Empowering Commercial Real Estate Careers Through Scholarship 

When it comes to launching a successful career in commercial real estate, opportunity often begins with a single connection: a mentor, a classroom, or a helping hand. For scholarship recipients and recently pinned Designees Ismael Concepcion, CCIM, and Denine Attride, CCIM, The CCIM Institute Foundation was that bridge, transforming ambition into action and knowledge into confidence. 

A Journey Fueled by Determination and Education  
Ismael Concepcion’s journey in commercial real estate began during his time at the University of Arkansas, where he joined a real estate finance and investment club that introduced him to the industry’s many paths. One of those meetings led to an internship with a commercial developer, sparking a lasting interest in real estate.  

Born in Mexico, his early experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for opportunity, which fueled his desire to keep learning. Determined to build a well-rounded skill set, he went on to pursue a master’s degree in construction management, gaining valuable insight into how development and construction come together in the commercial real estate industry.  

Today, Concepcion works as a financial analyst for ERES Capital, evaluating hotel, multifamily, and industrial investments nationwide. He credits the CCIM Designation, made possible by The CCIM Institute Foundation scholarship, for giving him the analytical foundation and confidence to thrive in a competitive industry. 

“Well, without receiving the scholarship, I would not have had a way to pay for the courses…And as I mentioned, the courses were pretty instrumental in giving me my foundation, particularly as it relates to investment and financial analysis. So I feel like that really kick-started my career,”  

Specializing with Purpose in Atlanta 
Denine Attride, based in Atlanta, took a unique path into commercial real estate. After years in residential real estate, she discovered a passion for religious properties, a niche within CRE rarely explored in depth. What began as a marketing collaboration with a mentor evolved into a full-fledged career focused on helping faith-based communities navigate complex property decisions. 

Her educational turning point came through Project REAP, a 10-week intensive on commercial real estate. But it was the Georgia CCIM chapter and The CCIM Institute Foundation scholarship support that truly accelerated her journey.  

“The scholarships definitely helped me not to have to worry about how I was going to not only pursue my career and pay for the classes…it allowed me to just focus and be able to enjoy the classwork without the worry of having the financial outlay required to do that”.  

Today, Attride is a CCIM Designee, Associate Broker, and dedicated volunteer. She now co-chairs both the scholarship and mentorship programs for her local chapter, giving back to the scholarship programs that once helped her advance.  

“If I find value in something, I always try to give back… and if that helps other people like me to get into these programs, to earn a designation, then I'm here to help. 

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Denine Attride & Ismael Concepcion (left to right). 

Why the Foundation Matters 
For both Concepcion and Attride, The CCIM Institute Foundation scholarship was more than financial assistance. It was a catalyst for growth. It provided the education, connections, and confidence needed to navigate a competitive industry and pursue specialized career paths. Their stories reflect the broader impact of the Foundation: opening doors for driven professionals, fostering a network of support, and empowering recipients to pay it forward. By investing in the Foundation, supporters help shape the next generation of commercial real estate leaders, ensuring that talent and dedication are met with opportunity.