DAIRE Fall Trek to Washington, DC Provides a Transformative Experience

The student organization, Diversity and Inclusion in Real Estate (DAIRE), embarked on our semesterly trek to Washington, DC, to gain insights into finance, real estate, and hospitality as we connected with industry leaders and gained firsthand knowledge about our fields.

At JLL, we engaged with the capital markets team and analysts, learning about market trends, deal structuring, and the strategic approaches that drive success in the real estate industry. These interactions were not only informative but also inspiring, as they gave us a glimpse into the expertise and innovation shaping the field.

At Avison Young, we explored how economic conditions inherently influence market dynamics and learned from senior professionals who specialize in debt and equity structuring, asset sales, and investment strategies. The deep dive into the commercial real estate market in the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia) provided a masterclass in understanding regional opportunities and challenges.

We concluded the trek with a tour of the Hilton Capitol Hill, where we delved into the hospitality sector’s critical role within real estate. This immersive experience enriched our understanding of hotel operations and management, offering a comprehensive perspective on the industry.

For DAIRE members, this trek was more than just a trip—it was a journey of growth, inspiration, and connection. It not only expanded our professional knowledge, but also strengthened our collective passion for finance and real estate, leaving us motivated to pursue excellence in these fields.

About the Author

Boluwatito Ayanwola ’27, Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, is pursuing minors in real estate and business. He currently serves as vice president of programming for DAIRE, a financial analyst at BlackGen Capital; and treasurer for the Pan-African Student Association. Boluwatito is passionate about pursuing a career in real estate private equity.

Student Reflections

“Having the opportunity to embark on this trip was an incredible experience. Breaking into the professional world can be extremely challenging, and I am grateful to DAIRE for equipping me with the tools and resources to organize a trip like this for our members. The connections I made and the knowledge I gained were truly invaluable. I’m especially thankful to have shared these unforgettable moments with fellow DAIRE members who, like me, are deeply passionate about pursuing careers in real estate.” ~ Boluwatito Ayanwola ’27, Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy.

“The DC trek with DAIRE offered incredible insights into the professional world; from hearing inspiring firms to touring hotels, and hearing professionals from different sectors of real estate share their experiences. This opportunity deepened my understanding of the real estate industry and strengthened my bonds with club members. DAIRE has been pivotal in my journey, offering mentorship and resources emphasizing diversity and inclusion—values fueling my passion for a career focused on accessibility and representation in real estate.” ~ Kritika Oli ’27, studying city and regional urban planning, is the diversity and inclusion chair for the Nepalese Students Association at Cornell, alumni outreach chair for Architects, Artists, and Planners of Color; and a member of Cornell Bhangra.

“The trip to JLL was more than just a learning experience. It was an eye-opener about the power of real estate to shape communities and impact lives. Through DAIRE, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of creating spaces that are accessible and fair to everyone. They showed me that real estate is not just about buying and selling buildings; it’s about building connections and supporting people. This perspective really resonated with me. I realized that I don’t want to just be part of an industry; I want to create spaces that make a difference. It’s about giving back and making sure everyone has a place where they feel valued. This trip confirmed that real estate is not just a career to me. It’s a way to contribute to society in a meaningful way. ~ Gideon Adu ’28, Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, is a member of Accelerator Scholars and a research assistant for the New York City planning department.

“The real estate trek was an incredible opportunity to reinforce my passion for the industry. Visiting firms such as JLL and Avison Young and engaging with analysts and company representatives gave me a firsthand look at how real estate investments are influenced by proximity to government entities. The panels and Q&As were invaluable as they allowed me to ask questions about transitioning from college to a full-time role and understanding the nuances of networking and career growth. There’s something special about bonding over shared goals and asking questions about real estate and career paths with people who are just as excited about the field as I am. I also explored the beautiful city of DC with my peers and visited the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and the White House. DAIRE has been invaluable in finding this community and solidifying my love for real estate. It’s a network and support system that makes me feel connected and motivated to keep learning and growing in this field. ~ Emily Hooks ’27, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, is an active member of the Association of Latino Professionals for America, BlackGen Capital, Diverse Leaders for Tomorrow, and DAIRE. She is also a Dyson Office of Diversity and Inclusion program assistant, a teaching assistant in the Business Management and Organization course, and a member of Accelerator Scholars.