2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Marilyn Santiago, Senior Commercial Real Estate Advisor, SVN Parsons Commercial Group - Boston

What led you to your current profession? I joined SVN Parson Commercial Group - Boston in 2008 as the director of marketing for the firm. Throughout the years I worked closely with the partners and managers and learned hands on the intricacies of real estate investing, ownership and management. I was encouraged by the principals, especially John Parsons, Jr., to pursue my current career as a sales advisor and it has proven to be the best decision. In 2020, I was recognized as one of the top 100 advisors of the firm as well as #7 female advisor nationwide.

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I had a quote sent to me one day that said, “To all the doors that closed on me: I’m coming back to buy the building.” This past year I was able to accomplish just that through the encouragement and support of my principal and managers and invested in my first commercial property.