The Atlanta chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW Atlanta) is hosting a gala on Thursday, April 27 at Flourish in Atlanta’s Buckhead district. The event, which is held once every five years, will honor CREW Atlanta’s members and raise money through a silent auction for charity, including the Atlanta Women’s Foundation.
Founded 35 years ago with 20 members, CREW Atlanta today boasts more than 400 members. The chapter is the third largest in the CREW network in terms of membership, only trailing the Washington, D.C., and Boston chapters.
In addition to the fun expected at the formal dress event, the gala will also feature the announcement of the winner of the Diane Cox Scholarship, named after one of CREW Atlanta’s founding members.
“Diane Cox passed away in 2016, and was someone who wanted a career in commercial real estate at a time when there were a lot of obstacles to success for women in the field,” says Monetha Cobb, chapter president of CREW Atlanta and managing director of Franklin Street’s Atlanta office. “The Diane Cox Scholarship is in its inaugural year, and there is no better way to honor her legacy of helping others than to name this program for her.”
Southeast Real Estate Business caught up with Cobb, who’s been a member of CREW Atlanta for 10 years, about the organization and the upcoming gala. The following is the edited Q&A:
Southeast Real Estate Business: CREW Atlanta is celebrating its 35th anniversary. To date, what are some of the organization’s accomplishments and successes in Atlanta that are worthy of note?
Cobb: We have a lot to be proud of. Our leadership program, UCREW, and mentoring program are both nationally recognized initiatives. We are also well known for our programs, especially our Women’s Empowerment Series, which is now in its third year. We have hosted motivational speaker Molly Fletcher and author Carla Harris as part of the series over the past two years, and in September we will be hosting Katy Kay, who is senior director of partnerships and alliances with AARP.
SREB: Atlanta itself has changed dramatically in the past 35 years. How has the chapter grown with the city of Atlanta since 1982?
Cobb: Since our start — with 20 members — the organization has expanded to nearly 400 members. Atlanta is a diverse community, with people of all races, cultures and abilities involved in commercial real estate. At CREW, our intention is to be welcoming to everyone, because we know diversity strengthens us as an organization. And, while our focus is on women in commercial real estate, we even have male members. In fact, a man is now serving on our board of directors.
SREB: The gala is only held every five years. What can attendees expect at the 2017?
Cobb: The 2017 gala will have a ‘Roaring Twenties’ themed celebration at Flourish in Buckhead. We will have dancers, a huge silent auction with lots of items and live music. There will be an awards show-style photo walk as guests enter. During the gala, we will be honoring several of our past and present CREW members, including some from our inaugural year. We will also have a special dedication to Diane Cox and her leadership within the organization.
SREB: Following the gala, what’s next for CREW Atlanta?
Cobb: We start our next 35 years of lifting our members to greater success in their commercial real estate careers, growing our membership and giving back to the communities we serve.
