Avison Young recognized for diversity efforts

GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum recognizes firm and CEO Mark Rose as active supporters of women in the field

Chicago, IL – Avison Young is a 2021 inaugural recipient of the GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum’s Diversity Champion award and Mark Rose, Chair and CEO, is the recipient of the Diversity Champion award in the individual (male) category. The recognition is given to companies and individuals who have set a precedent throughout the commercial real estate landscape and across the business community at large with their elevated efforts to advocate for and support women and diversity.

“As a company powered by people with diverse perspectives, thinking and experience, we are focused on a long-term strategy of shifting mindsets and behaviors by creating programs to make sustainable change in the areas of diversity and inclusion,” said Rose. “Education, development and culture are the building blocks Avison Young is using to initiate real transformation.”

Avison Young was recognized for its deliberate efforts, strategies and actions to advance underrepresented groups in commercial real estate careers and for its efforts to improve company policies and accountability. Some of these changes include establishing: a 20 member global diversity and inclusion council with people from all levels of business; a company-wide mentorship program which benefits many people from underrepresented groups; unconscious bias training for employees; and a supplier diversity statement and a code of conduct which includes elements of diversity. As a result of its focus on advancing women in CRE, Avison Young’s corporate leadership is now 40% women and 25% of its board are women.

“Avison Young and Mark Rose have continually demonstrated deep commitment to diversity and inclusion through their company policies and programs, including recruitment and hiring strategies and workplace inclusion training,” said Wendy Mann, CEO, CREW Network. “I extend heartfelt congratulations to our partners at Avison Young for this distinguished accomplishment and to all of Avison Young’s Women of Influence award winners.”

Avison Young was one of 10 companies chosen as GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum’s Diversity Champion because they appreciate the benefits and importance of offering diversity initiatives, gender inclusion programs, diverse employment goals, engaging training and diverse executive teams which continue to demonstrate that a more diverse staff produces superior performance and proven results. Rose was among the three individuals in the male category for Diversity Champion. GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum selected these individuals because they are leading diversity efforts at their company and excel in innovative, internal diversity practices, unite its workforce toward mutual diversity goals, offer a wide range of beneficial programs and have proven to relentlessly support gender equality and cultivate change.  Avison Young was also the recipient of 10 other GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum Women of Influence Awards, including:

• Nina Mizushima, Innovator
• Char Fortune, Mentor
• Janet Clayton, Broker - Investment Sales
• Kelly Glass, Broker – Landlord / Agency Representation
• Jamie Endres-Keller, Broker - Tenant Representation
• Jennifer A. Stark, CRE Consultant / Advisor
• Kirsten M. Beck, Development Professional
• Molly Kelly, Marketing / Communications Professional
• Precious Carter, Property / Facility Manager
• Deanna Drake-Copelan, Property / Facility Manager