18 May 2023
ULI is dedicated to improving the environments in which all people live, work and play. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are the pillars of sustainable, thriving communities.
The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) was established in 2011 as a global ULI programme where chapters in numerous countries around the world including Singapore. As Co-Chairs of WLI Singapore Steering Committee, we work on WLI’s four primary objectives:
We know that there are many ULI members who share our purpose and objectives. With the intent to create awareness of the people who are actively supporting DEI in the organization they are in, WLI Singapore launched the Champions of Change Pledge in January 2022. The Pledge lists out multiple ways that Champions of Change can serve as a role model, push for systematic improvements and influence the ecosystem.
Since its launch, 48 individuals have signed on the pledge in their personal capacity, and 16 firms have pledged to be corporate Champions of Change.
A number of these Champions have stepped up to share their respective pathways in driving change to support the advancement of women as leaders in real estate as part of their DEI objectives:
When we asked our other Champions what motivated them to take up the Pledge, this is what a few of them shared:
“As a Champion of Change with the Urban Land Institute’s Women Leadership Initiative, I am committed to advocating for gender parity in leadership and management positions in Singapore. I recognize that although men should not be central to leading the conversations, we can be critical allies in creating a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable community in the real estate and built environment industry.” –
Choi Ming Hong, Assistant Manager, JLL
“I made the ‘Champions of Change pledge’ on behalf of WiredScore because we have a long way to go as an industry to create an environment within which men and women are set-up equally for success. At WiredScore we’re striving to create an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to flourish, regardless of gender, race, socio-economic background, disabilites or any other factors, because we believe that diverse voices enable us to produce better results.” –
Thomasin Crowley, Global Director of APAC, WiredScore
“Diversity, Equity & Inclusion helps build better, stronger and more innovative organisations. Lendlease supports the creation of places where people are respected for who they are. We are proud to support and champion change so everyone has an equal chance to succeed, regardless of their gender identity.” –
Justin Gabbani, Chief Executive Officer, Asia, Lendlease
“As a young woman starting out my career in the industry, I was happy to pledge my commitment to a cause that calls for gender equality and representation regardless of roles and positions within an organisation.” –
Elizabeth Low, Senior Analyst, ESR
“As a part of the ULI community, it is critical we come together to make an impact on our environment, our teams and the communities in which we live and work. Taking the Champions of Change Pledge was important to me and my team to show our commitment to the ULI values and objectives and ensure that we support the principles of sustainability and governance for which ULI and its membership stand.” –
Shaun Smithson, Managing Partner, Lightwheel Advisors
“Gensler’s leadership is full of inspiring women who are making a difference in my path striving to be a successful professional. Having been raised in a house full of strong women and being the only male, this initiative resonates with me, and hits close to home with the amazing upbringing I received from my mother and two sisters.” –
Carlos Venegas, Client Relationship Director, Gensler
We are heartened by such a strong showing of support for our objectives. There are many ways, big and small, to support a diverse, equitable and inclusive community. If you are inspired to be one of our Champions of Change, we encourage you to pledge your commitment.
In addition to our Champions of Change Pledge, the WLI Singapore Steering Committee will continue to create more opportunities to nurture, develop and advance female executives throughout their career journey.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
WLI Sg Co-Chairs
Shin Hui & Wei Leng