Non-profit focused on serving under-represented, yet growing real estate cohort, mentoring Chicago’s next generation of SAIRE professionals

In observation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month in May, some of Chicago’s most notable real estate executives have joined forces to create SAIRE – South Asians in Real Estate – a newly founded non-profit organization. A professional group dedicated to supporting Chicagoland real estate professionals of South Asian descent, SAIRE held its kickoff event May 8 in downtown Chicago.

“While there’s been progress within Chicago’s commercial real estate sector in terms of DEI, people of AAPI descent are a minority within a minority, so we felt the best way to support each other was to create SAIRE,” said Sandya Dandamudi, one of SAIRE’s founders and president of GI Stone. “As an Indian woman who’s worked in this industry for more than 25 years, I was usually the only one who looked like me at the proverbial c-suite table. However, over the past few years, I have seen more faces like my own – on job sites, in the board room and on industry panels, but I know we can do better.”

The rise in AAPI professionals working in real estate is following a similar trajectory of the demographic’s representation across many businesses. AAPIs are one of the fastest-growing minority groups in the U.S., growing by about 33% between 2010 and 2020. In fact, the Minority Business Development Agency reported in 2020 there were 2.65 million Asian American-owned firms in the U.S., contributing $841 billion and 5.2 million jobs to the U.S. economy; and nearly 9000 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-owned firms adding $8 billion in revenue and 60,000 jobs.

SAIRE’s mission is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community that promotes, empowers and elevates South Asian professionals in the real estate industry.

“We want to uplift and mentor young South Asian professionals and make sure they are exposed to career development opportunities and learn how to navigate Chicago’s real estate industry across all sectors and disciplines,” added Dandamudi. “Right now, we are a small, but mighty group associated with some of Chicagoland’s biggest real estate firms and projects, so we’re excited about our growth potential.”

SAIRE, which is open to people of all ethnicities, was founded by some of Chicago’s most distinguished real estate professionals of South Asian descent, including:

Sandya Dandamudi, president, GI Stone

Kinjal Patel, president, McHugh Construction

Paul Purewal, vice president of real estate development, ONNI Group

Shreya Singh, senior development associate, Related Midwest

Rubina Bokhari, luxury real estate broker, Compass

Prasan Kale, co-founder, Rise Buildings (acquired 2021)

Ravi Jadia, regional vice president, Zentro Internet

SAIRE is actively recruiting partners, benefactors, associates and young leaders seeking mentorship, noted Shreya Singh, senior development associate at Related Midwest and SAIRE’s secretary. “Ultimately, we intend for SAIRE to become a national organization supporting the next generation of South Asian real estate leaders,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”

For more information on SAIRE, or to help support or join the organization, visit www.joinsaire.com.

About SAIRE:

SAIRE’s mission is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community that promotes, empowers and elevates South Asian professionals in the real estate industry. Through networking, mentorship and educational opportunities, SAIRE strives to enhance its members’ skills, knowledge and connections, creating a platform for growth and success. As advocates for diversity and innovation, SAIRE aims to lead the way in shaping a dynamic and equitable real estate landscape while embracing the cultural heritage and values of its members. Together, SAIRE aims to build bridges, break barriers and forge paths toward excellence in the South Asian real estate arena.