The REFA Emerging Leaders programming started off the year strong, hosting their first Breakfast Series program on February 26th. The Emerging Leaders Breakfast Series provides emerging leaders the opportunity to engage with senior level professionals in an intimate, interactive setting. The program featured Anthony Crooks, a director at AEW Capital Management LP, who spoke to a group of 30 of REFA's Emerging Leader constituency. Crooks encouraged the group to gain as much exposure to as many different asset classes as possible. He also cited asset management as a valuable learning experience that should not be overlooked, but embraced as a young professional. His remarks were well received by everyone in attendance, in one of the best Breakfast Series programs to date.
The REFA Emerging Leaders continue with strong programming in the month of March. On March 20th, a group will volunteer their time sorting frozen foods for the evening at the Greater Boston Food Bank, participating in their "Retail Rescue" program. In 2012, the REFA Emerging Leaders helped sort almost 25,000 pounds of food, which provided almost 18,000 meals to those in need.
On March 21st, the REFA Emerging Leaders will host a Curling program at the Broomstones Curling Club in Wayland, Mass. This is the first REFA event of its kind - attendees will have the opportunity to learn the popular Olympic sport with instruction, play a game, and network over refreshments.
This group of young professionals is one of the most active in REFA. Throughout the year, they hold several programs, including breakfast and lunch series featuring senior level leaders in real estate, as well as panel programs on timely industry topics. In terms of community service, they typically plan 2-3 volunteer programs through the Greater Boston Food Bank, and an annual "Up & Out" move with Heading Home Inc., which helps move a homeless family into a fully furnished home.
REFA Emerging Leaders Membership is $150 annually for members under the age of 35. For more information about how to join the REFA Emerging Leaders, as well as upcoming events and programs, please visit our website at www.refa.org.
Upcoming Education & Events

* March 12: REFA Q1: The Middle Market - Where Deals Are Getting Done at Holland & Knight LLP

* March 20: REFA Community Service Day: Greater Boston Food Bank

* March 21: Curling with the REFA Emerging Leaders in Wayland, MA

* April 8-9: 2nd Annual HELP Conference at The Boston Seaport Hotel

* October 17: 25th Annual REFA Gala at The Westin Copley