2024 Etkin Scholars
For a third year, ULI Atlanta will administer the Etkin Scholar’s program for 2023 – 2024. In 2022, ULI Atlanta was one of five district councils to pilot the ULI Etkin Scholar Program designed to introduce college and university students with a real estate interest and degree focus to the resources available through ULI membership while integrating those students into the ULI path of learning. The program has expanded this year to eight cities.
Read the full article in the November 21st edition of the Saporta Report introducing the cohort.
The 2024 Etkin Scholars
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My name is Tariq Sule and I was born in New Jersey. From an early age, I was exposed to real estate through my father’s work as a contractor. This planted the seed for my passion, which was ignited at 16 when I became determined to major in real estate and forge a career in the industry. As an extrovert, I thrive working with people.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been securing two impressive real estate internships in my sophomore year, with Wells Fargo and Tishman Speyer. In my free time, you can find me playing basketball or watching UFC/boxing matches. I’d sing “Memories” by David Guetta at karaoke night!
I can’t live without my phone – it keeps me connected and entertained. If I could only eat one meal forever, it would be a 22 oz ribeye steak, medium well. I’d invite Bill Gates, MLK, LeBron James and Michael Jackson to dine with me for fascinating conversation.
If money were no object, I’d travel the world experiencing different cultures firsthand. For now, I look forward to gaining more real estate experience through an internship in development or property management this spring or fall. With my early exposure and drive, I’m excited to continue pursuing this passion and building my career.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Real Estate
Interested in an internship in Development or Property Management
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Rihan Ballari was born in the picturesque foothills of Colorado Springs. From a young age, he was fascinated by the world of real estate and finance. His first job in property management opened his eyes to the day-to-day workings of the industry. Intrigued, Rihan decided to pursue real estate as a full-time career.
An extrovert at heart, Rihan thrives on interacting with people. He is proud of his ability to understand his life’s purpose and set goals that align with his definition of success. When he needs a break from his ambitious schedule, you can find Rihan playing GTA 5, Nascar games or Wolf of Wall Street.
Music is integral to Rihan’s life. His hobbies include mentoring aspiring musicians as well as listening to classic hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. He is rarely spotted without his trusty audio technician headphones. Cooking, reading, and volunteering also occupy Rihan’s free time.
If stranded on a deserted island with only one meal for sustenance, Rihan would choose ramen. He would invite an eclectic mix of dinner guests – King Solomon, JFK, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk – for lively debates over the single bowl of noodles.
Someday when money is no longer a consideration, Rihan dreams of visiting Mars to see the Red Planet up close. For now, he is focused on gaining valuable experience as an intern in fields like development, capital markets, and law. Rihan’s story is just beginning…
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Real Estate
Interested in an internship in Development, Capital Markets, and Legal
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Born in Athens, Georgia, Zykereyes Bennett‘s interest in development began in high school when he started investing in real estate. His proudest accomplishment thus far is obtaining his real estate license.
For fun, Zykereyes enjoys playing football and singing along to Lil Baby songs at karaoke night. Reading and traveling are two of his main hobbies. The one thing he can’t live without, besides the basics, is talking to his mom.
If Zykereyes could only eat one meal for the rest of his life, he would choose pizza. The four people he would want to join him are legendary Atlanta developers HJ Russell and Don Peeples, civil rights icon UN Ambassador Andrew Young, and pastor Robert Kiosiki.
With unlimited funds, Zykereyes dreams of visiting Africa someday. Driven by his interest in development which stems from wanting to make a positive impact, he is on a path to success in real estate. Though introverted, he gains energy from important connections like talking with his mom. Zykereyes aims to follow in the footsteps of esteemed Atlanta developers who came before him. Zykereyes is driven to create change in his community through real estate and finance.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administration
Interested in an internship in Development
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My name is Payton Broaddus and I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Through family friends and college extracurriculars, I developed a passion for commercial real estate. As an extrovert, I thrive working with others in a collaborative environment.
So far, my proudest accomplishment has been serving as President of the Commercial Real Estate Group at GSU. In my free time, you can find me playing football or picking “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey at karaoke night!
I also enjoy running, golfing, playing basketball and soccer, and reading good books. While I can live without most things, a Publix chicken tender sub would be the one meal I’d choose if I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life. I’d invite Jesus, Julius Caesar, Kobe Bryant and Elon Musk to dine with me and have fascinating conversations.
