Goldie Initiative Announces 40 Scholars for 2025-2026, Prepares for Record-Setting Gala

The Goldie B. Wolfe Miller Women Leaders in Real Estate Initiative has announced its largest-ever cohort of 40 Goldie Scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year, marking a significant expansion of the nonprofit's mission to prepare women for leadership roles in commercial real estate. The organization, which has built an 18-year legacy with over 200 alumnae, utilizes a unique strategy combining scholarships, mentoring, networking, and leadership development to cultivate talented women pursuing graduate-level studies in business, law, design, or management with a real estate focus.

The upcoming 9th Annual Goldie Gala on September 18, 2025, at Union Station in Chicago serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for the initiative, with this year's event aiming to reach an ambitious $1.2 million goal. According to Katie Kazas, Board President of The Goldie Initiative and Managing Director of Capital Markets for Longfellow Real Estate Partners, the gala brings together top leaders, rising stars, and influential voices across the CRE landscape. Kazas emphasized that every dollar raised supports high-potential women pursuing careers in commercial real estate, helping to shape a more inclusive and innovative future for the industry.

The impact of The Goldie Initiative extends beyond financial support, with mentorship serving as one of the four cornerstones of the Scholar Program. Each Goldie Scholar is paired with a senior real estate professional in her area of interest, leveraging relationships that offer hands-on, real-world exposure complementing graduate education. The organization has partnered with the Center for Mentoring Excellence to ensure best practices in every aspect of the mentorship experience, particularly as the program expands into the Northeast U.S.

This year's gala will honor Kim Adams of Clarion Partners with the Shero Award, recognizing senior women in CRE who exemplify success and mentorship. The event also represents a full-circle moment, welcoming back the inaugural class from 2007, demonstrating the lasting impact of the organization's work. With over 200 sponsors already contributing to this year's fundraising efforts, the industry's growing commitment to advancing women in leadership positions continues to strengthen.

The strategic, multifaceted approach of The Goldie Initiative has proven results: investing in the growth of women leaders enhances organizational performance and drives diversity at the highest levels of management. Former Goldie Scholars now thrive in leadership, innovation, and community-building roles across the industry, contributing to both their organizations' success and the overall advancement of the CRE sector. The program creates a powerful platform for senior executives to give back through mentoring and championing rising talent in meaningful, lasting ways.

As the commercial real estate industry continues to evolve, initiatives like The Goldie Initiative play a crucial role in ensuring diverse perspectives and leadership approaches shape its future. The expansion to 40 scholars and the geographic growth into new markets signal both the program's success and the ongoing need for targeted support for women pursuing leadership roles in this competitive field. The sustained support from industry sponsors and participants demonstrates recognition that diverse leadership strengthens organizational outcomes and drives innovation across the commercial real estate landscape.