Dear BREAA Members,
It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of privilege that I return to the Berkeley Real Estate Alumni Association (BREAA) Board, this time as its President. It's remarkable to reflect on how far we have come since the initial spark to bring BREAA back from the ashes back in 2017.
Over the past 8+ years, BREAA has flourished, a testament to the dedication of our members and the vision of our leadership. We've hosted dozens of engaging events, expanded our reach with two new chapters encompassing a total of 400+ members, and welcomed 20+ esteemed real estate professionals to our Advisory Board. While we celebrate these accomplishments, we also recognize the vast potential that still lies ahead.
Building upon the strong foundation laid by prior presidents – Evan Schwimmer, Briana DeHaan, and Allie Stein – as well as the prior Board members, I am committed to elevating BREAA to new heights. My vision for BREAA centers on three key pillars, all drawing strength from our core mission:
Becoming the Flagbearer for the Berkeley Real Estate Brand: BREAA will be the recognized voice and champion of UC Berkeley's real estate community. We will showcase the excellence of our programs, the accomplishments of our alumni, and the innovative thinking that defines Berkeley. This aligns directly with our mission to connect, support, and advance the interests of Berkeley real estate professionals.
Transforming BREAA into a Career Flywheel: We will provide unparalleled opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship, empowering our members to achieve their career aspirations. This includes fostering connections between alumni at all levels, from recent graduates to seasoned executives, and providing resources to enhance their skills and knowledge. This embodies our mission to facilitate connections and provide resources to our members.
Strengthening the Connection to UC Berkeley: We will foster deeper ties with the University, supporting its real estate initiatives and cultivating the next generation of Berkeley real estate leaders. We will work to create pathways for current students to connect with alumni, providing mentorship and real-world insights into the industry. This reflects our commitment to support UC Berkeley's real estate programs and cultivate future leaders.
I am incredibly excited to work alongside our talented and dedicated Board to realize these goals. We are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community, where members can connect, learn, and grow. We encourage you to actively engage with BREAA, share your ideas, and contribute to our collective success.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make BREAA the premier real estate alumni network, fulfilling our mission to its fullest potential.
Go Bears!
Jan Smidek