk Sykes. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for all attendees to join Virtual Networking Groups directly following the program at 5:00 pm.

The REFA Gala is the key fundraising event of the year, and it is critical to help maintain the level of staffing and programming of REFA and support their designated charities. Charity and supporting those in need is core to REFA’s mission. A portion of the proceeds from the REFA Gala will help support Rosie’s Place, FamilyAid Boston, and HomeStart, organizations fighting to end homelessness in Greater Boston.