Spotlights

2023 Women in CRE: Grace Santos, Margulies Perruzzi

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? It is important to choose a firm that allows you to feel comfortable and pushes you to give your best. When leadership at the firm is approachable and listens to your needs and concerns, it allows for a more positive work environment. Other important factors include project diversity and training.

2023 Women in CRE: Merri Rego, DiPrete Engineering

Who inspires you most? What qualities do they possess that inspire you? My mother is my unwavering inspiration. She courageously pursued the path less desired, selflessly forfeiting her own dreams to pave the way for mine. Not once did she utter a complaint, exemplifying the boundless love and strength that shape the remarkable woman I’ve become.

2023 Women in CRE: Nicole Reilly, DiPrete Engineering

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? DiPrete Engineering has recently completed one of Rhode Island’s largest projects and I had the privilege of being the project manager alongside an elite team of professionals. The schedule, complexity, and volume of people internally and externally was astonishing.

2023 Women in CRE: Alexis Deutsch, CohnReznick LLP

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? Recently, a project stalled in the construction phase and our client needed more capital than anticipated. Plus, rising costs and interest rates jeopardized the project. As a key advisor, my team introduced our client to a new joint venture partner and proposed different models to restructure the deal and optimize tax efficiency.

2023 Women in CRE: Sophie Shipe, ARCO National Construction

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? Entrepreneurial work style, supportive coworkers inside and out of the office, large level of responsibility, dramatic company growth and increasing success.

2023 Women in CRE: Laurie Ann Drinkwater, Marcus & Millichap

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? A supportive environment is essential for empowering women to make significant contributions and influence change in the CRE field. Women aiming for success in the CRE sector should seek firms that encourage collaboration and individual growth.

2023 Women in CRE: Julie Freshman, MG Commercial Real Estate

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? I was recently accepted into the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) as a member associate. SIOR is the leading global professional office and industrial real estate association. With 3,700 members in 45 countries and 722 cities, SIOR represents today’s most knowledgeable, experienced, and successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists.

2023 Women in CRE: Hannah Jacobs, The Bulfinch Companies, Inc.

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? ESG has become increasingly prevalent in all facets of business, and I am incredibly proud of Bulfinch for developing a sustainability committee with departmental representatives who make a concentrated effort to protect and enhance our environment. This year, I worked on updating our acquisition team’s diligence process with additional ESG measures and assessments to guide our analysis of new investments. We can all be part of the change.

2023 Women in CRE: Marissa Meads, Margulies Perruzzi

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? Consider the opportunities to develop your leadership skills and to be mentored. Take advantage of networking opportunities and foster relationships with people who will be able to provide you with helpful advice.

2023 Women in CRE: Kate O’Connor, The Bulfinch Companies, Inc.

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? During my first two years at Bulfinch, we acquired several deals. These transactions have allowed me to learn, work with many different groups, and develop the confidence to take on more responsibility. The opportunity to work with such intelligent people has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I’m most proud of the growth, insights, and relationships I have gained through these processes.