CREW Miami’s “Lunch & Learn” Brings Female Leaders Together to Address Affordable Housing in Miami

At a time when Miami faces one of the most significant affordable housing shortages in the nation, Commercial Real Estate Women Miami (CREW Miami) recently hosted Shaping Miami’s Future: Expert Solutions for Affordable Housing at the Mayfair House Hotel and Garden in Coconut Grove.

Moderated by Josie Legido Correa, 2025 CREW Miami President and Director of Business Development at JWR Construction Services, the panel gathered leading voices from real estate, finance, and community development for a timely discussion about how collaboration can help close Miami-Dade County’s housing gap.

“As a builder, we often face misconceptions about affordable housing,” said Correa. “These projects are well-designed, well-built, and an essential part of Miami’s future. It’s important that we continue to change the narrative around what affordable housing means for our community.”

The conversation featured Sydne Garchik, Principal at MRK Partners; Heather Olson, Managing Director at Berkadia; Winell Belfonte, Partner at CohnReznick; and Annie Lord, Executive Director of Miami Homes For All. Together, the all-female panel explored how public investment, creative financing, and community engagement are vital to creating sustainable and inclusive growth across the region.

Annie Lord emphasized the critical role of public funding in addressing Miami-Dade’s shortage of affordable units, noting that large-scale investment is the only way to make a lasting impact. Heather Olson discussed how Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs and employer-assisted housing—such as The Breakers workforce housing project in Palm Beach—can bridge affordability gaps. Sydne Garchik highlighted the importance of transparency and resident education in gaining public support, while Winell Belfonte pointed to emerging financial tools like impact investing and green bonds that can expand access to capital.

Throughout the session, panelists agreed that addressing the region’s housing challenges requires shared responsibility among developers, investors, policymakers, and community advocates.

“This panel brought together some of the most knowledgeable women in commercial real estate and community development,” Correa added. “Their collective expertise demonstrates that affordable housing isn’t just about construction—it’s about collaboration, education, and equity. That’s what CREW Miami stands for.”