If money were no object, I’d travel to the Maldives to relax on the beach and take in the incredible natural beauty. For now, I look forward to using my leadership experience to launch a successful commercial real estate career after graduation. With my passion and network, the possibilities are endless.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Finance
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My name is Porter Brown and I’m currently looking for an internship in the field of development. I was born and raised in Atlanta, where my interest in real estate sparked my passion for development. As an extrovert, I love meeting new people and learning new things.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been buying my first car. I worked hard to save up for it and the freedom of having my own vehicle is priceless. In my free time, you can often find me playing football or singing T.I.’s “What You Know” at karaoke night. I also enjoy traveling and swimming whenever I can.
My faith is very important to me. Talking to God helps keep me grounded. If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would definitely be wings! I’d invite Malcolm X, Mansa Musa, Dr. Sebi and Kobe Bryant to share them with me. We’d have an amazing conversation.
I dream of one day visiting Fiji. If money were no object, I’d lounge on the beach and explore the beautiful islands. For now, I’ll keep working hard to gain experience through an internship. I’m optimistic about the future and where my career will take me.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Real Estate
Interested in an internship in Development
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My name is Leah Cabrera. I was born in Providence, Rhode Island where my interest in architecture and design first took root. I attended high school focused on architecture, but after graduating I discovered a passion for urban planning during a post-undergrad summer internship. This led me to become a teacher, which I loved, while also pursuing a master’s degree in planning at Georgia Tech. I decided to add an MBA as well, enjoying the combination of business and planning coursework.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been interning with the Community and Economic Development Team at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. In my free time, I like playing and watching basketball. I’ve also recently begun learning golf, though I still have a lot of room for improvement. My go-to karaoke songs tend to be throwback R&B by artists like Keshia Cole, Mary J. Blige and Chris Brown. Other hobbies I enjoy include drawing, DJing, and strength training.
e one thing I really cannot live without, outside of basic necessities, is my noise-canceling headphones. The four people I would invite to share that meal would be pioneering sci-fi writer Octavia Butler, influential sociologist and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, rapper and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle, and investor Ray Dalio.
If money were no concern, my dream would be to take a tour of Africa and trace my ancestral roots. At the end of the day, I consider myself an extrovert who finds energy in people and new experiences.
School: Georgia Tech
Program of Study: (MBA) Strategy and Innovation; Business Analytics; (MCRP) Land-Use, Economic Development; (BA) Mathematics, American Studies
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My name is Phebe Caleb and I was born in the sunny city of Los Angeles, CA. I’ve always loved the entrepreneurial spirit of real estate – you get back what you put in. As an introvert, I enjoy the independence and accountability of an industrial brokerage career.
My proudest moment so far was landing my first internship through sheer persistence and cold calls, without any experience or connections! In my free time, you can find me playing badminton or tennis, my new athletic passions after years as a ballet dancer. I also love watching basketball.
My karaoke song is “Tequila” by The Champs – it’s sure to get the crowd going! When I’m not active, I enjoy Pilates classes and time with my best friends, ideally with a hot coffee or tea in hand. Those close relationships are vital to me.
If I could only eat one meal forever, it would be chicken biryani. I’d invite Rosa Parks, Princess Diana, the Obamas, and Ariana Grande to share it with me and have inspiring conversations about civil rights, empathy, leadership, and following your dreams.
If money were no object, I’d travel to Dubai. I’m fascinated by the futuristic architecture, vibrant culture, and luxury experiences. For now, I look forward to gaining hands-on real estate experience through an internship in industrial brokerage. I’m optimistic that my drive and independence will lead to a successful career doing what I love.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Real Estate
Interested in an Industrial Brokerage internship
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My name is Tahirah Campbell. My father had property management connections when I was a teenager, so I helped with admin work during the summers. This early exposure sparked my interest in real estate. As an adult seeking stable daytime work, I remembered those experiences and became a leasing agent. Over time, my responsibilities and passion for the industry grew. As an extrovert, I thrive working with people in this field.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been earning my Associate degree as a non-traditional student. It represented my commitment to becoming an expert in real estate and set an example for my siblings and children about the importance of education.
In my free time, I enjoy watching sports with my family, especially football. It’s great bonding time. My karaoke song is “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston. I also love DIY projects, crafting, board games, and reading.
