Advancing Equity, Access, and Impact: The 6th Annual DCRE Conference

In July 2024, DCRE, powered by Avant-Garde Network, brought together hundreds of professionals, investors, and developers at Columbia University in New York City for its 6th Annual DCRE Conference, a transformative gathering advancing equity and inclusion across the real estate industry.

The conference continued its tradition of connecting industry leaders with emerging professionals, helping participants build relationships that turn into real deals, partnerships, and opportunities for generational wealth creation.

“Our goal has always been to create spaces where professionals of color in real estate can learn, invest, and thrive,” said Adeola Adejobi, Esq., Founder and CEO of Avant-Garde Network and DCRE. “Each year, we see the results, deals are made, careers are advanced, and communities are transformed.”

A Historic Moment: Governor Wes Moore Headlines 2024 DCRE Conference

One of the most memorable highlights of the 2024 DCRE Conference was the keynote address and fireside chat with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, moderated by Adeola Adejobi.

Governor Moore shared powerful insights on leadership, economic equity, and the importance of creating pathways for diverse professionals to build and own within their communities. His presence underscored the conference’s growing national influence as a platform for change at the intersection of policy, business, and real estate.

Honoring Visionary Leaders in Real Estate

The 2024 DCRE Conference also celebrated industry trailblazers whose work continues to shape the future of real estate.

Honorees included:

• Tammy K. Jones, CEO of Basis Investment Group, honored for her leadership and advocacy for diversity in commercial real estate.

• Daryl J. Carter, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Avanath Capital Management, recognized for his innovative contributions to affordable housing and community development.

• Pamela West, Managing Director of Impact Investing at PGIM Real Estate, celebrated for her dedication to creating inclusive capital solutions.

Each honoree participated in insightful fireside chats with Adeola Adejobi, sharing personal stories and actionable wisdom on building sustainable impact through investment and leadership.

Building Deals and Expanding Access

Panels such as “Making an Impact in CRE,” hosted by JPMorgan Chase, featured industry leaders including Kirk Goodrich, President of Monadnock Development.

Goodrich encouraged attendees to think big.

This spirit of collaboration and shared learning defined the 2024 conference, where sessions covered critical topics from financing and development to investment strategy and impact measurement.

Corporate partners such as PGIM Real Estate, JPMorgan Chase, and U.S. Bank Impact Finance reaffirmed their commitment to advancing equity by investing in the next generation of developers and supporting the DCRE mission.

The Power of the DCRE Community

The DCRE community, now a national network of over 5,000 professionals, entrepreneurs, and developers, has become a hub for talent, opportunity, and innovation in commercial real estate.

Through AGNF’s year-round programming, including real estate tours, workshops, and career initiatives, DCRE continues to connect professionals to capital, partnerships, and resources that help close racial equity gaps in the industry.

Stories like that of Ali Semir, a developer who built affordable housing after meeting his investor through DCRE, highlight the conference’s tangible, lasting impact.

Creating Pathways for Generational Change

The Avant-Garde Network Foundation (AGNF) remains deeply committed to expanding access to capital and opportunity through initiatives like DCRE. By fostering collaboration among corporations, developers, and investors, AGNF is reshaping what leadership and ownership look like in commercial real estate.

The success of the 2024 DCRE Conference reaffirmed one truth: when equity meets opportunity, the entire industry moves forward.