Crew Miami’s “Lunch & Learn” Unites Female Leaders Addressing Affordable Housing Challenges
- wgclients01
- 29 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Commercial Real Estate Women Miami (CREW Miami) hosted its October Lunch & Learn, Shaping Miami’s Future: Expert Solutions for Affordable Housing, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove. The discussion brought together professionals from across South Florida for an in-depth conversation about one of the region’s most pressing issues—affordable housing.
Left to right: Annie Lord, Executive Director, Miami Homes For All; Winell Belfonte, Partner, CohnReznick; Josie Legido Correa, 2025 CREW Miami President and Director of Business Development at JWR Construction Services; Heather Olson, Managing Director, Berkadia; Sydne Garchik, Principal, MRK Partners; Shannon Wilson, 2025 CREW Miami Programs Director and Associate Director at Berkadia. | Photo Credit Allegory PR Services
“As a builder, we often face misconceptions about affordable housing,” said Josie Legido Correa, 2025 CREW Miami President and Director of Business Development at JWR Construction Services, who moderated the discussion. “These projects are well-designed, well-built, and an essential part of Miami’s future. It’s important that we continue to change the narrative around what affordable housing means for our community.”
The panel featured Sydne Garchik, Principal, MRK Partners; Heather Olson, Managing Director, Berkadia; Winell Belfonte, Partner, CohnReznick; and Annie Lord, Executive Director, Miami Homes For All. Together, they explored financing, development, and policy strategies that could help close Miami-Dade County’s affordable housing gap.
Annie Lord emphasized that public investment remains the most critical factor in addressing Miami-Dade’s housing shortage, noting that only large-scale public funding can bridge the affordability gap.
Heather Olson outlined the complexity of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) process and shared examples of innovative employer-assisted housing initiatives, including The Breakers project in Palm Beach.
Sydne Garchik spoke about the importance of education and transparency to overcome community resistance, noting that proactive communication helps build public trust and support.
Winell Belfonte discussed emerging financial tools such as green bonds, impact investing, and corporate partnerships, underscoring the long-term collaboration needed to make these projects successful.
Throughout the conversation, panelists encouraged collaboration between the public and private sectors and highlighted the need for advocacy, creative financing, and policy reform to sustain progress.
“This panel brought together some of the most knowledgeable women in commercial real estate and community development,” added Josie Legido Correa. “Their collective expertise demonstrates that affordable housing isn’t just about construction—it’s about collaboration, education, and equity. That’s what CREW Miami stands for.”
Looking Ahead
6th Annual CREW Miami Golf Tournament
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 12:00–8:00 p.m.
Miami Shores Country Club
2025 Holiday Party & Awards
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Lucid Art Gallery, 10 NE 41st Street, Miami, FL 33137