A global perspective serving local institutions

Bronze Partner

A global perspective serving local institutions

by Loraine Clamens
Associate, Tenant Representation
Education, Healthcare and
Para-governmental Sectors
JLL Montreal

My journey took me from Paris to Seoul, from Berkeley to New York, before settling in Montreal in 2023. Across these international experiences, I observed one constant: educational, healthcare and para-governmental institutions everywhere face the same challenge. They must balance their social mission with the economic reality of their real estate decisions. At JLL, I’ve made this my specialization.

Mission as the common denominator

Whether a school is private or public, whether a clinic is independent or part of a hospital network, whether a para-governmental organization is provincial or federal, these institutions have one thing in common: their real estate must serve a mission that goes beyond simple profitability. Yet real estate is too often perceived solely as an expense to be minimized. My role? Transform this perspective by demonstrating how real estate decisions become strategic levers aligned with organizational objectives and community impact.

Three sectors, converging challenges

In the education sector, private schools and public school boards share similar concerns: geographic accessibility, spaces adapted to new pedagogies, financial sustainability. Here’s a concrete example: I recently supported a major Quebec public university in opening new continuing education offices in Montreal. By strategically negotiating a long-term lease in a Class A downtown building, we secured full landlord coverage for custom training room fit-outs. The result: the institution expanded effectively while staying within budget.

The healthcare sector mirrors these challenges: private clinics and public health establishments alike must balance patient proximity, regulatory compliance and financial viability. Para-governmental organizations bring their own complexities, with specific needs around institutional presence and portfolio optimization.

Long-term vision and meaningful impact

My background is purely business-focused, yet I discover daily that my greatest professional satisfaction comes from elsewhere: supporting mission-driven organizations.

For the women members of CREW M who, like me, are building their careers: I found my path by blending business skills with meaningful impact. It’s this sense of higher purpose, working toward something bigger than short-term goals, that gives my daily work its meaning.