You can make it anywhere! You remember that Frank Sinatra song… New York, New York. I remember that song from my days at St. Bonaventure University. We had a Rathskeller on campus and every night at close, they would play that song and students would sing at the top of their lungs. It was always a special ending to a night out. I had that song running through my head last week when I attended CREW New York’s 40th anniversary gala.
The chapter has a unique history which I learned about from many of the past leaders who attended the event. The evening was a who’s who of industry leaders, including Merle Gross-Ginsburg who started AREW, and Marlyn Pauley and Dotti Cunningham who spearheaded the founding of NYREW. In 2015, the two organizations merged to form CREW New York. These industry thought leaders recognized the value and strength in merging the two groups together. And I must say they have been formidable ever since!
The gala honored the past and looked forward to the future. The honorees were each quite accomplished in their own way. Marylou Berk of LeFrak encouraged the group to celebrate and honor themselves. Amy Rose of Rose Associates spoke about the importance of relationships and connection in the community. Joanne Podell of Cushman & Wakefield stressed the power of “we” as an organization and women in the industry. Tommy Craig of Hines was recognized for his commitment to supporting and advancing women in the industry. As I thought of these honorees, more words of the song came back to me…
I want to wake up in a city
That never sleeps
And find I’m number one
Top of the list
King of the hill
A number one
Those honored are certainly top of the list! Congratulations to each one of them and to CREW New York for a fantastic celebration of where they have come from and where they are going. We are stronger together. That is the power of the Network.
And remember, if you can make it there, you know, you’ll make it just about anywhere, especially with CREW Network by your side.
Cheers,
WM
Wendy Mann is the chief executive officer of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network and president of the CREW Network Foundation.
Twitter: @crew_wendym
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