Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Lafayette Students Connect with Real Estate Alumni in New York
Through a partnership between The Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Gateway Career Center, and JLL Capital Markets, students were welcomed into one of Manhattan’s leading real estate organizations for an evening of meaningful engagement with Lafayette alumni working across the industry.
For Imaan Ali ’26, Founder and President of the Lafayette Real Estate Club, the experience captured the mission and momentum of the club. She reflected: “As the Founder and President, standing inside JLL’s NYC office—surrounded by Lafayette alumni who are now shaping the industry—I couldn’t help but reflect on how far the club has come. What began as a small group with big aspirations in 2023 has grown into a community capable of creating moments like this: putting students in real rooms with real professionals, having real conversations about the future.”
Throughout the evening, students had the opportunity to learn from alumni whose diverse roles provided a practical look into the realities and possibilities of a career in real estate. Their openness about experiences and decision-making offered guidance that goes beyond what can be learned in the classroom and reinforced the value of direct exposure to the industry.
The club continues to grow under the guidance of faculty advisor Professor Rex Ahene, whose longstanding commitment to real estate education at Lafayette helps shape opportunities for students exploring the field.
This event reflects the impact that occurs when students, alumni, and campus partners come together with a shared commitment to expanding access, insight, and opportunity. As interest in real estate rises among Lafayette students, continued alumni engagement—particularly from those in the NY tri-state area—will play an essential role in sustaining and strengthening this momentum.
Alumni who would like to contribute through mentorship, collaboration, or support may connect with The Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
https://dyer.lafayette.edu/support/