PHOENIX, ARIZ.– AZCREW, the leading organization for senior-level executive women in the Metro Phoenix commercial real estate field, presented $10,000 in scholarships to a pair of Arizona State University Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) students.

The scholarship winners – Marjorie Wakefield and Santiago Fajardo – were announced at AZCREW’s annual Black & White Affair, held Oct. 24 at Pubblico Italian Eatery. The event benefits AZCREW’s “MRED Dollars for Scholars” program.

Over the past 8 years, AZCREW has supported MRED students by awarding more than 14 scholarships totaling nearly $40,000.

“This year’s event was a huge success for AZCREW and the MRED program,” said Cindy Winters of Eagle Commercial Realty Services, 2018 AZCREW President. “It was our best attended Black & White Affair event since its inception in 2010 with more than 125 people enjoying a beautiful fall evening. The courtyard of the Crown on 7th was a perfect venue. The featured tasting tables from Pubblico Italian Eatery, Rito’s Mexican Food, Wildflower, and Central Kitchen were a huge hit.

“We are thrilled to support Marjorie and Santiago as they continue their path in commercial real estate. We are excited to continue our partnership with the current MRED class through our UCREW event to be held next spring,” Winters said.

Wakefield, a Scottsdale resident, is Senior Ledger Accountant for Iron Mountain Data Centers. Fajardo, also a Scottsdale resident, is Professional Services Manager (account manager and customer service) for Axon.

Wakefield holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Fajardo holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and French and an MBA.

In nine months, the transdisciplinary W. P. Carey Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program prepares students to lead real estate development projects that are environmentally respectful, socially responsible, and artfully designed. Small class sizes provide opportunities for peer interaction and a number of synthesis projects cover the entire spectrum of development, preparing you for roles throughout the industry.

The MRED program is a transdisciplinary partnership between four highly regarded schools within ASU:

* The W. P. Carey School of Business;

* The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law;

* The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts;

* The Del E. Webb School of Construction.

With more than 175 members, AZCREW is the leading organization for senior-level executive women in the Metro Phoenix real estate field. As part of CREW Network, the industry’s premier networking coalition, AZCREW is dedicated to advancing the success of women in commercial real estate. CREW Network’s membership of more than 11,000 professionals in 70+ major global markets represents all aspects of commercial real estate—providing our members with direct access to real estate professionals across all geographies and disciplines. For more information visit arizonacrew.org.

Three teams compete in finals of 5^th Annual Arizona State University MRED event

PHOENIX, Ariz. – It was one of the closest finishes in its history as three teams competed in the 5^th Annual REIAC/Rockefeller Group Challenge held May 8 at Arizona Country Club.

Teams consisting of graduating students from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business, Masters of Real Estate Development (MRED) program competed for cash prizes. Copperstate Development captured the top honor, garnering $1,000 each for team members Robby Leonard, Cody Wolfe, Josh Rodriguez, and Mohammed Almehaidib.

This year’s project was the 148-acre Arizona State University Thunderbird School of Global Management campus in Glendale. ASU is moving the school to its downtown Phoenix campus.

Copperstate’s winning entry, Thunderbird Fields, is a four-phase, master-planned development that features new and rental homes, adaptive re-use projects, single tenant retail, open space, medical offices, and respects the history of the former World War II airbase that opened in 1946.

“The biggest challenge was taking into account what the city really wanted compared to what the market was asking for,” Leonard said. “Going through the general plan and to be able to come up with uses for our product was a great experience.”

Copperstate’s four goals for the project are balanced housing types, conservation, rehabilitation, and redevelopment. Historical elements on the campus include Founders Hall, Hangar 1, and the old air traffic control tower.

“The greatest satisfaction was getting through the three-synthesis process and finally coming to a conclusion. You know what you’re looking for in the build-out process, marketing, and the pro formas. You really get to see how the development process works. We had a great team. Everyone contributed equally,” Leonard said.

The other finalists and their projects:

• Atlas Partners – Oasis Village at Thunderbird, a multi-generational village that also preserves the history of Founders Hall, Hangar 1, and the control tower. Atlas highlighted connectivity and walkability in a mixed-use community. It featured amenities seen at The Presidio in San Francisco and Agritopia in Gilbert.
• GP Development – The Landing at Thunderbird, a mixed-use development geared towards active and retired service members. Plans called for converting Hangar 1 into an incubator for veteran-owned businesses. It features single family and multi-family housing, senior living, medical offices, a specialty grocer, and a landing loop featuring a splash pad, pavilion, and dog park.

Each team was allotted 10 minutes to present a development solution followed by questions from the audience. Audience members chose the winning team immediately after the presentations.

Mark Stapp, director of the MRED program, said the challenge has made great strides in just 5 years.

“Two things get better every year,” Stapp said. “One is the support that comes from the REIAC membership and the Rockefeller Group because that’s how this becomes real in terms of the student experience and not just in theory. The student experience continues to improve as we develop an alumni base. As the program develops a reputation, we get better students every year.”

In addition to sponsoring the annual Challenge, REIAC Southwest awards two $2,500 scholarships to MRED students that have a financial need and want to pursue real estate careers in Arizona after they graduate.

TEMPE, ARIZ. – Leo Sanchez, Commercial Sales Executive of Major Accounts at Fidelity National Title Agency, has been elected Vice President of the Board of Directors for the W.P. Carey School of Business, Masters of Real Estate Development Alumni Program.

In May Sanchez completed the prestigious W.P. Carey School of Business, MRED Program.  Sanchez, who has been with Fidelity Title for two years and in the local real estate industry for 13 years, also holds an MBA with a concentration in finance from Keller Graduate School of Management.

“It’s truly an honor and a privilege to serve on the board,” Sanchez said. “It’s incredible to see how our program has gained exposure nationally and I look forward to the opportunity to work with my fellow alum in the years to come.”

Other board members include Denise Christensen, President, Habitat Metro; Kati Routh, Communications, Glacier House Hotels; Julie Harris, Secretary, SVN; Amanda Donner, Treasurer, independent developer; and Members at-Large Brad Broyles, COBE Real Estate; and Tina Heinbach, Past President, Garrett Development Corporation.

“The program has just started its 12^th year and the MRED alumni body has grown to over 300 graduates. It brings great pride that our alums are making an impact as leaders in the real estate industry around the globe,” Christensen said.

The nine-month MRED program prepares participants to lead real estate development projects that are environmentally respectful, socially responsible, and artfully designed. It is a transdisciplinary partnership between four highly regarded schools within Arizona State University: The W. P. Carey School of Business; the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law; the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts; and the Del E. Webb School of Construction.

A native of El Paso, Texas, Sanchez is active in several industry organizations and serves on committees for ULI Arizona and NAIOP Arizona. He is also a member of Valley Partnership. Sanchez has lived in the Valley 17 years. He and his wife, Maricela, volunteer with various nonprofits, working with organizations that serve underprivileged children.