Cresa focuses on diversity efforts, appoints LaMean Koroma Chair of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Council

Washington, D.C. – December 7, 2020 – Cresa, the world’s largest occupier-centric commercial real estate firm, has named LaMean Koroma as Chair of its Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) Council, part of a larger effort to put more focus on increasing diversity within the firm.

The Council, which includes five committees: Executive, Retention, Communications, Outreach and Recruitment, includes over 40 Cresa employees who are dedicated to pursuing initiatives aimed at improving diversity, inclusion and belonging.

The Council’s charter, which has been signed by all eleven Cresa board members, includes its mission:

Together, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. A wide range of perspectives, skill sets and experiences will enhance innovation and our ability to serve our clients and communities.

One of the Council’s major initiatives is launching the Cresa Development and Enrichment Associate Leadership (DEAL) Program in Q1 2021, an initiative geared towards specifically attracting diverse candidates and developing them into major contributors.

The company feels this is an important step to move away from the prohibitive nature of the CRE industry, removing existing barriers to entry, such as race and economic background. By changing the compensation structure and training model, Cresa will be able to compete for top-tier talent that is typically recruited by major consulting and financial organizations.

Additional DIB Council initiatives include rolling out employee resource/affinity groups, employee spotlight initiatives, and unconscious bias training.

“We are focused on social justice, equal opportunity, and the role that corporations play in actively pursuing a more just and equitable future for all,” said Cresa CEO Jim Underhill. “LaMean and the other members of the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Council are doing great work in moving Cresa forward as a more diverse and inclusive organization.”

“We will approach diversity with a deliberate nature, and an unwavering intentionality,” said Koroma. “We hope to spark a true paradigm shift and bring about transformative change that everyone at Cresa, and the broader CRE industry, can be proud of.”