CEDAR KNOLLS, NJ — Newmark Associates proudly announces the completion of its 3rd annual summer mentorship program for high school students in Newark Public Schools. Designed to open doors for young talent, the initiative offers hands-on exposure to the dynamic world of commercial real estate beyond the classroom.

The program is spearheaded by Newmark Associates CRE President & CEO Susanne Newmark, Vice Presidents Jeannette Melillo and Ebony Parham, and Sales Associate Jack Maier, in partnership with Ernest Pope, English Teacher at University High School.  They also acknowledge Newark Public School Superintendent Roger León and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maria Ortiz for championing initiatives that create meaningful pathways for Newark students. These collaborative efforts aim to educate, inspire, and empower students through direct mentorship from seasoned professionals, site visits, and practical deal-making mechanics.

Throughout the program the Newmark Associates team hosted weekly sessions framed around this year’s overarching theme “Believe, Behave, Become”. The core message challenged students to believe in their potential, behave with professional discipline, and ultimately become leaders and visionaries in their communities.

The four-week program started in Newark, where students toured 915 Broad Street and had lunch at Cornbread with developer Adenah Bayoh, a Newark Public Schools graduate, who shared the importance of hard work, commitment, appreciation for those who paved the way before us, and gratitude for mentors who continue to provide guidance. The students visited the Newmark Associates CRE office for hands-on deal simulation where they role-played as buyers, sellers, brokers, attorneys, lenders, zoning officials, and tradespeople to learn how a commercial transaction actually comes together. The students also visited NJIT’s Hillier College of Architecture and Design to learn about architecture, environmental impact, and CRE-adjacent college pathways.  The final session welcomed guest speaker Spencer Pascal, an industrial commercial real estate leader, who shared his entrepreneurial journey, underscoring how drive, discipline, and mentorship build lasting success.

“Our mission is to contribute to the communities around us,” said Susanne Newmark. “This program reflects our belief that real transformation happens when we provide young people with access, education, and mentorship. We were excited to welcome Newark’s future leaders into our offices and help shape their paths forward”.

Newmark Associates, CRE, located in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, is certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and is an affiliate of CRESDA (Commercial Real Estate Supplier Diversity Alliance), servicing the supplier diversity requirements of Fortune 100 companies across the country. Celebrating more than 35 years in the commercial real estate industry as one of the top brokerage companies in the state, Newmark Associates has been recognized repeatedly with awards by both NJBIZ magazine, and the CoStar Commercial Real Estate organization.  Newmark specializes in lease and sales transactions of office, industrial, retail, land, healthcare, and mixed-use properties.