Basta & Fisher Brothers launch fifth term of its fellowship program to create career, social capital opportunities for underserved students

New York, NY Fisher Brothers, a leading New York City-based real estate firm, today announced it will continue its partnership with Basta, an organization that connects first-generation college students of color with career-building opportunities. For the past two years, Basta and Fisher Brothers have supported a paid fellowship program, now in its fifth term, to allow students to learn about careers in real estate. The program connects first-generation students with Fisher Brothers, where they gain career-building opportunities and overcome challenges to accessing opportunities within the industry.

Basta works across the nation to build social capital experience for historically underserved students and recent graduates, connecting students with opportunities for quality employment and higher earning potential throughout their careers. Basta aims to combat barriers to access by creating an environment for low-income, first-generation students that centers on community-building and tools to more effectively pursue career-pathway jobs. Real estate is a highly networked industry, and Basta’s partnership with Fisher Brothers provides young New Yorkers with a point of entry to break into the field. The program was designed thoughtfully to ensure the fellows get to build relationships with real estate professionals and learn about the industry through their mentorship.

“Our partnership with Fisher Brothers gives our students the unique opportunity to develop exceptional professional networks and break into one of New York’s leading industries,” said Sheila Sarem, founder of Basta. “We are thrilled to continue this fantastic program and watch our students grow in their new roles at Fisher Brothers as we continue our mission of increasing accessibility and opportunities for our students to pursue their career goals.”

The Basta fellows joined the Fisher Brothers team across the company’s departments and business verticals. Basta worked with Fisher Brothers to determine areas of the company where fellows will thrive and learn the particulars of real estate development, lending, hospitality, technology, and commercial leasing. Basta’s engagement with Fisher Brothers is the organization’s first partnership with a commercial real estate company.

"My favorite part of the internship was being able to have conversations with individuals who worked at companies that I would've never had the opportunity to interact with,” said Kevin O’Neale, former Basta fellow at Ease Hospitality, Fisher Brothers' amenity platform.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Basta to create opportunities for professional development and access to the commercial real estate industry,” said Winston Fisher, partner at Fisher Brothers. “Our fellows are integral members of our team, and it is rewarding to provide the support and space they need to develop their careers in the real estate industry.”

Last year, the fellowship focused on advancing Fisher Brothers’ environmental, social, and governance platform, health and wellness initiatives, and transition to a new accounting platform. This term, fellows will focus on development, finance, human resources strategy, and technology. 

The fellowship program, which will run from February 28 to May 3, will create critical relationship and network building opportunities, career-building experience, and exposure to the real estate industry.