MSOE’s partnership with the Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) program strives to expand diversity and inclusion in the commercial real estate industry.  

The ACRE program is an industry-supported initiative that recruits and retains people of color for careers in commercial real estate, spanning from development and property management to construction management. It was created by Professor Mark Eppli and the Marquette University College of Business in 2005 and is now administered through LISC Milwaukee in partnership with Marquette University, MSOE and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

From students, to instructors, to community partners and industry leaders, MSOE alumni are involved at all levels of the ACRE program. Matt Tadisch ’06 serves as MSOE’s representative for the program as well as a lecturer, specifically diving into real estate development, feasibility analysis and construction related topics.

“There is nothing better that we can do than leave the world a better place by continuing to promote the development of our industries and enhancing the diversity in real estate,” said Tadisch. “It is so exciting to see these individuals grow throughout the program, challenge each other, challenge us and take what they’ve learned and apply it to our communities to make them a better place.”

Kermiath McClendon ’12, impact investment manager with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, serves on the Advisory Committee with LISC Milwaukee. In his role, McClendon assists ACRE with obtaining funding through grants to support the program’s initiatives. He’s honored to be a part of a program that offers opportunities to underrepresented individuals who strengthen the community as they advance through the program.

“I am proud of MSOE’s partnership with the ACRE program,” said McClendon. “It’s a great foundation for promising and emerging Black and Brown professionals to enter a predominately white male industry.”

Through ACRE, participants gain valuable skills and foster relationships that empower them to enhance the community. “The program introduces the fundamentals of the real estate industry, networking, relationship building with high-level industry leaders, cohort synergies and capstone projects aimed at community resource real estate developments that uplift communities,” said McClendon.

With these new skills and resources, participants are empowered to evolve into industry leaders themselves. “Individuals continue to make an impact in our community after ACRE, including working as Milwaukee public officials, banks, real estate developers and more. The list is endless,” said Tadisch.

One example is Angela Walters ’93, owner of Walters Realty Group at EXP Realty, who is an alumna of MSOE and the ACRE program. She was recently named the 2023 chair of the Board of Directors of the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors, making her the first Black woman to hold the position. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership as well as the Milwaukee chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and has helped countless families find their forever homes. 

 “The biggest thing I gained from the ACRE program was being able to network and create relationships with so many people, both fellow classmates and industry leaders,” said Walters. “You truly get exposed to people who are doing great things in Milwaukee. I graduated from the program in 2015 and being an ACRE graduate still speaks volumes throughout the city. I am proud to be in the midst of other ACRE grads who have excelled in their careers and become leaders in the Milwaukee area.”

McClendon encourages people of color who aspire to be a driving force in real estate investments with visions for the community to join the ACRE program.

“Candidates should have a vision for the City of Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. Applicants should have an entrepreneurial spirit with the desire to build generational wealth and legacy while creating local job opportunities.”

Visit lisc.org/milwaukee to learn more about the ACRE program.