IREM president’s message: Walking the Walk - IREM’s Summer of Service

Giving back to the community – a phrase that reflects an organization’s commitment to neighborhood engagement and social responsibility. But in order to truly “give back” we must do more than “talk the talk.” We need to “walk the walk” and that’s exactly what members of the IREM Boston Chapter did during our Summer of Service.

As part of a broader initiative by the IREM Foundation, Summer of Service empowers property managers and real estate professionals to make a meaningful impact by volunteering with local nonprofits and contributing to hands-on beautification projects in local neighborhoods and green spaces.

Kimberly Parker, chairperson of our chapter’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and chapter member Pamelia Haynes took the lead during the 2025 Summer of Service by organizing a series of impactful projects aimed at fostering stronger, more inclusive communities.

Their dedication inspired a wave of participation across the chapter, resulting in a variety of service projects that reflect the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines our chapter. 

The following is a list of the outstanding efforts by Kimberly, Pamelia, and our incredible volunteers during this year’s Summer of Service.

• Donated snacks to support Cristo Rey Jesuit High School’s community service project where students volunteered their time to clean and paint a public housing authority development;

• Provided assistance planning a Boston Harbor Community Cruise enjoyed by more than 800 public housing residents;

• Supported and participated in a LGBTQIA+ program with mayor Wu of The City of Boston;

• Donated snacks to several Boston area schools and senior programs; and 

• Provided pizza and give-away items during our chapter’s August 30^th Unity Day, held each year to celebrate community peace, love, and inclusion.

More than just a seasonal initiative, our Summer of Service is a powerful movement that highlights how real estate pros can be catalysts for community transformation. It’s about showing up, giving back and making a difference…one project at a time.

Anthony Susi is the 2025 IREM Boston Chapter president and is the director of property management at The Simon Companies, Braintree, Mass.