2025 Women in CRE: Abigail Woodman, Colliers

What drew you to commercial real estate, and what keeps you passionate? I moved into CRE to build on my operations background while keeping the flexibility my family needs. The commercial side – more strategic (perhaps less emotional) than residential – suits me: complex leases, data-driven site selection, multi-party negotiations, and most importantly – aligning space with business goals. Tenant rep work, often overlooked, is what keeps me energized: helping teams find the right home for their business is the most rewarding part of my week.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate? Lead with relationships, find mentors and peers who are candid, generous, and steady through both the grind and the wins. Choose a firm that truly invests in your growth and know it may take a couple of moves to find the right fit. Bring grit, integrity, and a learner’s mindset; mistakes are feedback, not verdicts. And zero in on the parts of CRE that energize you, because commissions are unpredictable, but purpose is what keeps you coming back.