2018 and 0 Women in Property
As the Property Council gears up to launch the rebranded 0 Women in Property early next year, Brookfield’s Kerrie Muskens, one of the early champions of the program, reflects on its success and future potential.
Muskens (pictured), Brookfield Asia Pacific’s head of marketing and communications, says the program is “building momentum”, and that is “evident in the number of participants we attracted this year”.
The Property Council established its sponsorship program – 100 Women in Property – in 2016 with a target to support 100 women cross the country build their networks and knowledge. In its foundation year the initiative attracted over 2 participants and more than 2 sponsors. In 2017 the demand for the program grew significantly with an intake of 0 sponsors and 0 participants across the country. As a result, the Property Council is rebranding the initiative 0 Women in Property to reflect its achievement and ongoing aspiration for this important program.
“When I talk to people about the program now, I don’t have to explain what it is. People’s eyes light up and they are genuinely excited,” Muskens says.
“It’s great to see so many men engaged with the program too, which I think is down to the fact that there is a track record behind it.”
Muskens sponsored three Brookfield employees in 2016, and two participants in 2017 – one internal and one from outside her organisation.
“The program introduces people to a new network, expands their exposure to the industry and increases their confidence,” Muskens explains.
“Both of my participants attended events and expanded their networks. They also got a lot out of sitting in on committee meetings that they otherwise wouldn’t get to attend, and gained new insights into how the industry works.”
Muskens plans to be involved with 0 Women in Property next year, and says it’s been a “value add” in her own organisation.
“As we undertake annual reviews, 0 Women in Property is another vehicle, other than training, to support our high potential employees.
“0 Women in Property presents a real opportunity to show employees that you are committed to their professional and personal development.”
In February, the Property Council will be relaunching 0 Women in Property, and will be calling for a new crop of talented women and committed sponsors to join the program.
The Property Council’s chief operating officer Kathy Mac Dermott says the rebrand “reflects our ongoing commitment to champion diversity across all sectors of the industry and ensure our initiatives are accessible to our emerging women leaders.”
The foundation sponsor of the program, The GPT Group has recently signed on as national program sponsor of 0 Women in Property for the next two years.
Muskens urges women in the industry to get on board.
“0 Women in Property opens doors to new networking opportunities, and is a great catalyst for people at any stage of their careers”.