Our tribute to the unsung heroes of NEWiRE

Heroes are people who are admired for their courage or noble qualities. We have a lot of everyday heroes at NEWiRE who generally don't go out of their way to call attention to themselves. However, we believe it is important to recognize their individual accomplishments and, at the same time, what those efforts mean collectively to all women in the commercial real estate industry. That being said, I am pleased to announce that we will be honoring some truly outstanding individuals at the 15th Annual NEWiRE Achievement Awards Dinner coming up on April 24th, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. We anticipate that over 300 people from the Greater Boston real estate community will be present as we celebrate the professional achievements and public service contributions of some of NEWiRE's most accomplished members. This year, the following NEWiRE members will be recognized for their achievements: Katharine Bachman, WilmerHale LLP - The Leadership Award recognizes a NEWiRE member who has inspired, motivated and supported NEWiRE year after year and contributed time, energy and talents - not just to NEWiRE - but also to the Greater Boston real estate community by taking on leadership roles. Caroline Woodward, Sherin and Lodgen LLP - The Professional Service Award recognizes a NEWiRE member who is a significant contributor or is an emerging leader in the member's company and/or field of expertise whether through consistent years of superior service and/or through specific notable accomplishments and success. Patricia Cooper, Harvard University - The Suzanne King Public Service Award recognizes a NEWiRE member who either as a career or through volunteer activities has devoted their time and talent and is committed to strengthening the community through effective action and leadership for non-profit and public sector causes. Christine Mosholder, Fort Point Project Management - The Entrepreneur Award recognizes a NEWiRE member who chose to strike out on his or her own, or with a few others, to start a new business. This award is for that individual who has taken the risk to take the next step in their career. Lynn Scarbo, Colliers International -The Esprit de Coeur Award recognizes a NEWiRE member who best embodies the spirit and principles of NEWiRE. This award is for that member who continually puts her heart and soul into NEWiRE and demonstrates a strong commitment to furthering its goals and purposes. A team comprised of Eileen Brophy (Boston Redevelopment Authority), Andrea Daskalakis (Mass. Housing Investment Corp.), Elizabeth Gruber (Bank of America Merrill Lynch), Kathryn Hanifan (Bank of America Merrill Lynch), Lara Merida-Fernandes (Boston Redevelopment Authority), Kathryn Cochrane Murphy (Krokidas & Bluestein LLP), Cindy Schlessinger (Epsilon Associates, Inc.), Miriam Sheehan (Nolan Sheehan Patten LLP), and Mary Thompson (Bank of America Merrill Lynch) will receive the Networking Award for their collaboration on the Dudley Municipal Center, formerly the Ferdinand's site in Dudley Sq., which will consist of a 200,000 s/f, six floor mixed-use building scheduled to be completed in spring 2015. The Networking Award recognizes a commercial real estate networking experience that most clearly represents the goals and purposes of NEWiRE. As a past recipient of the Esprit de Coeur Award, this event has particular significance for me. That is because I remember how completely taken by surprise I was to learn that my peers wanted to recognize me for efforts, which, to me, just came second nature. I didn't feel that I was really doing anything out of the ordinary. However, that is how we all seem to feel most of the time and why it is so important to draw attention to the actions and efforts of the unsung heroes who don't even realize that they inspire us every day. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails followed by dinner and the awards. You can support the event by attending as an individual, purchasing a table for ten (10) or sponsoring the event. I think you will find it to be an uplifting, motivating night for recipients and attendees alike. Holly Nelson is the 2012-2013 president of New England Women in Real Estate (NEWiRE), Boston, Mass.