June 18, 2025
Elevating Women’s Leadership in Chicago’s Real Estate Market
The Need is Now
Despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in commercial real estate leadership. Research shows that, while women make up approximately 37% of the industry, they are noticeably absent from senior executive and investment decision-making roles. And they earn an estimated 23% less than their male counterparts.
The Debbie Frank Legacy Fund
The Debbie Frank Legacy Fund aims to even the playing field by providing financial support and professional development opportunities for women pursuing advanced degrees in real estate design, business, management and law. The Fund was created to honor the life and myriad contributions of Debbie Frank, a respected leader in Chicago’s commercial real estate industry. Debbie’s passion for guiding, mentoring and advancing women’s careers continues to inspire the Fund’s work.
Financial Support
The continued success of the Debbie Frank Legacy Fund is a true testament to the industry’s generosity and commitment to fostering women professionals in the Field. To date, the Fund has provided scholarships for seven emerging women leaders, helping them take the next step in their real estate careers.
Strategic Partnerships and Scholarships
Women helping women is tantamount to the Fund’s mission. In 2024, the Fund was the catalyst for a strategic alliance between two of the industry’s foremost women’s groups, The Goldie Initiative and CREW Chicago.
The Goldie Initiative provides educational scholarships and robust mentorship programs, while CREW Chicago offers member resources and dynamic learning forums. This collaboration, the first of its kind, led to the creation of the Debbie Frank Legacy Fund/CREW Chicago Goldie Scholar, a prestigious designation presented annually to women pursuing graduate-level real estate studies at Chicago-area institutions.
In 2025, two women will be chosen as Debbie Frank Legacy Fund/CREW Chicago Goldie Scholars. In addition to educational funding, each Scholar gains full access to the exceptional leadership development and networking opportunities provided by both the Goldie Initiative and CREW Chicago. To read more about the partnership, please click here: https://rejournals.com/goldie-initiative-teams-with-crew-chicago-on-new-scholarship/.
Meet Teresa Amaro – Inaugural Debbie Frank Legacy Fund/CREW Chicago Goldie Scholar
Currently pursuing her master’s degree at DePaul University, Teresa Amaro is a General Manager for Sterling Bay, where she oversees all aspects of a prominent local office building, from financial management to construction. Her dedication to her job, and to the property management industry, has earned her many accolades, as well as this Scholarship honor. “With its blend of financial assistance, mentorship, networking and skill development, this scholarship has paved the way to invaluable opportunities.”
Debbie’s Buck-It Bash
Most of the monetary contributions for the Fund come from its signature event, Debbie’s Buck-It Bash. This energy-filled evening, featuring live music from industry favorite Dr. Bombay, has become a community tradition. This year, the fundraising event will take place on October 16th at Joe’s on Weed Street. For more information and to learn more about how you and your company can get involved, visit debbiefranklegacyfund.com/events.
Expanding Our Impact
The Debbie Frank Legacy Fund is dedicated to cultivating talented women into future leaders through expanded scholarships, new partnerships, and continued advocacy for women in commercial real estate. We invite you to play a role in our continued success by visiting debbiefranklegacyfund.com.
