Tanya Little

There’s no doubt that women have become a major driving force in the global economy. Smart companies recognize that women leaders are an untapped competitive edge, and they’re aggressively seeking more women to fill their leadership ranks. Still, in the United States, just 20 percent of top leadership positions are filled by women.

In 2005, CREW Network conducted the industry’s first benchmarking study to measure the status and achievements of women in the commercial real estate industry. The study looked at several key areas: advancement, compensation, success, and satisfaction. Last year, CREW Network partnered with Cornell University to administer the study to thousands of individuals in a wide variety of specialties within commercial real estate.

In response to the study’s results, the Dallas chapter of CREW and Southern Methodist University have developed the SMU CREW Leadership program. It will launch in January 2012 and consist of eight modules, all presented at SMU’s Executive Education James M. Collins Center. Those who attend at least six of the sessions will earn the SMU CREW Leadership Certificate.

The core purpose of the program is to address things that are most influential in driving the success of commercial real estate women.  It’s devoted exclusively to developing industry leaders who can achieve optimal business results.

The certificate program will provide leadership development in convenient sessions which can be taken individually or as part of the SMU CREW Certificate program. Additionally, the sessions are open to non-CREW members.

At a time of unrest in the economy and changes in corporate structure and vision, CREW Dallas is proud to continue its educational legacy by offering women a credentialed platform for learning skills that will lead to better business results.

To learn more about the SMU CREW Leadership Certificate program or to register, click here or contact me at tlittle@hartadvisorsgroup.com or or 972-239-8088.

Tanya Little is founder and CEO of Hart Advisors Group LLC. She also is a CREW Dallas and CREW in the Community board member. Contact her at tlittle@hartadvisorsgroup.com.