What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? It’s always exciting to oversee a construction project from start to finish. Recently, I oversaw both a water main installation project and a sewer rehabilitation project. I was proud of how I was able to maintain good client relations throughout the multiple challenges that arose.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in commercial real estate? While I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of good people, my biggest challenge has been gaining the respect of contractors in the field or on the job site. On some occasions, I’ve had to fight to get my voice heard or my requests met. My biggest tool in facing these challenges has been remaining confident in my education and experience and knowing the construction specifications well. Support from both written specifications and my project managers has been imperative when facing and addressing these challenges.
What advice do you have for young women aspiring to enter commercial real estate? Find a good mentor who can guide you through the start of your career by providing support and answering questions. Trust yourself and your ability to make informed decisions; your confidence will build as you gain experience. Also, it’s far better to have too much documentation than not enough.