DILELLA CENTER DE&I
Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Daniel M. DiLella Center for Real Estate embraces the broader Villanova University mission by committing to the implementation of a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive academic and professional environment where students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends from underrepresented groups feel welcomed, valued and supported.
Student Voices
Kelsea Wong ’21 VSB
Finance and Real Estate
"Industries are recognizing the value that diversity brings to the table, and I am proud that the DiLella Center for Real Estate aligns with shifting demands from employers and employees. As the 2020 recipient of the Vora Family Scholarship for Women, I am grateful for the support and guidance from other women in real estate. I always do my best to continue the cycle and pay it forward in all that I do."
Gregory Damas ’21 VSB
Finance and Real Estate
"Diversity within the real estate industry should serve as a conduit for exploration into spaces that are often overlooked. Different experiences should be the foundation for forward-thinking companies. Diversity of thought can only serve to aid in the growing real estate market to usher in a new age of consumers. I have noticed that there are not enough students who look like me within the real estate co-major and the commercial real estate industry as a whole, so I encourage more companies and underrepresented students to connect with one another and explore the opportunities within this space."
DiLella Center DE&I Initiatives
As the real estate industry works to become more inclusive, the DiLella Center for Real Estate launched a virtual Real Estate DE&I Field Experience in the Spring of 2021. The Field Experience was created to introduce the world of commercial real estate to first-year and sophomore Villanovans from across campus. Nine students representing VSB, CLAS and Nursing joined professionals from JLL and PGIM in a two-week commercial real estate training program that featured discussions on funding opportunities, the investment and development process, asset management and brokerage. Students also had the opportunity to work with recruiters on interviewing techniques and resume tips.
Vora Family Scholarship for Women in Real Estate
Each year, the DiLella Center awards one recipient the Vora Family Scholarship for Women in Real Estate. This $2,500 merit based scholarship is provided to a highly achieving female student that has demonstrated a passion for real estate and a desire to build a career within industry. Award funds are to be used towards tuition and related expenses.
WWIRE
The Vora Family provides support to women in real estate through this scholarship and through the Wildcat Women in Real Estate (WWIRE). WWIRE was established in 2017 to build relationships among Villanovan real estate professionals and to create professional development opportunities for the benefit of women in or entering the industry. WWIRE also hosts an annual student program that features all female speakers.
- Match or exceed VSB diversity demographics by 2024
- Continue to implement new real estate programs for underrepresented students
- Seek and share inclusive job, internship, and scholarship opportunities
- Market to incoming first-years during orientation and other events
- Make a real estate minor available to other Villanova colleges with more diversity
- Include more diverse guest speakers, lecturers, judges, and panelists in our classrooms, events, programs, and case competitions
Additional Resources