Partner Highlight: Brayam Sanchez
Brayam Sanchez works in the commercial real estate field as a business development specialist for Cushman & Wakefield. He graduated from Portland State University in the School of Business with a major in Management and Leadership and a certificate in Real Estate Property Management. Born in 2000, he is currently our youngest Partner!
Q: How did you hear about SVP?
When I was finishing up college, an SVP Partner asked me if I was part of any groups where I can work with other people in my field. He proceeded to tell me about the benefits of joining SVP Portland because it is a place where professionals come together in order to assist nonprofits by using their various skill sets. Once I learned about SVP, I started hearing about it at different events and seeing emails pop up with the SVP logo, and I was even more intrigued. I attended an Emerging Professionals of Portland (EPOP) event when Lauren Johnson and Katherine Fox presented, so I learned more about SVP then. This started a conversation that led to me becoming a Partner!
Q: What was compelling to you about SVP?
SVP is not a group that simply raises money, grants it, and moves on. Rather, SVP is deeply focused on the organizations with whom it partners and truly cares about their successes. It is also great to see that there is so much passion from the Partners to make a difference – they use their expertise to amplify impact, going so far beyond solely monetary contributions. The principle of “feeding a man for a day or teaching them how to fish so they can feed themselves forever” comes to mind when I think about the SVP model, which really appeals to me.
Q: What expertise do you bring and what do you hope to learn from your Partnership?
Working in the real estate industry, I am able to keep up with what is going on and what I need to know about the market. Having graduated with a business degree and starting a business while in school really taught me fundamentals and the huge benefit an online presence can have. Being a Partner allows me to share what I know with nonprofits who need support in the business and real estate arenas. As a Partner, I look forward to meeting a lot of great people that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet otherwise. As the young guy, it is tough being around people that have more experience, but as I Partner I am a peer and we are all working toward similar goals together.
Q: What have you enjoyed about our Partnership so far?
I have learned that SVP has many things going on all at the same time because we support so many nonprofits and initiatives, and Partners really get excited to collaborate with the nonprofits to help them grow. I enjoy the fact that Partners are able to contribute in the areas where they have the most expertise and passion, making each engagement personally rewarding. I am motivated by knowing that I can make an impact for the better. I'm often told I have time on my side and use it to my advantage, so I see that as an opportunity to work my hardest in hopes to impact a larger number of people. One thing that can make my day better is seeing those around me smile or happy, and I hope I can do that as an SVP Partner!