Celebrating the 2024-2025 CREFC Scholars: Future Leaders in Real Estate

CREFC Center for Real Estate Finance Recognizes New Scholars

The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) and the Schack Institute of Real Estate have unveiled the new cohort of CREFC Scholars for the academic year. This esteemed program highlights the emerging talent in commercial real estate finance, providing essential support to students poised to shape the industry.

Meet This Year’s CREFC Scholars

Graduate Scholar: Camila Avila

Camila Avila is an incoming graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Real Estate at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate. She previously earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Economics from a prestigious university in Colombia. Camila has gained valuable experience as a senior investment analyst and as a real estate acquisitions analyst, where she honed her financial modeling skills. She aims to leverage the resources available through the CREFC Scholars program to enhance her understanding of international markets and promote investment opportunities in her home country.

Undergraduate Scholars: Benjamin Pisarenko and Ren Yu

Benjamin Pisarenko, also from the NYU Schack Institute, is a senior majoring in real estate. With hands-on experience through internships in various roles, he has demonstrated leadership as vice president of the undergraduate real estate club. His efforts have included organizing tours and career events that connect students with industry professionals.

Ren Yu, another senior, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Finance. Ren's diverse experiences range from working as a summer analyst on real estate development projects to his entrepreneurial venture in lending, highlighting his commitment to innovation and resourcefulness in the field.

Scholarship Benefits and Opportunities

The CREFC Scholars are awarded merit scholarships along with an academic membership, granting them access to valuable resources and programming. They can participate in mentorship programs where students are paired with experienced professionals, providing guidance and opportunities for career growth. Networking is a significant aspect of the scholars' experience, as they are invited to major conferences and events throughout the year.

Commitment to Diversity and Future Growth

Lisa Pendergast, Executive Director of CREFC, expressed pride in the foundation’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion within the real estate finance industry. She emphasized the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders who will innovate and bring new perspectives to the field. The CREFC Scholars program is now in its fifth year and continues to thrive as it supports young professionals aiming to enrich the commercial real estate landscape.

The Mission of CREFC

The CRE Finance Council serves as a pivotal trade association supporting the $6 trillion commercial real estate finance sector. With a robust membership base of around 400 companies, CREFC is dedicated to promoting best practices and enhancing market transparency. Furthermore, it plays an essential role in advocating for its members and shaping the regulatory landscape to foster a thriving environment for commercial real estate finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CREFC Scholars program?

The CREFC Scholars program is an initiative that awards scholarships to outstanding students pursuing careers in commercial real estate finance, providing them with valuable resources for their professional growth.

Who were this year’s CREFC Scholars?

This year, the CREFC Scholars include Camila Avila, Benjamin Pisarenko, and Ren Yu, recognized for their excellence in academic performance and leadership potential.

What are the key benefits of the scholarship?

Scholarship recipients receive financial support, mentorship opportunities, and access to CREFC’s resources, including networking at major industry events.

How does CREFC promote diversity in the real estate finance industry?

CREFC fosters diversity by supporting underrepresented students and professionals through its scholarship program and ensuring that diverse voices are represented in industry discussions.

What is CREFC's role within the commercial real estate finance market?

CREFC acts as a trade association that advocates for its members, promotes market transparency and efficiency, and sets industry standards for best practices in the commercial real estate finance sector.

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