The Real Estate Association of Latinx Professionals (REĀL) proudly announces the appointment of four accomplished industry leaders to its Board of Directors, effective today.
The additions mark a significant milestone in REĀL’s continued growth and commitment to advancing Latino representation and leadership across all sectors of commercial real estate.
“This expansion of our Board reflects the growing momentum and influence of REĀL across the industry,” said Jeff Monge, Board President. “Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience, perspective, and dedication to cultivating equity and excellence in commercial real estate.”
REĀL extends gratitude to everyone who participated in this summer’s Board Nominations process, which helped expand the organization’s leadership during a pivotal period of growth. Regular elections will resume at REĀL’s upcoming Annual Meeting, with details to be announced soon.
New Members of the REĀL Board of Directors
Newark, New Jersey— September 1, 2025
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.
REAL held its 2025 Kickoff Meeting on Friday, March 14th, and we’re excited to share a quick discussion recap.
We officially launched our REAL Membership Program, highlighting the benefits of joining and how we’re enhancing the overall community experience to offer more value, connection, and opportunity. We also gave a preview of our 2025 programming, including a range of exciting events, initiatives, and opportunities coming up throughout the year.
REAL is excited to help its members expand their professional networks in 2025. REAL continues to be a space to connect with influential Latino professionals in commercial real estate, where members can share experiences, explore industry trends, and build meaningful relationships that support career growth and leadership.
The urban fires which swept through much of Los Angeles recently have resulted in significant losses of life and property. Economic loss estimates are in the range of $135 to $150 billion but could easily go higher. It is estimated that around 10,000 structures have been destroyed. In the wake of these fires there will be a huge need for timely, accurate, and professionally prepared real estate appraisals for insurance purposes. The Southern California Chapter of the Appraisal Institute will present a two-hour webinar addressing this topic.
As we close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025, I want to reflect on the tremendous strides our organization has made and share my excitement for the opportunities ahead.
2024 marked a pivotal period for the Real Estate Association of Latinx Professionals. We’ve expanded our reach and deepened our impact, solidifying our position as a vital resource and advocate for Latinx professionals in commercial real estate. From dynamic networking events and educational workshops to the successful launch of initiatives like our upcoming job board and speakers series, we have demonstrated the power of community, collaboration, and shared purpose. Together, we’ve inspired and empowered countless professionals while championing diversity and inclusion in our industry.
Our corporate and institutional partnerships have been invaluable, with over 30 organizations collaborating with us to advance equity in commercial real estate for business success.
Looking forward to 2025, our vision remains bold and transformative. We aim to:
Expand Our National Presence: Launch a membership platform, expand volunteerism, and broaden in-person and virtual programming to reach even more professionals across the country.
Strengthen Leadership Development: Prepare Latinx professionals for executive roles through enhanced mentorship and educational programming.
Lead with Advocacy and Research: Develop actionable reports on Latinx representation in commercial real estate and drive systemic change through programming, partnerships and campaigns.
Foster Corporate Engagement: Enhance our partnerships with businesses on how to amplify the positive business returns of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in our industry.
We’re also thrilled to focus on growing our leadership, including identifying an Executive Director to help steer our mission forward.
REAL’s work is more than an organizational effort—it’s a movement. And this movement thrives because of your unwavering support, passion, and belief in the power of representation.
As we step into 2025, I encourage all of you to stay engaged, participate in our events, and bring your voice to the table. Together, we are not just shaping the future of commercial real estate; we are redefining what’s possible.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue building a legacy of empowerment, opportunity, and transformation.
Here’s to an inspiring and impactful 2025!
Pa’lante!
Jeff Monge President of the Board Real Estate Association of Latinx Professionals
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors!
REĀL Rumba NYC held its inaugural networking event on April 30th at Wells Fargo’s office at 30 Hudson Yards, featuring NYC Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrion as the guest speaker.
“This was an emotional event for so many attendees and being in the presence of so many well-intended Latinos, I’m taking a call for action to network, educate, and advocate for the advancement of underrepresented Latino professionals,” said Jeffrey Monge, managing partner of Monge Capital and New York Chair of REĀL.
REAL, a real estate association of Latinx professionals, is holding their inaugural event on October 12th at the rooftop plaza of the Mezcalero LBC Bar & Lounge in Downtown Long Beach, CA. The event will celebrate the closing of 2022’s Hispanic Heritage Month.
REAL Board Member and Co-founder Christianne (Mejia) Schrobilgen from iimpact Capital echoes the mission of REAL, which is to increase visibility, advancement and equity for Latinx professionals in commercial real estate by creating a multifaceted network across industry sectors. “Latinos/Hispanics represent the biggest demographic in Southern California, but are still largely underrepresented in CRE. REAL was formed to celebrate our culture and perspective, and invite others to enjoy it with us,” said Schrobilgen.
REĀL, a commercial real estate organization focused on advancement and integration of Latinx professionals in the industry, recently held its inaugural event, The Midsummer Soiree at DAMA Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles. The evening, hosted by Mujeras De REĀL (Women of REĀL), was attended by 30 executive leading real estate women and featured special guests, Cynthia Ruiz and Nilza Serrano, community leaders and co-authors of “Extraordinary Latinas”.
The LOFT Charlas are local, self-organized discussions led by community leaders across the country. A LOFT Charla is an opportunity to share what you want, however you want. The Charlas were created to inspire and connect leaders from different backgrounds in a supportive family like environment.
You can expect to make deep connections through your shared experiences at our LOFT Charlas. In a series of back to back presentations on everything from technology, entrepreneurship, to wellness, the Charlas amplify the impact of innovators by connecting them to the global LOFT network. Speakers with diverse backgrounds and interests each have five minutes to present about anything they would like.
