October holds special meaning at Dweck Properties. It’s a month when our people come together—not just as colleagues, residents, or neighbors, but as a united force for a cause that touches so many lives: Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This year, we’re proud to share how Dweck rallied around this important cause through a series of initiatives designed to raise awareness, honor survivors, and support those currently facing breast cancer.

On Saturday, October 18th, Team Dweck laced up our sneakers and joined thousands of participants at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. The energy was electric—”PINK Fire,” as Ricardo Pritchett, Assistant Property Manager at Crystal Square, described it. The sea of pink was inspiring, and the sense of community was palpable.

Our walking team came together to help fund cancer research, patient support, and advocacy efforts to end breast cancer as we know it. There was no registration fee, no pressure to donate, just an invitation to bring your energy, wear your pink, and walk alongside others in solidarity. In the end, the walkers raised over $1,300 in donations supporting Team Dweck.

When asked why he decided to participate in the Making Strides walk, Ricardo shared a powerful story: “I was inspired [to participate] by a total stranger. I did a half-marathon a few years ago and was using a girl ahead of me as my pacer. She pushed me, and I enjoyed it. I went to say thank you after, and we had a discussion, only to learn she was battling cancer. I was so moved that every year after that, I have participated in many walks and runs.”

For Dweck Project Administrator Carolina Vaccari, it’s personal: “Although I have thankfully not experienced cancer, I know people close to me who have, and they are truly brave. I am inspired by their courage.”

Participating in the walk meant something different for everyone. For Crystal Plaza Property Manager Josephine Turkson-Harris, it’s about action: “To show support and to fight for those that are unable to.”

Carolina added, “I support friends, family, and neighbors who are sometimes alone in their battles, not only cancer but tough situations. Participating is something I CAN DO for them.”

Dweck Senior Director of Property Accounting, Sebat Abdulkader, encourages, “You are a HERO! You do not have to face this challenge alone. Lean on your support system when necessary.” 

This year’s walk held special significance for Mara Olguin, Dweck’s Chief Marketing Officer, who participated in the walk after her own breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year.  Mara’s reflection on her journey captures both the challenge and the beauty of resilience:

“Having a breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing—in all the scary ways you would think—but in all kinds of surprising ways as well. You become profoundly thankful for all the love and generosity that surrounds you. You become deeply inspired by the courage and grit of survivors—women that you never knew were on a cancer journey. And then there’s this mindset shift—conversations become more authentic, connections become more precious—and you become intently aware of the power of grace and joy.”

Standing in the sea of pink, Mara’s overwhelming feeling was gratitude: “The support I received from my Dweck family has been simply extraordinary. And today, I was so honored to walk with all these spectacular Dwecksters to help find a cure. My heart is so full.”

Her words speak to the heart of what makes Dweck different: “Our ‘take care’ value is a promise to meet every employee wherever they are and whatever they are going through. Kindnesses large and small make all the difference in the world.” 

Mara also reminded us of a critical truth: “Today’s walk was a powerful reminder that early diagnosis of breast cancer is critical, but opportunities for care are not equal. Strengthening access to preventive screenings for all women in our community saves lives. There is nothing more important.”

Her courage inspired several team members to participate. As Josephine shared: “To be honest, I was on the fence about participating. However, after speaking with Mara, I wanted to show my support. The walk was just one piece of Dweck Property’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiatives. Throughout October, our commitment to breast cancer awareness extended across all our communities.

Our on-site teams created thoughtful tabletop displays featuring pink ribbons, educational materials, and resources about early detection. These displays served as daily reminders in our communities about the importance of screening, support, and solidarity.

On October 8th, our entire team —from headquarters to every community—wore pink in a powerful show of support. For every employee who participated and shared their photos on social media, Dweck donated $10 to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The response was overwhelming, with teams across our portfolio raising over $1,200 to support the cause. 

Every year, Dweck Properties also donates $10 to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for every move-in during October, turning what’s already an exciting milestone for our new residents into an opportunity to support breast cancer research and patient care. Our leasing teams embraced this initiative wholeheartedly, sharing this meaningful detail with prospects and welcoming new residents with the knowledge that their new home was part of something bigger.

Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States. Chances are, each of us knows someone—a mother, sister, friend, colleague, or neighbor—who has been touched by this disease. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer supports lifesaving research and provides essential programs and services that advance health equity and support patients, survivors, thrivers, and caregivers through every step of the journey.

While October may be coming to a close, the fight against breast cancer continues year-round. If you’d like to support this important cause, you can still make a donation to our team’s fundraising page: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – Team Dweck.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fund research that saves lives and provides support services that make a real difference for those facing breast cancer today.

And as Ricardo put it, “Don’t consider it, just do it. There is nothing to lose but only to be gained.” 

Thank you to every Dweck team member who wore pink, walked with us, welcomed new residents, and kept awareness alive in our communities throughout October. Your participation reminds us that when we come together, we’re building hope, fostering community, and making strides toward a future without breast cancer.