Perspectives Lecture Returns with Inspirational Keynote by Mitchell Cohen
On October 28th, the Schulich Real Property Alumni Association and the Brookfield Centre in Real Estate & Infrastructure hosted the much-anticipated Perspectives Lecture after a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic. The event, entitled A Beautiful Composition: How Real Estate Development Can Drive Positive Social Change, was held both in-person at Daniels Spectrum and online, hosting guests from around the world. The evening featured a keynote speech by Mitchell Cohen, President & CEO of The Daniels Corporation, and a fireside chat between him and Tim Jones, former CEO of Artscape. Guests were also treated to special performances by Canadian Jazz Pianist, Thompson Egbo-Egbo, and Spoken Word Artist, Trevlyn Kennedy.
For over 30 years, Mr. Cohen’s leadership has carried Daniels through several real estate market cycles. Committed to community, Daniels offers innovative programs that help people achieve home ownership, makes community building a central pillar of its work, and supports numerous charities and non-profit organizations that further create wealth and wellness in their neighbourhoods. Building a team with the ability to achieve success in all forms and tenures of residential communities is a hallmark of Mr. Cohen’s leadership. His remarks and personal stories were extremely inspirational.
The event also welcomed special remarks from Gary Whitelaw, former CEO of BentallGreenOak on the new Gary Whitelaw Strength in Diversity Award and the announcement of its inaugural recipient, Melissa Daly‐Buajitti (MREI Candidate 2022). Further, the SRPAA was thrilled to announce the launch of the new SRPAA Leadership Fund for Black and Indigenous Communities and introduce its fundraising Campaign Cabinet. The Fund aims to create more equitable and inclusive opportunities for promising young individuals from underrepresented communities to obtain their undergraduate degree and pursue a career in business. Starting in fall 2022, the Fund will provide two student awards: the SRPAA Leadership Award for Black Communities and the SRPAA Leadership Award for Indigenous Communities, each given annually to incoming students who have demonstrated leadership characteristics, resilience and community involvement. First awards in fall 2022. For more information or to make a contribution, click here.
The SRPAA and Brookfield Centre are grateful to all of those involved in the event. Extra special thanks is extended to the sponsors: Penthouse: Altus Group, Cadillac Fairview; Mezzanine: Belmont Equity Partners, Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Ltd., Forum Equity Partners, KingSett Capital, KPMG; Concourse: CIBC, Chartwell Retirement Residences, PCL Construction, Podium Developments, Pomerleau, and Starlight Investments.