JBG SMITH

Today’s the day! 🎉 Celebrate with us as we expand our presence in the greater Washington, D.C., area with the opening of the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria! Event details & livestream information ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21wR19B

Meet Donna Barrett. In her role as a Property Administrator at 1919 M Street, Donna handles the commercial building’s day-to-day operations and assists tenants.   When asked about this year’s Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, Donna says, “To me, this theme acknowledges the struggles black people have endured but also celebrates the progress they have made.” During Black History Month, she enjoys helping her young daughter with projects that celebrate individuals who have had an impact on Black history. “I try to help her choose unsung heroes like Claudette Colvin, a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement.” If you’re not familiar with Claudette’s story, she was the first person to be arrested for challenging Montgomery’s bus segregation laws. She refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, nine months before Rosa Parks did, and Claudette was just 15 years old at the time. You can learn more about Claudette Colvin and how her actions led to the 1955-1956 boycott of Montgomery’s public transportation here.

Meet Ronald King. In his role as a Senior Service Manager for JBG SMITH, Ronald leads his team in providing excellent customer service by fostering a culture where team members can comfortably and effectively communicate, share knowledge, and help each other elevate to greater success. “Successful teamwork is imperative to ensure a great experience for our residents and fellow staff members.” Additionally, Ronald and his team are responsible for the upkeep of all building equipment and creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for residents.   To Ronald, this year’s Black History Month theme African Americans and Labor highlights the profound and often overlooked contributions of African Americans in shaping the economic and social fabric of the United States. “African Americans have been central to the nation’s labor force, from the enslaved individuals who laid the foundation for many industries, to the free workers who fought for equality and fair wages during the Civil Rights Movement, and beyond.”   When asked how he recognizes Black History Month, Ronald says he likes to look back on what his ancestors have sacrificed and endured to pave the way for what African Americans are able to do and accomplish today.

Meet Monet Ward, a Senior Community Manager at 8001 Woodmont, overseeing all aspects of the building’s operations for JBG SMITH.   In her role, Monet achieves occupancy goals, maintains strong financial performance, and fosters relationships with vendors, contractors, and retail partners. “Additionally, I strive for resident satisfaction and support my team’s professional development to prepare them for future growth opportunities.”   When asked about this year’s Black History Month theme African Americans and Labor, Monet says, “African Americans and Labor means Black excellence to me. I think of the richest man to ever live, Mansa Musa, and his contributions to education and mathematics. I think of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Loretta Lynch as the first Black woman to serve as Attorney General, and Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman appointed to the Supreme Court.”   Monet stresses that she celebrates African American people every day, not just in February. “I actively support Black-owned businesses through the art I buy, the fashion I wear, the great food I eat in the restaurants I go to, the books I read, and even the politicians I support. I also prioritize seeking care from professionals who represent my community. African Americans have long been the backbone, and in more recent years, the forefront of major companies, movements, and industries. Not a day goes by that I’m not inspired by my people’s contributions, and I make it a point to give them their flowers whenever I can.” 

Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. At JBG SMITH, we’re celebrating by shining a spotlight on some of our amazing Black employees who were nominated for this honor! Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history. Each week, we’ll honor employees who are an important part of our company’s history – and its future. #BlackHistoryMonth Meet Abideen Jallow. In his role as a Financial Analyst on the Investments team, Abideen works across JBG SMITH and LEO Impact Capital.  For JBG SMITH, he’s primarily focused on evaluating opportunities to acquire office assets that align with our investment strategy. With LEO Impact Capital, Abideen sources and evaluates multifamily properties, identifying investments that align with LEO’s mission of preserving affordable housing for middle-income residents. This year’s Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor resonates with Abideen because it highlights the incredible contributions of African Americans whose hard work and perseverance have shaped the foundation of our country. It’s also personal for him. “I discovered the commercial real estate industry during my freshman year in college thanks to the guidance and generosity of three local Black developers who took the time to mentor me. Over the past four years, they’ve met with me, shared advice, introduced me to others in the industry, and invited me to attend site tours.” These experiences played a pivotal role in Abideen’s career journey. “Their willingness to invest in me reflects a legacy of African Americans not only excelling in their own work but uplifting others along the way. Recognizing this theme reminds us of the invaluable impact of African Americans’ labor, not just historically but in shaping opportunities for future generations.” Abideen considers Black History Month a time to learn, reflect and engage more deeply with the history and contributions of Black communities. “I read books, watch documentaries, and attend events that highlight the resilience of Black leaders.” He also makes a point of supporting Black-owned businesses when dining, shopping, or amplifying their work. “For me, Black History month is about honoring the past while committing to making a difference year-round.”

As the real estate sector continues to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, one thing is clear: integrating climate risk assessments into investment decisions is no longer optional—it’s essential. In LEO Impact Capital President, Brian Allan Jackson's, recent article for Urban Land Institute, he explores how evaluating climate risks—such as flood, wildfire, and extreme weather events—can significantly impact multifamily real estate investments. By proactively assessing these risks, investors can: ·  Identify and mitigate potential financial losses ·  Future-proof properties against evolving climate challenges ·  Strengthen community resilience ·  Align investments with growing demand for sustainable, responsible real estate The process of assessing and managing climate risks not only safeguards investments but also supports a sustainable future for communities. As we move toward a more resilient real estate market, those who embrace climate risk assessments will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable world. Check out the full article to dive deeper into the strategies that can make your investments more sustainable and future-ready. 🌍 #ClimateRisk #SustainableRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #Resilience #MultifamilyInvestments #UrbanLandInstitute

JBG SMITH, in partnership with Energy Innovation Capital, A&MPLIFY by A&M, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Virginia Tech, will launch Virtus Innovation Center in National Landing. The center will create a platform that leverages our collective expertise to provide startup companies the physical resources, capital, and strategic support they need to develop innovative technologies.

JBG SMITH is honored to be named as a Nareit Leader in the Light Award recipient in 2024. Nareit’s annual Leader in the Light Awards (LITL) recognize REITs that demonstrate leadership in implementing sustainable and socially responsible investment and operating practices, good governance, and transparency. Congratulations to our team for excelling in sustainable practices this year and always.