Driving Diversity Forward: The Gary Whitelaw Strength in Diversity Award
As the world celebrated International Women’s Day earlier this month, themed “Accelerate Action”, BGO answered the call by empowering the next generation of women in real estate.
Zeel Shah, MREI ‘25 has been named this year’s recipient of the Gary Whitelaw Strength in Diversity Award. “As someone deeply passionate about real estate—a field that has traditionally been male-dominated—I’m inspired by and thankful for BGO’s commitment to fostering diversity within the industry and creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals through this scholarship.”
Christina Iacoucci, Managing Partner, Head of Canada, a prominent female voice in real estate with over three decades of leadership in the industry, shares her advice to Shah:
“As our third female scholarship recipient, take advantage of the mentoring and networking you can access to learn about the many facets of commercial real estate BGO excels in. BGO is filled with passionate, knowledgeable, and generous leaders who are invested in the next generation of talent particularly when it comes to amplifying diverse talent. Real Estate at its core is about building community, consider BGO a part of your community!”
Since 2021, the award has been creating pathways for Schulich’s Black, Indigenous, and female students looking to further their career in commercial real estate. “Our continued support for Schulich through the ‘Strength in Diversity’ scholarship reaffirms our commitment to expanding access to education, mentorship, and professional development—helping to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders,” says Natasha Soobramanie, Principal, EDI & Talent Development. “We hope that recipients gain confidence in their potential, and a sense of belonging in our industry where they can build meaningful connections.”
A sentiment echoed by Iacoucci: “Building those connections will serve you in countless ways: opening doors to unknown opportunities, presenting alternative perspectives, and access to experience and insight. Lean into those learning opportunities and relationships with individuals across the business.” She encourages the next generation of female business leaders “to freely share ideas and question the status quo, which will ultimately inspire your peers and colleagues at all levels to embrace problem-solving with creativity and courage.”
Schulich is also driving meaningful change in gender equity. In celebration of International Women’s Day, the school launched two flagship initiatives dedicated to elevating women and advancing equity: Accelerate Action Conference, an event powerhouse that provided participants with opportunities to expand their business toolkit, networks, and pathways for growth; and Schulich Women Network, a community that aims to empower female students and alumni at every stage of their careers.
Schulich’s student population has seen a positive shift in gender parity over the last five years: 51% of our BBA’s and 44% of our graduate students are female. But there’s still a wide gap in gender parity in programs like MREI where 75% of the cohort is male. “I’m proud of Schulich’s sustained efforts in creating an inclusive environment for our students to belong and thrive in,” says Dean Detlev Zwick. “Together with our dedicated supporters, like BGO, we are moving the needle in gender parity among our student population. While that’s good progress, we can do better.”
Help us create a brighter future for underrepresented students through scholarships. Connect with Catherine Hardman, Director, Philanthropic Engagement at chardman@schulich.yorku.ca to learn more.