Spring 2025 Commencement Speech

Delivered by Taneshia Nash Laird, Executive Director

Transcript: Good evening, graduates.

Tonight, you join an extraordinary community of more than 2,000 alumni who are Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, and North African professionals who identify as people of color and are making their mark across every corner of the commercial real estate industry.

You are graduating at a moment when the world feels uncertain. When conversations about opportunity and access are facing new challenges. When some would prefer that we play it safe—speak a little quieter about who we are and what we represent.

But let me be clear: This is not a time to shrink. This is a time to step into your power.

You Are Prepared

Over these intensive weeks, you haven’t just learned about cap rates and market analysis. You’ve started building relationships. You’ve identified potential mentors. You’ve proven you have what it takes to succeed in rooms where decisions get made and deals get done.

The knowledge in your head, the connections in your phone, the confidence in your voice—these can’t be taken away by shifting political winds or changing rhetoric.

You Are Not Alone

Behind you stands a network of more than 2,000 professionals who have walked this path. Alumni who remember their first day in corporate real estate, who understand the challenges you may face, and who are invested in your success.

When you need advice, call them. When you need an introduction, ask them. When you need encouragement, lean on them. And when you succeed—and you will—lift others as you climb.

You Are Needed

This industry needs your perspective, your energy, your fresh thinking. Not because you’re filling a quota but because excellence comes in many forms, and the industry is stronger when it reflects the communities it serves.

Some may question whether you belong. Let your work answer them. Some may wonder if you’re qualified. Let your results speak for you. Some may doubt your commitment. Let your persistence prove them wrong.

This Moment Is Yours

Yes, the landscape is shifting. Yes, conversations around opportunity and access face new pressures. But remember this: Project REAP has been opening doors for 27 years—through political cycles, economic downturns, and cultural shifts.

We’re still here. You are here. This network is here.

Because talent doesn’t depend on political favor. Excellence doesn’t require permission. And your success doesn’t need anyone’s approval but your own.

Your Charge

As you leave here tonight, I charge you with three things:

First, pursue your goals with confidence. You’ve earned your place in every room, on every deal, and at every table. Walk in like it.

Second, stay connected to this community. Your classmates are now your colleagues. The alumni who spoke to your class are now your advisors and advocates. This network is your competitive advantage—use it.

Third, remember your responsibility. One day, someone will sit where you’re sitting now—eager, nervous, hopeful. Be the mentor, the connection, the encouragement they need.

The Path Forward

This isn’t just a career—it’s your platform for impact. You’ll finance developments that reshape communities. You’ll broker deals that bring businesses to underserved areas. You’ll manage assets that build wealth and create opportunity.

You carry not just your own dreams, but the dreams of everyone who believes that talent has no color, that excellence knows no boundaries, and that opportunity should reach everyone who’s ready.

The work begins now. The impact starts with you. The future is what you make it.

Step boldly. Lead authentically. Succeed unapologetically.

Congratulations, Spring 2025 cohort. Welcome to the Project REAP family.