Chicagoland Apartment Association Names Recipients of its Pathways to Excellence DE&I Scholarship Program

CHICAGO – The Chicagoland Apartment Association (CAA) today announced three recipients of its Pathways to Excellence DE&I Scholarship Program. The initiative is designed to expand access to professional development and industry engagement opportunities for apartment management companies, property owners, and supplier partners who are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces.

The program aims to reduce barriers to participation in the apartment industry by connecting businesses led by individuals from historically underrepresented communities with the resources available through CAA membership.

The scholarship recipients are:

• Comfort at Home, a licensed home services agency providing non-medical in-home care and support services to seniors, individuals with disabilities and others who require assistance to remain safely and independently in their homes.
• R.B. Pest Solutions, a Black- and woman-owned pest management company operating in Illinois and Indiana that has provided commercial and residential pest management services for more than 10 years and currently employs 28 team members.
• Digs with Dignity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness and other life-changing circumstances by creating thoughtfully furnished homes using sustainable and upcycled solutions.

Each recipient will receive a complimentary one-year CAA membership, valued at up to $1,000, access to key industry events, mentorship opportunities, and peer networking experience.

“CAA is proud to welcome the recipients of the Pathways to Excellence program and recognize the important work they are doing throughout our communities,” said Michael Mini, Executive Vice President of the Chicagoland Apartment Association. “These organizations bring valuable perspectives, expertise and leadership that will strengthen both our association and industry. We look forward to supporting their growth and engagement and to celebrating their continued success.”

The Pathways to Excellence program was open to applications from apartment management companies, property owners and supplier partners located in the Chicagoland area that prioritize diversity and inclusion within their organizations. Recipients must commit to participating in at least one CAA diversity, equity and inclusion-focused event during the membership year.

The scholarship program was developed specifically for companies owned or led by individuals from historically underrepresented communities, including Black/African American, LatinX/Hispanic, Asian American or Pacific Islander, Indigenous/Native American, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups identified by applicants.