Professionals from Newmark Associates CRE recently visited the Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design to deliver an immersive, introduction to commercial real estate for high school students.
The session, led by Jeannette Melillo, Vice President, and Jack Maier, Senior Associate, included hands-on role-playing exercises, students participated in both simulated lease negotiations and property sales. Students took on the roles of brokers, landlords, tenants, attorneys, and other key professionals to gain practical understanding of commercial real estate transactions.
“Our goal is to bring the industry to life in a way that resonates,” said Melillo. “When students step into these roles, they begin to see not just a transaction, but the teamwork, strategy, and opportunities each role presents.”
The session also emphasized the wide network of professionals involved in a single transaction, including brokers, property owners, architects, engineers, attorneys, and financial institutions, highlighting the collaborative nature of the commercial real estate field.
The visit is part of Newmark Associates’ broader summer mentorship program, which serves Newark students in grades 9 through 12. The program is designed to provide exposure to commercial real estate through interactive learning, real-world applications, and direct access to industry professionals.
“Introducing students at the 9th-grade level is especially impactful,” added Maier. “It gives students time to explore interests, build confidence, and start thinking about career paths they may not have otherwise considered.”
Soraia Mendes, principal, of the Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design, said the session was an opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals, explore real-world pathways in real estate, and envision their future as leaders in the field.
“Experiences like these are essential as we continue to connect classroom learning to meaningful career opportunities,” Mendes said.
Photo Caption: (L-R) Newmark Senior Associate Jack Maier; NSAID Principal Soraia Mendes; and Newmark Vice President Jeannette Melillo. – Photo courtesey of Newmark & Associates.
About Newmark Associates
Newmark Associates, CRE, located in Cedar Knolls 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. With more than 35 years in the commercial real estate industry as one of the top brokerage companies in the state, Newmark specializes in lease and sales transactions of office, industrial, retail, land, healthcare, and mixed-use properties.