Material things aren’t vital to me. I could let it all go if needed. But if I had to eat one meal forever, I’d choose chicken breast, baked potato, veggies, and toast. With different seasonings, it’s endlessly versatile! I’d invite Ursula Burns, Dick Gregory, Will Smith, and Warren Buffet to dine with me. We’d have enlightening conversations about business, comedy, acting, and investing.
If money were no object, I’d travel the entire world. I dream of experiencing new cultures, foods, sites, and people. For now, I look forward to growing professionally from an internship in real estate, business, or consulting. I’m optimistic that my degree has prepared me for an enriching career.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Real Estate
Interested in an internship in Real Estate (open to all sectors) | Business (operations, sales, community relations, corporate social responsibility) | Business or Real Estate Consulting
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My name is Joyce Chung and I was born in Atlanta. I was first introduced to commercial real estate by an amazing mentor who opened my eyes to the importance of understanding numbers. This led me to pursue a Finance degree to support my career goals. As an introvert, I tend to be quiet and keep to myself.
My proudest moment recently was pushing myself out of my comfort zone to attend more events and get involved, even though it’s difficult. I’m proud of making the effort to grow. In my spare time, you can find me watching soccer, the only sport I understand! I’d sing “A Whole New World” at karaoke night.
I also enjoy exploring the outdoors, playing board games and trying new cuisines. I can’t live without my chunky sweater – it keeps me comfortable in any temperature. If I could only eat one meal forever, it would be japchae, a Korean noodle dish. I’d invite Sam Zell, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr. and Pablo Picasso to dine with me for fascinating conversation.
If money were no object, I’d travel the whole world, but Vietnam in particular to experience the culture I grew up with working in a Vietnamese restaurant. For now, I look forward to gaining real-world experience through an internship in asset management, brokerage or acquisitions. With my finance knowledge and pushing beyond my comfort zone, I’m excited to grow in commercial real estate.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Finance
Interested in an Asset Management, Brokerage, and Acquisition Internship
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My name is Maria Hernandez. I was born and raised in the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia. From a young age, I was fascinated by the concrete impact that financial decisions had on everyday people. This motivated me to learn more about finance, especially within real estate, as I wanted to contribute to a more just system. As an introvert, I tend to be quiet and introspective.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been becoming the first in my family to attend college. It was a dream of mine and took perseverance and hard work. In my free time, I enjoy watching gymnastics and figure skating on TV, and I’m starting to get into baseball! My favorite karaoke song is “Quedate Conmigo esta Noche” by Juan Gabriel. I also love learning new languages, baking Mexican pastries, and writing short stories.
I can’t live without coffee! It fuels me through long days of studying. If I could only eat one meal forever, it would be my mom’s enchiladas verdes de pollo. I’d invite Tchaikovsky, Truman Capote, Maya Angelou and the MARTA station architects to join me. We’d have captivating conversations about music, literature, civil rights and architectural design over my favorite homemade dish.
If money were no object, I’d travel to the glittering coastal city of Nice, France. I dream of strolling the Promenade des Anglais, visiting local markets and restaurants, and admiring the seaside views. For now, I look forward to seeing where my college journey leads as I work towards a career in real estate finance. I feel very optimistic about my future.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Finance, Real Estate
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My name is Charlie Hulett and I was born and raised in the bustling city of Atlanta, GA. I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer, but it wasn’t until college and law school that I discovered my passion for urban planning law. As an introvert, I tend to be on the quiet side, but I love seeing the built environment change around my hometown.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been cultivating a diverse community of lovely people from all walks of life. They bring me so much joy and perspective. In my free time, you can find me playing cards or board games, attending art events around the city, or recently, learning to crochet. I also love cooking, baking, and going to sports games just for the lively atmosphere.
Singing karaoke terrifies me, but if I got up the nerve, I’d probably try to sing “Islands in the Stream”. My spontaneous trips to Little Tart bakery are a small indulgence I couldn’t live without. If I could only eat one meal forever, it would be pho and spring rolls from my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Dai Loi #2. I’d invite Ina Garten, Kurt Vonnegut, Roxane Gay, and Agnes Martin to join me for amazing food and conversation.
If money were no object, I’d travel to London and the countryside of the UK. I dream of exploring the museums, admiring the ancient architecture, and soaking in the rich history. For now, I look forward to contributing to Atlanta’s future as an urban planning lawyer. My diverse community and spontaneous adventures keep life exciting.
