NAIOP Southern California is committed to growing diversity throughout the organization, both in its membership and leadership. Earlier this year, the organization launched a diversity and inclusion task force to focus on creating a strategy to tackle diversity—and it seemed to be just ahead of the conversation that has exploded in recent weeks.

"Earlier this year we launched a Diversity Task Force to implement meaningful actions that bring greater diversity to the commercial real estate industry. We acknowledge that we need to do better," Tim Jemal, CEO of NAIOP SoCal, tells GlobeSt.com. "We've already identified a few actions that include making specific recommendations on increasing representation by people of color in the commercial real estate industry, within our membership, on our committees, and on our Board of Directors."

The organization also plans to play a role in increasing diversity within the industry, beyond the organization's walls. That will include playing an active role in the community. "Taking a leadership role in community and youth outreach programs, providing educational resources, and building a path for black communities and all people of color to have greater access to the commercial real estate industry," says Jemal.

The organization's focus on diversity is also coming in the midst of a global pandemic, which will no doubt have an impact on NAIOP and NAIOP SoCal's membership. For Jemal, who was only recently named CEO of the chapter, health and safety is the organization's primary concern. "We share the same concerns of most Americans: to ensure the health and safety of everyone. We want a vaccine and effective anti-body tests," he says.

However, Jemal also understands the value of the organization during an economic downturn. "The economic impact of COVID-19 is real and has not spared commercial estate," says Jemal. "At the same time, NAIOP SoCal is more valuable than ever in connecting people and encouraging ideas to help the commercial real estate sector adapt and unite in addressing these and other challenges. Membership is the lifeblood of any association and it's our goal to provide the best possible value to all of our members, especially in these challenging times."