2022 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Annette Valdez, Shawmut Design and Construction

What advice would you offer to women getting into the CRE industry?

For women just getting into the CRE industry, have the courage to take on any responsibilities or opportunities that come your way–even if they are new or unfamiliar to you. You will grow and develop the most in your role when you try something new and allow yourself to be uncomfortable. Also have the confidence to be yourself and lean into your strengths.

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?

In the past year, the accomplishment that I am most proud of is my promotion to project manager. While my career path to this point may not be as linear as others–starting as an architect at a design-build firm to working in estimating to project management–every experience, transition, and role has helped me become the project manager that I am today. This promotion was a culmination of all my hard work and dedication throughout my career and am grateful for the path that I took to get here.