2021 Ones to Watch: Catherine West, President, 43 West Properties

What advice can you offer to someone who is interested in a career in your industry? My favorite quote is fom Marianne Williamson, “It is our Light not our darkness that most frightens us.” Most individuals have more power than they realize. Embracing your inner Light and having the confidence and courage to put yourself out there, leads to new opportunities. For someone interested in a career in real estate development and investing, I encourage her/him to meet investors and developers confidently and courageously at networking events. I also encourage newer investors to volunteer their talent and time to work with a more senior professional. It provides a great learning opportunity and may lead to future business development.

What led you to your current profession? After graduating from graduate school in August 2008 after the stock market crashed, I became a firm proponent of real estate investing. Thus, my journey began: transitioning from a career in public health to a career in real estate. This journey has taken me on a trip across sectors in health care as well as across asset classes and capital stacks in real estate. It has enabled me to bridge gaps, bring together diverse stakeholders, and create solutions. By following my heart and staying curious, I now enjoy leveraging my experience to build and invest in healthy communities.