Years in real estate: 20

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of: Boston Women’s Leadership Council; Design Review Board, town of Northborough, Mass.; USGBC; and AIA

How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career: Within the architectural profession, there are many obstacles to advancing one’s career, notably the fact that traditional architectural culture does not enable the concept of self-directed advancement. I have best navigated this specific obstacle by leaving entrenched environments for those that provided growth opportunities working with leaders whom I respected. In the second case, my departure from a corporate firm led to the establishment of my own firm, Saam Architecture.  In designing our firm’s environment, my partner and I hope to provide a culture that enables all members of the team to grow and succeed.

What do you do for fun: Travel with my daughters, sailing, destination cycling, and cooking.