2020 Women in Real Estate: Cheryl Stulpin, Executive VP of Acquisitions and Development at Dakota Partners, Inc.

What honor, achievement or recognition means the most to you and why? Twenty years ago, after completing an apartment complex renovation in a challenging neighborhood in Pittsburgh, I was given a handwritten note from a young resident, with a picture of himself lying in bed with a teddy bear. He thanked me for putting new doors and locks on his apartment. He explained that he now felt safe and was able to sleep well at night. This recognition has stayed with me over the years as a reminder of the important work that we do in the affordable housing industry. It is Dakota’s mission: Building Community, Creating Opportunity and Improving Lives. 

How have you been networking during the lockdown? I have spent most of my days video chatting. The new technologies have made it so easy for us to reach out to our colleagues and see them. However, I remain hopeful that we will soon return to in-person meetings. The value and impact of in-person interaction cannot be equaled by technology. 

What books, blogs, podcasts, resources or influencers would you recommend to women? From a personal point of view, several years ago I participated in an executive leadership course co-led by Lauren Hammer, Hammer Leadership. I found Lauren to be authentic and enjoyed the course. I would recommend her current project. It is a webinar series entitled Leadership is Personal, learning to lead with authenticity, curiosity, and kindness. I am also a huge fan of Simon Sinek.