Former Vice President of Education and Certification at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) will oversee programming and services for residential and commercial brokerage members

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) has appointed Sandhya Espitia as Deputy Senior Vice President for Brokerage, Education, and the Residential Listing Service (RLS).

In this role, Espitia will oversee REBNY’s wide array of programming and services for commercial and residential brokerage members alongside Joseph Barbaccia, Senior Vice President of Brokerage Services and Education.

Espitia comes to REBNY with more than 15 years of experience in executive leadership roles at many notable organizations. In her most recent role as Vice President of Education and Certification for the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), she was responsible for managing a $3 million vertical focusing on the strategy and operation of industry knowledge programs for more than 70,000 ICSC members across 100 countries.

Prior to her role in education at ICSC, Espitia served as the commercial real estate association’s Managing Director of Latin America and the Caribbean from 2013 to 2015. During that time, she expanded membership by 20 percent, while managing operations and staff in New York City and Mexico City. With fluency in Spanish, Espitia served as the organization’s regional spokesperson, positioning the association in 15 countries through education, research, marketing, and advocacy efforts.

“Sandhya brings a deep level of experience and expertise in developing and leading successful national education and membership advocacy programs to help professionals learn, lead, and thrive,” said REBNY President John Banks. “Paired with her executive leadership and strong real estate industry background, she will be a vital asset for REBNY. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team.”

Before joining ICSC, Espitia held two roles at Harvard University leading professional education programs throughout the Americas. Her portfolio included learning and development initiatives for corporations, faculty exchange programs, and executive education for C-Suite leaders in 20 different industries. She oversaw the Fulbright program in seven countries (sponsored by United States Department of State), and designed multi-year plans for governments to develop knowledge economies and more progressive education systems. During her time at Harvard, she secured strategic partnerships, doubled the portfolio of programs, expanded overall enrollment by 300 percent, and managed a team of 30 coaches and instructors for Harvard’s WIDEWorld initiative.

Espitia’s previous roles include: Program Director in economic development at Accion International; Leasing and Marketing Specialist at the Legaspi Company (commercial real estate), Inclusiveness and Intercultural Adviser at Texas Christian University; and Marketing and Communications Specialist for Sister Cities International.

Espitia holds a B.S. in Media and Communication Studies from Texas Christian University, an M.A. in International Education from the SIT Graduate Institute, and a Post-Graduate Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership and Management from Harvard University.

Among her interests tracking trends and innovation in real estate, retail, and the restaurant industry, Espitia is also a half-marathoner, a volunteer coach for women entrepreneurs, and an avid traveler.

ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK

The Real Estate Board of New York is the City’s leading real estate trade association with more than 17,000 members. Founded in 1896, REBNY represents commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, and salespeople; banks, financial service companies, utilities, attorneys, architects, and contractors; and other associations, organizations, institutions, corporations, co-partnerships, and individuals professionally interested and engaged in business allied to New York City real estate. REBNY is involved in crucial municipal matters including tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental conditions, land use policy, building codes, and other city, state, and federal legislation. REBNY publishes real estate market research and policy reports as well as broker surveys. In addition, REBNY provides for its members: informational, technical, and technological resources; networking and charitable service opportunities; qualifying and continuing education courses; professional education programs, seminars, and designations; career-changing awards; legal advice; and a wide range of additional member benefits. Please visit us online at www.REBNY.com.

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