Women in Leadership Conference
Celebrating Women’s History Month:
IndyCREW’s Commitment Year-Round
What happens when nearly 400 women connected to the commercial real estate industry unite in a room? Simply put: magic.
Celebrating Women’s History Month often looks like pausing to recognize the ongoing importance of investing in women in all industries, and at IndyCREW our commitment to women is ongoing. Through our recent Women in Leadership Conference, we honored the trailblazing women leading our industry forward who are also committed to helping those follow in their footsteps for generations to come.
Dare to Say Yes
This year, the 2024 Women in Leadership Conference was themed Dare To Say Yes, and the entire experience exemplified our dedication to supporting women as they lead in the industry. With inspirational keynotes from remarkable women like Jill Donovan, Founder and CEO of Rustic Cuff, and Dr. Allison Barber, President and COO of the Indiana Fever, the conference showcased women's diverse talents and achievements in leadership roles—but beyond showcasing those talents, the conference offered an important moment where distinguished leaders could share tools, tips, and insights they gathered as an investment to empower those in the room.
IndyCREW understands that investing in women goes beyond providing opportunities for professional development. It means creating spaces where women can unite, access support, and leverage their collective strengths to drive meaningful change in their respective industries. Our network offers a myriad of benefits, including access to high-level professionals, business and networking opportunities, leadership training, and career advancement resources including mentorship, research, and scholarships.
Moreover, our commitment to investing in women extends to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. By providing a platform for women to connect, collaborate, and support one another, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive business environment where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Miss the conference? Check out event photos here! https://proofs.mwpimages.com/Browse/Events/IndyCRE...
A Commitment to Supporting Women
According to the 2020 CREW Network Benchmark Study: Gender and Diversity in Commercial Real Estate, women occupy 36.7% of the commercial real estate industry, but that percentage has not changed much over the last 15 years. Furthermore, women continue to earn less than men. In 2020, the fixed salary gap between genders was 10.2% and the commission and bonus gap was a staggering 55.9%. At IndyCREW, we’re rolling up our sleeves to remove those barriers to advancement.
Women often encounter unequal pay, limited access to leadership positions, and fewer networking opportunities compared to their male counterparts. Providing support in the form of mentorship, training and development, and industry networking helps address these disparities and creates a more level playing field for women in the industry. We’ve also found that by providing opportunities for women to build meaningful connections with other women, they’re more likely to collaborate on commercial real estate happenings across Central Indiana.
And while we take pride in creating opportunities for women to physically share a space, we recognize that this access to other women professionals enhances their skills, knowledge, confidence, and more. Building strong professional networks is essential for career advancement in commercial real estate, and all too often, women may face challenges in accessing these networks due to factors like exclusionary practices or implicit bias. By amplifying women's voices and advocating for our shared interests, our members are contributing to a more equitable and inclusive industry culture in Indiana and beyond.
As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month and look at investments we can make in the remaining ten months of the year, let us recommit ourselves to investing in women and creating a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality. Together, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous world for generations to come.
If you’re new to IndyCREW, we invite you to get involved—as the true power of membership lies in expanding your network and relationships. Browse upcoming events and secure your ticket on our website, and while you’re there, consider lending your time and talents to one of our committees.