Kamara of The Durst Organization to be chairman of YM/WREA of New York

Manhattan, NY Sayo Kamara, associate director of commercial leasing at The Durst Organization, has been elected to serve as the 2025 chairman of the Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association of New York (YM/WREA). Kamara is the first African American to lead the organization.

Founded in 1948, YM/WREA brings young professionals in real estate together to build relationships, advocate for ideas to improve the industry and the city, support charitable causes, and foster future leaders with high ethical standards.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust my peers have placed in me to serve as the next chairman of the Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association, a cornerstone of professional excellence in the commercial real estate industry. With a focus on championing member voices and injecting fresh and diverse perspectives, I will continue to expand on YM/WREA’s legacy of driving the commercial real estate industry forward while giving back to the community,” said Kamara, associate director at The Durst Organization and chairman of YM/WREA.

Since joining The Durst Organization earlier this year, Kamara has worked closely with his colleagues on various Midtown office and retail spaces, including at the newly renovated 825 Third Ave. and nonprofit-focused 205 East 42^nd St.

“The Durst Organization congratulates Sayo on becoming the new Chair of YM/WREA, another proof point that New York City continues to attract the best talent. Sayo moved to New York City with a passion to pursue a career in commercial real estate. He quickly became an associate broker, built strong relationships and a stellar reputation, exemplifying the collaboration and drive it takes to become a rising leader in the industry,” said David Neil, principal at The Durst Organization.

Prior to joining The Durst Organization, Kamara served as a senior associate at Cushman and Wakefield’s Midtown Manhattan office, and before that, as an associate director at Colliers International.

“Congratulations to Sayo for earning the trust of his peers to lead this important organization. The YM/WREA encourages greater collaboration, knowledge sharing and enrichment in our industry, which proves to be invaluable for professionals at every stage of their career,” said James Whelan, REBNY president. “Our staff looks forward to working with Sayo and supporting the YM/WREA in the year ahead.”

While growing up in Texas, Kamara met real estate professionals while waiting tables at a local restaurant. Hearing about their work and passion for the industry, Kamara was inspired to move to New York City and pursue a career in commercial real estate. As The Durst Organization’s chairman Douglas Durst has said, New York City’s 400-year-old formula of success is that people come to New York to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Since joining the real estate industry, Kamara has established himself as a skilled negotiator and trusted advisor for owners and tenants. Working for brokerage firms, his clientele spanned sectors, including financial services, media, creative tenants, nonprofits, and corporate institutions. He has played a pivotal role in directing and implementing leasing strategies for some of New York City’s most prominent landlords.

An active member in industry associations and nonprofit causes, Kamara is passionate about giving back to the community and creating opportunities for underrepresented youth, most recently serving as the co-president of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club’s Junior Board.

Kamara studied Finance at the University of North Texas and is a graduate of Project REAP, an initiative fostering the advancement of historically underrepresented professionals in the commercial real estate industry.