The Goldie Initiative® Holds Inaugural Impact Summit
New event honors 2024 graduates and bestows awards upon outstanding volunteers
Chicago, IL – May 17, 2024 – The Goldie B. Wolfe Miller Women Leaders in Real Estate Initiative (‘The Goldie Initiative®”), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to prepare women to advance as leaders in commercial real estate by providing financial and professional support, held its inaugural Impact Summit at Chicago’s Willis Tower on Thursday, May 16th. The focus of the event, attended by over 150 commercial real estate industry professionals both in person and via livestream, was to recognize volunteers, mentors, and donors for their contributions to improving the commercial real estate industry and to demonstrate the impact of the organization’s program on Goldie Scholars over the 2023-24 school year. Additionally, the event celebrated all in attendance, including 2024 graduates and award winners.
Impact Summit Award Winners honored the contributions during the 2023-24 school year, based on the four pillars of Goldie Initiative programming: Scholarship, Networking, Mentoring and Leadership. The Networker of the Year Award recognized Goldie Scholar Katrina Martin of Northwestern University, for her role as an individual who attends networking events often and consistently promotes organizational visibility. The Trailblazer Award was given to Mark Rose of Avison Young, an industry leader who advocates, endorses, and/or sponsors women in commercial real estate. The Mentorship Impact Award was given to Kirsten Ekdahl Hull of EQ Office, recognizing her longevity and commitment to mentoring with The Goldie Initiative. Kirsten consistently drives positive outcomes from Goldie Scholars and other mentees. The Corporate Champion Award was given to CIBC, with Karen Case accepting on behalf of the company. The award recognizes the ongoing, outstanding financial contributions to The Goldie Initiative and active participation in programming.