
Elevating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
In Commercial Real Estate
Submissions Open: 9th January - 14th April 2023
Rise Event: 22nd June 2023
Too often diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are nothing more than warm words and vague promises. We want to change that.
Last year, Bisnow launched The Rise Initiative in the U.S. with a single focus: to recognise organisations that are committed to improving racial diversity in the commercial real estate sector by taking measurable actions. The programme highlighted companies that set specific DEI goals, measured their progress, and held themselves accountable. These businesses shared meaningful strategies that can be replicated, and that others can use. This sharing of insight and success can help our industry reshape itself.
Rise is now launching in the UK. You can submit a programme for consideration from now until 14th April. Submissions are reviewed by a steering committee and will be showcased at a premier summer event in London.
A Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
In Commercial Real Estate
WHAT IS RISE?
HOW DO WE RISE?
We are crowdsourcing programmes that have helped to improve the representation of ethnic minorities within the CRE industry. The Rise Initiative goes beyond idea sharing to recognise successfully executed recruitment and retention programmes.
IDEAS INTO ACTION
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are not looking for a firm’s mission or overall approach to DEI. We are looking for specific programmes with trackable results. We know these programmes won’t be perfect and won’t have reached a finish line, but we want to highlight the companies that are being methodical and accountable. Through that, Rise UK will help to show what good looks like, to define a collective benchmark for DEI progress that the industry can strive towards. Click the button below to learn more about the parameters and how to enter.


THE STEERING COMMITTEE
Bisnow has recruited a diverse group of industry experts to shape the Initiative and independently evaluate all submissions. Submissions are considered on their own merit and in confidence. Bisnow staff will not appraise any of the submissions. The Steering Committee abides by non-disclosure agreements and any conflicts of interest from our experts will also be declared.

Managing Director & Founder at Mood and Space and Founder, BWRE

Head Of Real Estate Debt, Aviva

Executive Director, CBRE Capital Advisors

COO Valuation Advisory, JLL

Director Of Sustainability, Specsavers/Special Advisor, BNP Paribas Real Estate

Group Head Of Retail Strategy, Chelsfield

Founder & Partner, Brookland

Industry Director, Barclays

Senior Advisor, Eastdil Secured

Adviser On Property, Politics And The Built Environment/Chair of Real Estate Balance

Chief Property Portfolio Officer, M&G Real Estate

Executive Director - Global CIO Office, PGIM

Investment Manager, Landsec
WHY PARTICIPATE
SUPPORT
Share best practices for others to learn from and connect with other organisations who are making a difference.
FEEDBACK
Receive confidential feedback from our steering committee members to validate and/or improve your own initiatives.
BRANDING
Be featured in a special editorial piece sent out internationally to more than 1.5 million subscribers.
AWARENESS
Receive a digital Rise badge and help drive awareness of the need for more companies to actively work toward a more diverse workforce.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
You’ll receive exclusive invitations to join panels and speaking opportunities regarding diversity at local industry events.
MOVEMENT
Become a Rise Ambassador and be included in ongoing outreach and marketing activations for the Rise Initiative.


THE RISE 2023 EVENT
We will gather at an afternoon event in June 2023, where we are excited to highlight, connect, and learn from the organisations and individuals that are leading the way for an inclusive and stronger CRE industry at large. Stay tuned for more information on the UK Rise event here.
Curious?
Let's rise together!
© 2023 Bisnow. All Rights Reserved.
At the heart of The Rise Initiative is an industry-wide recognition that our efforts to drive progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion are better served through knowledge sharing and collaboration. We know we aren't alone in this mission and through our commitment to learning from and working alongside our peers across the commercial real estate sector, we firmly believe that change will come.
Sonny Kalsi
co-CEO, BentallGreenOak
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Bisnow has shown great leadership in launching The Rise Initiative to bring more awareness about diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion within the CRE industry.
Kimberly Dowdell
Partner, HOK
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The Rise Initiative recognizes the extraordinary work of firms that are executing creatively on their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and making a real impact on the industry in the process.
Sam Candan
Director, Center for Real Estate Finance at NYU Stern
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The Rise Initiative is a major step forward for Bisnow and CRE as a whole. As so many of our partners have told us recently, the time for action is now — the time for solutions is now. Bisnow is committed to change and we will do everything we can in the years ahead to continue building Rise.
Will Friend
former CEO, Bisnow
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WHAT
Rise is looking for successfully executed racial diversity focused recruitment and retention programmes. Our steering committee will look for more than just goodwill -- concise stories, specific examples, and measurable data-driven results will be heavily weighted.

WHAT RISE ISN’T
Rise isn’t an awards programme that will publish a shortlist of entries and then one winner. If you enter and your programme isn’t highlighted, that won’t be made public. And there isn’t a set number of organisations that will be highlighted: as many as meet the judging criteria will be put in the spotlight.

WHEN
The submission entry deadline is 14th of April 2023. The Initiative will culminate at a summer event in June. Honourees will be announced two weeks prior to the event.

WHO
We want to hear and learn from commercial real estate organisations in the UK who are making true strides in advancing racial diversity.
