The upper echelon of commercial real estate is only slightly more diverse this year than last, as some of the industry’s largest firms have increased representation on their boards and executive teams and others backslid. Despite the small gains for women and people of color in some segments of the business, equal representation is still well out of reach — and what victories have been achieved are at risk of being undone as companies embroiled in an economic crisis are forced to confront the true value of diversity, equity and inclusion. “Now is where you’re going to put your money where your mouth is,” said Amber Levin, chief operating officer at Local Logic, a proptech company that provides insights for CRE. “We’re not saying make irresponsible financial choices for your business, but if you’re committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, you will do this in a way that retains that commitment.”  The percentage of people of color in the C-suites and executive teams across 89 of the largest firms in the industry — spanning brokerages, lenders and asset managers, REITs and private developers — rose from 10.9% to 11.6% year-over-year. People of color now make up 18.2% of board seats, up from 16% last year. Women make up 25.3% of CRE executive teams, compared to 23.5% last year. Board representation for women rose to 29.6% from 28%, although an industrywide shrinking of board seats led the number of female board members to drop to 207 from 213 last year. Read the full story here. | 
