CREW Orlando

Today we celebrate the life of Sen. Geraldine Thompson, which was marked by her relentless pursuit of justice and equality. As a historian, tireless advocate for civil rights, and dedicated public servant, Sen. Geraldine Thompson made lasting contributions to Orlando. Her knowledge of and passion for preserving African American history was instrumental in shaping and defining the Rising Up Parramore Community Mural, a 7-story mural project that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Orlando’s historic Black community and the history of the Wells’Built Hotel which hosted artists and musicians of color during their stay in Orlando, as well as professionals (lawyers, doctors, nurses and educators) who provided their services to the Parramore community at a time when its residents could not obtain those services elsewhere. Sen. Thompson’s work in founding the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture and her book “Black America Series: Orlando Florida” provided invaluable historical insights that helped bring the mural to life. Through her scholarship and activism, she ensured that the stories of Parramore’s past and African American history as a whole would be preserved, remembered, and honored for generations to come.

Hear from Rebecca "Becky" Wilson with Lowndes on February 19. Becky represents property owners, developers, lenders, and other stakeholders in zoning, comprehensive planning, concurrency, administrative law, DRIs, procurement, due diligence, and property rights. Known as a tireless advocate, Chambers USA notes she "can be tough when she needs to be." Her work focuses on high-rises, hotels, planned communities, power centers, mixed-use projects, office buildings, big box stores, historic districts, multi-family developments, student housing, senior living, and affordable housing. She collaborates closely with local governments to advance her clients' projects. After clerking for a federal judge in D.C., Becky established a reputation at Lowndes in Orlando for being thorough and outspoken. She found her niche in land use, working with architects, transportation engineers, and local governments. She co-chairs the Land Use, Zoning, and Environmental Group. Her dedication led to her appointment as chair of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) of Central Florida District Council, a global real estate organization focused on responsible land use and thriving communities. Register for "The Next Generation: Trends in Student Housing Development" by NOON February 14: https://lnkd.in/eyrJsEJ3

🌉 CREW Orlando members attended the 2025 CREW Network Winter Leadership Summit in Jacksonville, Florida. The summit focused on fostering leadership skills, embracing technology and enhancing the experience at the individual chapters. Over 300 attendees from across the country and the UK, learned, networked and developed as current and upcoming leaders. Thank you, CREW Network for a fantastic event!

🏌♀️ Registration is open and Sponsorships are available for CREW Orlando’s 33rd Annual Golf Tournament! The golf tournament raises funds for college scholarships, supporting our goal to empower the next generation of women in commercial real estate. For more information and to sign up for this fun event, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/euumMsGE. For additional information about sponsorships, please reach out to Blanca Padilla at bpadilla@skyviewcompanies.com or Monika Avery at mavery@slamcoll.com.

🏢 February 28 -- Calling all university students! You're invited to UCREW 2025. Join us to hear from professionals about the process of creating Orlando's newest apartment tower, Society Orlando! Attendees will enjoy: -An interactive panel with professionals involved in the project -Round tables with young professionals in various fields here in Orlando -A guided tour of the development -CREW 2025 Scholarship Information -VISA Gift Card Raffles & other giveaways -FREE Professional Headshots -FREE Lunch ....and more!! Meet the panelists and REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/eSHHiC8H

CREW Orlando is excited to announce our first Members Only Marketplace Lunch of the year will be on Tuesday, February 25th. Sign up now to hear retail industry veteran and renowned speaker, John Crossman, and Executive Director of the Fordham Real Estate Institute at Fordham University, Dr. Josh Harris, as they share their insights on the Winter Park sub-market. To learn more, or to register for this members only event, visit https://lnkd.in/ete9vrZg.   Thanks to our event sponsor, CrossMarc Services.

Hear from Travis Prince on February 19. Travis leads Cushman & Wakefield’s national Student Housing Capital Markets Team. Based in Tampa, Florida, Travis works with private and institutional owners and investors around the country to maximize their student housing real estate value. Regarded as an industry leader in the student housing sector, Mr. Prince brings a comprehensive, client-focused approach, along with a national network of resources built over the course of his extensive career in investment sales. He specializes in the acquisition and disposition of student housing properties throughout the country, as well as portfolio analysis, capital stack and joint venture structures. Register for "The Next Generation: Trends in Student Housing Development" by NOON February 14: https://lnkd.in/eyrJsEJ3

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we proudly honor Louise Harris Brown, a groundbreaking African American architect who made significant strides in a field where opportunities were limited for women, especially women of color. In the 1940s, when architectural firms were largely inaccessible to Black women, Louise Harris Brown defied the odds. She went on to become one of the first African American women to graduate with a degree in architecture from Columbia University. Her accomplishments were particularly significant during a time of racial segregation and discrimination, making her not only a trailblazer in architecture but also an advocate for greater diversity within the industry. Louise was dedicated to designing buildings that served the needs of the communities, particularly those in underserved, Black neighborhoods. Her focus on creating spaces that were both functional and reflective of the cultural richness of her community made her a standout in the field. Her work, advocacy, and persistence continue to inspire Black women in architecture today. She fought for a seat at the table, broke down barriers, and set the foundation for future generations of architects to create inclusive, impactful designs. #BlackHistoryMonth #WomenInArchitecture #ArchitecturalTrailblazers #BHM2025 #BreakingBarriers

Congratulations to CREW Orlando members Dorrie Knizatko, Director of Business Performance at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Inc. and current CREW Orlando President, and Laura Walda, Shareholder at Lowndes and CREW Orlando Past President, for being named to Orlando Business Journal’s 2025 Women Who Mean Business! CREW Orlando would also like to congratulate Wendy J. Roundtree, APR, Founder and Lead Strategist at Jarel Communications and consultant to CREW Orlando, who is also recognized as part of this year’s group!   The OBJ is recognizing 25 remarkable businesswomen this year for going above and beyond in their respective roles, driving business success, industry growth, workforce development, and community advancement. To learn more about the 25 honorees, visit: https://lnkd.in/e6CeJN9R

👨🌾 Calling all members! Enjoy a cocktail and appetizers at Everoak Farm, a 3-acre family farm run by Mike and Nikki Garcia in Orlando. A farm tour will be led by Mike Garcia, lead farmer and former chef, PROMPTLY at 6pm. A small, family-run business, Everoak is dedicated to growing a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables using bio-intensive gardening techniques and regenerative farming practices. Everoak prioritizes building healthy, biologically active soil, allowing them to provide clean, nutrient-dense food for their family and community. Register here: https://lnkd.in/epzYn3JF