Pink Collar Housing and Issues Affecting Women of Color in CRE

Session Summary: This engaging roundtable, led by Lisa Benjamin and Althea Broughton, brought together top African American Executive Women who are fostering innovation and leading in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry to explore the challenges and opportunities in housing development, investment, and economic mobility. Panelists discussed barriers to entry, access to capital, and workforce housing disparities, particularly the impact of Pink Collar Housing - affordable housing critical for women in professions like teaching and nursing. The discussion also addressed systemic challenges facing women developers and CRE professionals, including navigating capital markets, overcoming bias in deal-making, and scaling projects. The panelists examined how shifting policies and the evolving political landscape shape funding, tax incentives, and regulations affecting women entrepreneurs and affordable housing development.