Spotlights

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Michelle Latino Assistant Project Manager Callahan Construction Managers

What led you to your current profession? As I was pursuing a master’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I got a part-time job as an admin for an apartment building. After working there for a few months I was offered a job on the development and construction side of their company.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Liz Tavares, Operations/Brokerage, Jay Nuss Realty Group

What led you to your current profession? Commercial real estate is my second career. I hold a law degree and worked in state government for a number of years. When I sought a different direction, real estate appealed to me; I worked first briefly in residential real estate but met Jay Nuss

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Jillian Tara, Associate & Senior Interior Designer, Phase Zero Design

What are some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor? Collaboration is so important in our field. It is vital we learn continuously throughout our careers; working with others that challenge us helps keep those creative juices flowing.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Amey Bissonnette, Director of Development, Global Learning Charter Public School

What trends will dominate your industry in the coming months? Public charter schools in Massachusetts do not receive funding for building construction or renovations. Many charter schools rent or purchase buildings and then renovate them to create a learning environment

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Dimitra Murphy, Owner, Daddy Jones Bar & Restaurant

What led you to your current profession? I grew up in real estate! My parents were landlords, even doing the interior painting of their properties themselves. As early as age six, I helped with the work and grew to really like real estate. I worked in the hospitality industry before becoming a real estate agent at a Melrose agency.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Catherine West, CEO, 43 West Properties

What led you to your current profession? I first fell in love with real estate investing when the market crashed in 2008. Unable to find a job in health care after graduating in August 2008, I picked up the book Rich Dad Poor Dad, which started me on my journey.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: April Pitrone, Senior Project Manager, LeftField

What are some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor? I have been lucky enough to have amazing mentors throughout my career that have been instrumental in my development and success in the industry.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Jennifer Wood, MST, Manager, DGC (DiCicco, Gulman & Company LLP)

What led you to your current profession? One of my mentors from as far back as high school is Todd Ellis, a public accountant with over 20 years of experience and an eventual partner at DGC. He piqued my interest when he would talk about the accounting profession

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Celina Carter, CPA Partner, DGC (DiCicco, Gulman & Company LLP)

What led you to your current profession? In high school, I took an elective class in accounting, and I found out quickly that it was a great fit for me. The process of solving complex problems motivated me to choose accounting as my career

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Kristyn Neal, Marketing Director, Northeast Private Client Group

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Since the start of 2021, my team and I have established a brand for the company. We dove deep into who we are and partnered with an agency to develop a clear brand message and identity.