Building Futures Annual Awards Gala

Join Us for the Third Annual Fordham Real Estate Institute (REI) Building Futures Scholarship Gala.

Celebrate the future of real estate, construction, and hospitality by supporting the next generation of leaders shaping New York City’s skyline.

The Fordham REI Awards Gala directly benefits the Building Futures Scholarship Fund (BFS), providing low-income students across NYC with access to transformative education and career opportunities. Proceeds from the evening fund scholarships that help students move from the classroom to careers at top firms like CBRE, AECOM Tishman, Cushman & Wakefield, Nuveen, and more.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you at this unforgettable evening of inspiration, innovation, and impact—where your support helps build the industry leaders of tomorrow.

VISIONARY AWARD RECIPIENT

Bruce Ratner
Former CEO of Forest City Ratner Companies and Philanthropist

GROUNDBREAKERS AWARD RECIPIENT

Robert Knakal
Chairman & CEO of BKREA

CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT

Katie Nilsen
Vice President, Development & Strategy, E-J Electric Installation Co.

RISING STAR AWARDS RECIPIENT

Schillivia Baptiste, P.E., Assoc. DBIA
Chief Executive Officer, Laland Baptiste

BRIDGE BUILDER AWARDS RECIPIENT

Gemma Burgess
Managing Director, RRA Global Real Estate Practice Russell Reynolds Associates

HONORARY GALA MASTER OF CEREMONIES

James Nelson
Head of US Investment Sales