diversity & inclusion succession initiative (disi)

disi is a career development program designed to support those pursuing their cpm® certification. the program is open to irem members and employees of amo® (accredited management organization) organizations, with a focus on members of marginalized identities or backgrounds. us residents only.

established in 2009 as diversity scholars, the program was renamed disi (diversity & inclusion succession initiative) in 2019. since its foundation, this program's benefits have evolved significantly. thanks to a generous sponsorship from the irem foundation, 10 disi leaders are selected each year.

a meaningful resource and large benefit of this program is professional mentorship. through professional mentorship, disi leaders have a personal guide and resource to help them as they navigate their career goals and obtain the cpm certification. scroll down for more information on eligibility, how to apply, and program benefits.

who's eligible?

any irem member in good standing can be a mentor, but disi will prioritize applications from members who:

• have cpm certification
• have at least five years professional experience
• are a current member of a irem national level standing committee or advisory council

even if you don’t meet all the criteria but are interested in being a mentor, we encourage you to apply! contact the dei initiatives team with any questions.

expectations & responsibilities

• plan to meet with your leader at least four times throughout the year, including once at an irem education event
• invite your disi leader to at least one meeting of the irem standing committee or advisory council on which you serve – if open and allowed
• willingness to share honestly and vulnerably about how to thrive & succeed
• participate in one virtual 2-hr. mentor orientation - via zoom
• participate in two mentor community calls with irem hq – via zoom

benefits of being a mentor

• disi leaders & mentors networking during an irem education event
• disi leaders & mentors feature article in our jpm magazine
• promo code for 50% registration to 2025 propertycon in boston, ma
• personal fulfillment at helping expand and diversify the profession of real estate management

disi mentor timeline

how to apply?
applications closed at 11:59pm cdt on friday, october 25, 2025. stay tuned to what the disi program has in store.

how long does it take to apply?
it typically takes an applicant an average of 30-45 minutes to complete the disi mentorship application.

may i see examples of who's been named a disi leader in previous years?
sure! view previous disi leaders

questions?
contact us at diversity@irem.org.

the irem foundation is a proud partner of this program.