School: Georgia Tech
Program of Study: City & Regional Planning; Candidate for Juris Doctor; (BBA) Economics & International Business
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My name is Justin McKinnie and I was born in Decatur, GA. I first became interested in commercial real estate after coming across a young minority developer named Brandon Rule working on development projects. I had no idea real estate development was even a career path until then! As an introvert, I tend to be more reserved, but was immediately drawn to the industry.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been graduating from college and beginning my masters degree program. It took dedication, but I’m motivated to keep growing academically.
In my spare time, I enjoy watching college and NFL football, playing golf, reading, and working out. If I had to karaoke, I’d sing “Love” by Keyshia Cole. I can’t live without my laptop – it keeps me connected and productive.
If I could only eat one meal forever, it would be lasagna from Olive Garden. I’d invite my mom, dad, and grandparents to share in the carb-filled feast. We’d laugh about old memories over endless free salad and breadsticks.
If money were no object, I’d travel to Africa to experience the culture and natural beauty firsthand. For now, I look forward to continuing my education and finding my place in commercial real estate in the future. My goal is to follow in Brandon Rule’s footsteps as a successful minority developer.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Commercial Real Estate
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My name is Dream Nelson and I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I’ve always loved the uniqueness of each home from moving around frequently as a kid. This drew me to real estate, specifically the commercial side with its diversity of assets, business models and roles. As an introvert, I tend to be on the quieter side.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been earning my real estate license. It took diligence but I made it happen. In my free time, you can find me dancing, crocheting, watching Bravo and reading. I’d sing any Taylor Swift at karaoke night!
I can’t live without music in my life. If I could only eat one meal forever, it would be pot roast and mashed potatoes. I’d invite my grandmother, great-grandfather, Lana Del Rey and Andy Cohen to join me for dinner and reminisce over heartwarming conversation.
If money were no object, I’d visit a tropical beach with warm, crystal-clear water and huge waves. I dream of lounging under the palms, exploring the coastline and swimming for hours. For now, I look forward to gaining experience in commercial real estate through an internship in acquisition, asset management or underwriting. With my license and determination, I’m excited to dive deeper into this diverse industry.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Real Estate, Finance
Interested in an internship in Commercial Real Estate- Acquisition Analyst, Asset Management Analyst, or Underwriting
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Claire Patrick’s journey toward urban planning and community development began in her hometown of Lexington, North Carolina. Studying the effects of poorly planned cities in college sparked her interest in the field. Claire set her sights on being part of the solution by helping to create more equitable, sustainable, and just urban spaces.
Though introverted by nature, Claire was proud to be selected as an inaugural fellow for the SDG Futures Fellowship of the Greater Atlanta RCE. This experience only deepened her passion for positive change through urban planning.
In her free time, Claire enjoys exploring nature through hiking, exercising her creative side by trying new recipes, and feeding her artistic spirit at art museums. She can’t start her day without a cup of coffee with oat milk. If Claire could eat only one meal for the rest of her life, it would be sarma. She would invite literary legend Kurt Vonnegut, comedic icon Lucille Ball, activist Angela Davis, and climate crusader Greta Thunberg to share this eternal feast.
With unlimited funds, Claire dreams of experiencing the natural wonders of New Zealand. At her core, Claire’s passion for urban planning stems from a heartfelt desire to help create thriving, equitable communities where all people can flourish. She is driven to be part of positive change.
Claire is seeking an urban planning and community development internship.
School: Georgia Tech
Program of Study: City and Regional Planning; Geography
Interested in an internship in anything within the realm of Urban/Community Planning and Development
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My name is Ade Sanusi. I am currently looking for an internship in the field of investment management. I was born in the lively city of Lagos, Nigeria. Through a business elective course, I became deeply interested in the world of investing and finance. As an introvert, I tend to be on the quieter side and thrive in smaller groups.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been tutoring special education students. Being able to help them grow and learn was an incredibly rewarding experience. In my free time, you can often find me playing soccer or golf, reading a good book, or singing along to The Beatles’ “Blackbird” during karaoke night. Meditation is also an important daily ritual for me to clear my mind.
If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would without a doubt be jollof rice, a popular Nigerian dish. I’d invite my father Adetayo Sanusi Sr., the philosopher emperor Marcus Aurelius, and the wealthy king Mansa Musa to share it with me. We would have thought-provoking conversations about history, leadership, and life.
