National Nonprofit Day was recognized on August 17th, and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than sharing some incredible news with our REĀL network: we've officially received our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation from the IRS (EIN: 33-2510361) !
REĀL has established a strong bi-coastal presence with active engagement in the Los Angeles and New York-New Jersey markets, and is now positioned for national expansion as a rapidly growing association, supported by our former fiscal sponsor, Possibility Labs. This milestone represents so much more than paperwork and tax status. It's validation of what we've believed from day one: that our vision to expand representation and opportunities for Latinx professionals in commercial real estate (CRE) isn't just a goal, it's an essential mission to meet the momentum.
Why This Matters (Especially Now)
Let's talk numbers for a minute, because they tell a story that can't be ignored:
15.7% of commercial real estate professionals are Latinx yet only 2.9% of executive and decision-making roles are held by Latinx professionals (Bisnow)
71% of U.S. population growth between 2022-2023 came from the Hispanic community (US Census Bureau)
Only 12.8% of C-suite positions at CRE's largest firms are held by people of color (Bisnow)
40% increase in Latino business ownership, growing at the fastest rate in 30 years (US Treasury)
Do the math. There's a massive opportunity gap, and it's costing our industry innovation, perspective, and talent.
But here's what gets us excited: we're well positioned to change this by coming together.
From Grassroots to Growth Mode
When we started REĀL, we had a vision of creating something that didn't exist, a space where Latinx professionals could connect, learn, grow, and rise together in commercial real estate. What began as passionate conversations has evolved into a movement with active chapters in Los Angeles and New York City, and plans to expand nationwide.
Our programming has already made an impact:
NuevaGen fosteringmentorship and community for young professionals entering the industry
Mujeres de REĀL advancing and amplifying the voices of Latinx women in leadership
Educational events covering everything from capital stack fundamentals to federal policy shifts in real estate
Rumba, the signature annual events hosted in each regional market, bringing together distinguished industry leaders to share insight and experience
Networking opportunities that create real connections and career opportunities
“Our 501(c)(3) status is more than a milestone. It’s the foundation to scale REĀL’s impact and ensure Latinx professionals have a lasting voice in shaping the future of commercial real estate.”
Jeff Monge Managing Partner, Monge Capital Advisors REĀL Board President
We're Just Getting Started
Our new nonprofit status means we can do what we've always done, but bigger and better. We're talking:
Formal mentorship programs connecting rising stars with industry leaders
Corporate partnerships that create real pathways to advancement
Research and advocacy that drives systemic change
National expansion bringing REĀL to major markets across the country
But most importantly, it means we can formalize what's always been true: we're building this mission together as we support each other in business and partnership opportunities.
Join REĀL (You Can Make it Official, Too!)
Here's where you come in. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or you're just discovering what we're about, now is the perfect time to make it official as a member.
For Individuals:
Build a nurturing community with exclusive and early access to content, resources, opportunities, and more when you stand with us as an active-dues paying member.
Standard: Your annual dues of $100 unlocks deeper engagement and support for our growing community.
Students: Your membership is completely free with a fee waiver when you confirm your college email account. Because we believe in removing barriers, not creating them.
For Companies:
Ready to put your diversity commitments into action? Corporate membership gives you access to our talent pipeline while supporting programming that creates lasting change in our industry.
The Numbers Game We're Changing
While the statistics about representation are sobering, there's another set of numbers that gets us excited about the future:
Companies with diverse leadership consistently outperform others in earnings, governance, innovation, and opportunity creation. Hispanic homeownership is at an all-time high of 51%. Latino real estate agents increased their production by 15% year-over-year even as the broader industry struggled.
The talent is there. The market opportunity is there. What's been missing is the national infrastructure to connect them.
That's exactly what REĀL provides.
What's Next?
Over the coming months, you'll see us rolling out new programming, partnerships, and opportunities. We're planning events that will bring our community together, educational sessions that will advance careers, and advocacy initiatives that will drive real change.
But the most important thing happening next is you joining us.
"We've seen incredible organic growth and engagement since 2020, but now we're ready to formalize those relationships. Whether you're a young professional looking to advance your career, an established leader wanting to give back, or a company committed to diversity and inclusion, there's a place for you in the REĀL familia."
Christianne Mejia Schrobilgen Chief of Staff and Operations at Sustento REĀL co-founder and Board Secretary
Ready to Be Part of Something Bigger?
The CRE industry is at an inflection point. Companies are recognizing that diversity isn't just the right thing to do, it's essential for success. The question isn't whether change is coming. The question is whether you'll be part of driving it.
¡Vamos a crear el cambio juntos! Let's create change together!
The Real Estate Association of Latinx Professionals (REĀL) is honored to partner with Open Access for the first time as a 2025 fellowship host. We are proud to announce Maybelyn (May) Rodríguez Laureano (she/her/ella), as our inaugural Open Access Fellow.
May is a seasoned nonprofit executive, fundraiser, and strategic changemaker with more than 15 years of experience advancing equity and community impact nationwide. From leading multimillion-dollar campaigns and advocacy coalitions in South Florida to founding her own social impact consultancy, MRL Strategies LLC, she brings both vision and operational discipline to her fellowship with REĀL.
A two-time HBCU graduate, May earned her Bachelor of Art in Communications and MBA in Project Management from Fayetteville State University, followed by a Master of Science in International Real Estate (MSIRE) from Florida International University. She proudly identifies as Afro-Latina, with Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, and is a native Spanish speaker. As a passionate community development advocate, she is eager to contribute her expertise to advancing REĀL’s mission.
During her summer fellowship, May will help advance several organizational priorities, including:
Governance Optimization — strengthening board structures and processes
Membership Growth — expanding access and engagement across career levels
Partnerships & Collaboration — cultivating alliances that amplify REĀL’s mission
Program Design — developing a seminar on Community Development in Commercial Real Estate
Her values-driven leadership aligns deeply with REĀL’s mission to increase visibility, advancement, and equity for Latinx professionals across the commercial real estate industry.
About Open Access
Open Access is a national initiative co-founded in 2019 by REĀL Board President, Jeffrey Monge, to expand Black and Latinx representation in community development finance. Sponsored by Novogradac and other leading partners, the fellowship provides a robust curriculum combining technical training, executive coaching, and industry mentorship with hands-on experience at host organizations.
Fellows gain exposure to capital markets, community finance structures, and policy frameworks that drive equitable development across the country. As a 2025 Host Organization, REĀL is proud to partner with Open Access to provide a placement experience at the intersection of commercial real estate and community impact that helps bridge sectors that shape economic opportunity in Latinx communities nationwide.
We’re thrilled to welcome Maybelyn to REĀL and look forward to the lasting impact of her fellowship.
