Fisher Brothers, a leading New York City-based real estate firm, today announced it will continue its partnership with Basta, an organization that connects first-generation college students of color with career-building opportunities. Following a successful program launched last year to allow students to learn about careers in real estate, Basta worked with Fisher Brothers to reinstate its paid fellowship program for a second term. Four first-generation New York City students joined Fisher Brothers on February 7th, gaining career-building opportunities, and overcoming challenges to accessing opportunities within the industry.
Basta works across the nation to build social capital experience for historically underserved students and recent graduates, connecting students with opportunities for quality employment and higher earning potential throughout their careers. Basta aims to combat barriers to access by creating an environment for low-income, first-generation students that centers on community-building and tools to more effectively pursue career-pathway jobs. Real estate is a highly networked industry, and Basta’s partnership with Fisher Brothers provides young New Yorkers with a point of entry to break into the field. The program was designed thoughtfully to ensure the fellows get to build relationships with real estate professionals and learn about the industry through their mentorship.
“Our partnership with Fisher Brothers has allowed our students to unlock access to exceptional professional networks and career opportunities,” said Sheila Sarem, Founder of Basta. “We are thrilled to offer our students professional development opportunities in the real estate industry – our first partnership in this space – and to continue our work towards closing the employment gap. Fisher Brothers has been an incredible partner and we look forward to watching the students learn and grow in their new roles.”
The Basta fellows joined the Fisher Brothers team across the company’s departments and business verticals. Basta worked with Fisher Brothers to determine areas of the company where fellows will thrive and learn the particulars of real estate development, lending, hospitality, technology, and commercial leasing. Basta’s engagement with Fisher Brothers is the organization’s first partnership with a commercial real estate company.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Basta and doing our part in creating equitable access to professional development opportunities,” said Winston Fisher, Partner at Fisher Brothers. “Our fellows are valuable members of our team, and this program is crucial in giving students the opportunity to showcase their talent in the real estate industry.”
The first iteration of the fellowship last fall emphasized the importance of collaboration. This term, Fisher Brothers will incorporate group projects focused on advancing Fisher Brothers’ ESG and health and wellness initiatives and streamlining the transition to a new accounting platform to engage the fellows and build a sense of community. The internship program, which will run from February through April, will create critical relationship and network building opportunities, career-building experience, and exposure to the real estate industry.