While I am content with my life in Atlanta, I dream of one day visiting my ancestral homeland of Nigeria. If money were no object, I would immerse myself in the culture, meet extended family, and explore the natural landscapes that my parents always tell stories about. For now, I look forward to seeing where an internship in investment management may lead me.
School: Georgia State University
Program of Study: Finance & Accounting
Interested in an internship in Investment Management
The Etkin Scholars Leadership
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Quinn Green is Chair of the ULI Atlanta Etkin Scholars Cohort
Quinn is an Associate Broker and REALTOR ®/Real Estate Advisor with Century 21 Connect Realty in Roswell, GA. He is a graduate of Georgia State University (GSU) where he earned a BBA in Management and Marketing, with a concentration in Real Estate Development. During his tenure at GSU he worked on a tax credit senior housing projects through a cooperative learning program with H.J. Russell & Company. He received a scholarship following his completion of this program that was used to obtain his Georgia real estate agent license (2003).
Quinn has since worked with multiple privately owned residential real estate brokerages, including a Coldwell Banker franchise in Decatur/Stone Mountain and Southern REO in Roswell, GA. In addition to working in transaction sales with the Resale Division of Southern REO, he also worked with a sister company called House Connect (which was consolidated into a Century 21 Connect Realty franchise in 2015). His specialty is working with owner occupants and investors to acquire new construction, resale, and distressed asset properties (single and multi-family).
Quinn holds a Georgia real estate Brokers license and is a graduate of REAP (Real Estate Associates Program) Atlanta, University of Southern California (USC) Lusk Center for Real Estate Ross Minority Program in Real Estate Development, Kennesaw State University (KSU) Coles College of Business Executive MBA program, Leadership DeKalb, Leadership Buckhead, Economic Development Fellow Program for DeKalb County, Small-Scale Property Redevelopment Community Builders Program (Invest Atlanta), Atlanta Regional Commission – Regional Leadership Institute (RLI), and Center for Leadership (CFL) for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) – Atlanta. He has also served as President of the DeKalb Association of REALTORS (2017) and actively serves on a number of CRE industry specific Boards.
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Keith Mack is a Co-Chair of the ULI Atlanta DEI Council.
Keith Mack is a Vice President in CIM’s Development Group. In this role, Keith plays a key role in the development execution of Centennial Yards. Keith has been an integral part of the development and construction of significant projects in Georgia and Florida since 1994. He has served on the development teams for more than 600 million dollars of hospitality, office, multifamily, mixed use and transit-oriented development projects. As the Director of Development Services at Regent Partners, he successfully executed the 3344 Peachtree/Sovereign mixed-use project in Atlanta, the 315 key Hyatt Place/Hyatt House hotel project in Charleston, South Carolina, more than 1.1 million square feet of tenant improvements, and most recently, the 193 key Thompson Savannah, and the 201 key Thompson Buckhead. Keith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Virginia, a Master of Science in Building Construction from the University of Florida, a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University, and is a licensed real estate salesperson in the State of Georgia. In 2009, Keith founded the Circle of Trust, a commercial real estate networking organization that boasts more than 5,000 members in Atlanta and Chicago. He is also a member of Urban Land Institute and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
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Amanda Rhein is a Co-Chair of the ULI Atlanta DEI Council.
Amanda Rhein is Executive Director of the Atlanta Land Trust, a non-profit committed to creating and preserving housing in Atlanta that will remain affordable in perpetuity.
Prior to joining the Atlanta Land Trust Ms. Rhein led the transit oriented development (TOD) initiative at MARTA, the nation’s ninth-largest public transit system, resulting in the redevelopment of over 35 acres of underutilized surface parking at eight heavy rail stations. Ms. Rhein spent almost 10 years at Invest Atlanta, Atlanta’s Development Authority and the economic development agency for the City of Atlanta. While at Invest Atlanta, Ms. Rhein managed the City’s primary economic development tools which catalyzed over 30 projects, resulting in the investment of $3.5 billion in Atlanta’s most underserved communities.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ms. Rhein graduated from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2002. She earned a Master of City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2004.
Ms. Rhein is active in the Urban Land Institute where she serves as Co-Chair of the DEI Council. She previously served as Chair of the Livable Communities Council from 2018 – 2020. She is a current member of the Atlanta District Council Advisory Board. During her tenure as the inaugural co-chair of the ULI Atlanta Center for Leadership, she designed and implemented an innovative leadership program for real estate professionals, which now serves as a national model.
