ICSC is committed to attracting and advocating for younger and more diverse members and talent throughout the marketplaces industry, starting within its own ranks.

ICSC staff is now 72% women and people of color; 61% of the staff are women, and 27% are people of color. And that diversity reaches ICSC leadership positions: 62% of its vice presidents and higher positions are held by women or people of color, and 63% of its director and higher positions are held by women or people of color.

ICSC continues to diversify its member leadership, too. In December, ICSC’s board of trustees welcomed seven women and people of color, 50% of the incoming board members. The board makeup is now 37% women and people of color.

Meanwhile, ICSC has further reaffirmed its commitment to diversity by promoting Jazmen Johnson to vice president of DEI. The elevated title offers clear access to ICSC decisionmakers and authority to promote DEI throughout ICSC’s strategy and structure.

Racially diverse professionals account for less than 2% of leadership in the commercial real estate industry. A diverse industry and a diverse ICSC will result from driving interest and inclusion among young and diverse professionals. That’s why the ICSC Foundation also kicked off its Launch Academy last May. In its inaugural program, it secured paid internships for 29 students at 18 companies. This year, 50 students will intern at 30 companies as part of the program.

And last month ICSC chair Glenn Rufrano and the ICSC Foundation contributed significantly to North Carolina Central University to help it fund the first master of business administration program real estate concentration in an accredited program at a Historically Black College or University.

Additionally, ICSC continues to partner with Project REAP, which supports and recruit professionals of color into the industry, as it sets new horizons under a new executive director.