Susana Chavez will be named the 114^th inductee of the CREW Network Foundation Visionary program during the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Convention in Atlanta September 21-23.  This distinction acknowledges an individual’s commitment to support CREW Network Foundation’s mission of advancing women in the commercial real estate industry. The national convention draws 1,200 attendees from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe.

“CREW Network Foundation is dedicated to helping women advance and expanding diversity in our commercial real estate industry,” said Chavez, who is executive vice president of the parking giant Park Place. “It’s a privilege to have played some small role in helping their mission.”

Committed to strengthening and expanding diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its global organization, CREW Network is the leading producer of research on gender and diversity in commercial real estate, and the leading voice for women in the industry, delivering data and action items to advance women in CRE and positively impact the industry. Research initiatives include benchmark studies, research papers and industry briefs covering topics related to gender, diversity, and women's advancement in commercial real estate. 

According to a recent CREW benchmark study, evidence shows there is still much work to do to propel women move toward equality in the commercial real estate industry.

• Women earn 10% less than men in base salaries, and the gap is wider for Hispanic women (20%), Black women (15%) and Asian women (14%).

• In commissions and bonuses, women earn 56% less than men. The bonus gap is wider for Hispanic women (74%), Black women (71%) and Asian women (73%). 

• These pay gaps vary by race at different career levels and specializations. 

• There are also far fewer women than men in the industry. Women make up 36.7% of the commercial real estate industry, and the percentage has remained between 35% and 37% over the last 15 years.

• Only 16% of respondents reported that 25% or more of the professionals in their workplace are people of color. However, there is a bit of good news, as more than half of respondents have noticed a culture shift regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.