Celebrating Pride in CREW Network
In honor of Pride Month, CREW Network invited LGBTQIA+ members to share reflections on what Pride means to them in their lives, in their work, and in the commercial real estate industry. We’re proud to share their stories and continue building a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported in June and all year long. Happy Pride from CREW Network!
Alison Beddard
CREW Seattle
Managing Principal, Cushman & Wakefield
"Pride is so many things! Being able to share my life's moments with others is something I never take for granted. Without my partner, I would not be the person (or leader) I am today. We've climbed mountains big and small, both figuratively and literally! Hiding big parts of yourself does nothing more than diminish self-worth. If I hid who I am, or who we are, I wouldn't be as relatable or as successful. It's a gift to live openly and honestly and I'm incredibly PROUD to be me."
Ashley Maggiacomo
CREW Boston
Interior Designer, SMM
"To me, pride is silent visibility. As a woman in a hetero-normative relationship, I was presumed to be straight. Only my partner and closest friends knew I identified as bisexual. This often excluded me from queer conversations. I needed a silent signal for inclusion—something that didn’t require a conversation but read as queer. That’s when I styled my hair in a new way—an undercut with two notches. Since then, I’ve been included first, asked second, and assumed never. The comfort it has brought me in my own skin and relationships is what pride means to me."
Megan Watson
CREW Chicago
Senior Underwriter - Environmental, Chubb
"For me, Pride means being able to celebrate my asexuality and raise awareness about an identity that many people are still unfamiliar with. Embracing and sharing this part of who I am has helped me be more open and honest in both personal and professional settings. There’s a powerful sense of affirmation that comes from being able to show up as your full self—especially in the workplace. The growing visibility of LGBTQIA+ celebrations in workplaces has made it easier for more people to do the same—to be seen, respected, and valued for who they truly are."
Candace Chin Fatt
CREW Miami, CREW Fort Lauderdale/Boca Raton
Senior Project Manager, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
"Pride is all about being true to yourself and accepting of others, being authentic. The best leaders are the ones that lead authentically, and only until you are living authentically, then you can expect to lead authentically. I am grateful to work at a company that allows everyone to be their authentic selves and share their backgrounds and experiences with one another. The culture of acceptance and belonging drives us to work better together for something greater! Happy Pride!"
Dennis Rothouse
CREWBaltimore
CEO, Menlo Marketing
"To me, Pride means showing up as your full, authentic self—without apology, hesitation, or compromise. It’s about having the courage to live and lead with honesty, knowing that your identity is not something to be hidden but something to be honored. It’s a daily choice to lead with integrity and build a culture rooted in acceptance and inclusivity. I’m grateful to be part of CREWBaltimore, where authenticity is celebrated and diversity embraced. The support I’ve received has helped my business, Menlo Marketing, thrive. Pride isn’t just a month; it’s a mindset. I’m proud to be a gay-owned business and a CREWBaltimore member."
