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Spotlight Development President Sherry Larjani Speaks on Equity and Innovation at 2025 Private Markets Forum
- jasmine3871
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Toronto - April 9, 2025
Spotlight Development Inc. President and Founder Sherry Larjani joined leaders in finance, real estate, and policy this week at the 2025 Private Markets Forum (ICPMF25), hosted by Institutional Connect at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. Larjani Speaks on Equity and Innovation at 2025 Private Markets Forum
Sherry was invited to speak on the panel, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Private Markets: Are the strides we're making shrinking?”, where she shared the stage with:
Majlinda Kamberi, CAIA – Fiera Capital
Rob Rahbari – University of Rochester
Victoria Tellez Leal – FCLTGlobal
Together, the panel explored how DEI must move from policy statements into actionable practice—especially in real estate and private capital markets where progress can often be slow or symbolic.
“One of the problems with DEI is that we tend to offer women and minorities only small amounts of funding—$25,000 to $100,000—because that's all we’ve come to expect of them,” said Sherry Larjani during the discussion. “Then we pat ourselves on the back with taglines about empowerment, while the real funding gap remains.”
She also emphasized that equitable hiring must begin with structural change:
“Real equity begins by removing the names from the process. It should be about talent and potential—not identity—and it should happen naturally.”
Sherry’s perspective is rooted in her lived experience and in Spotlight’s track record of inclusive innovation. Projects like Reina Condos, Canada’s first all-female-designed and developed condominium, and The Inclusive Mississauga, a mixed-income rental community delivering 65 deeply affordable homes, are leading examples of what equitable, people-first development looks like in practice.
These developments demonstrate that equity and innovation are not at odds—but are, in fact, essential partners in building sustainable, community-rooted housing.
Spotlight Development extends its thanks to Institutional Connect for convening such an important dialogue and to the peers and investors committed to reshaping capital markets with intention and impact.
About Spotlight Development
Spotlight Development is a Toronto-based real estate development company dedicated to creating innovative, inclusive, and community-driven housing solutions. Specializing in traditional market condominiums and affordable housing projects, Spotlight combines visionary design with a commitment to sustainability and community impact.
With over 10.5 million ft² of development space, representing more than $4 billion in managed assets, Spotlight Development is reshaping communities through projects that prioritize social impact and sustainability. Guided by the motto Impact Real Estate Empowering People, Spotlight is setting a new standard in the industry.
Learn more at www.spotlightdevelopment.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Jasmine Ashfield