2023 Women in CRE: Chelsie Gilbert, J. Calnan & Associates, Inc

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? When women in my industry are selecting a firm to build their careers, they should prioritize factors such as the company’s approach to measuring and fostering growth.

2023 Women in CRE: Catherine West, 43 West, Inc.

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? We each have the power to make a difference, create change, and improve our communities. Selecting a professional home that supports and aligns with your values, goals, and culture is critical.

2023 Women in CRE: Kirsten Kenney, Hinckley Allen

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? Being a lawyer is something you learn on the job – one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a firm is the firm’s commitment to mentorship.

2023 Women in CRE: Kayleigh Reilly, Colliers | New Hampshire

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? Being a lawyer is something you learn on the job – one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a firm is the firm’s commitment to mentorship.

2023 Women in CRE: Ipsitha Bayapu, Northstar Project & Real Estate Services

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? I am managing a multi-year lab renovation project that is driven by life science stakeholders. While we are only halfway through the execution, I am most proud of the collaborative environment the team maintains.

2023 Women in CRE: Kristen Konieczny, Cresa Boston

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? I’ve made some major transitions in the last year, taking on a new position leading Cresa’s consulting team and becoming a new parent. I’m proud of the way I’ve managed these simultaneous milestones, and that I’m showing up consistently for both my family and my clients.

2023 Women in CRE: Colleen Fonseca, Builders of Color Coalition

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? In the spring of 2023, we announced the launch of a two-year research and analytics study, the call-to-action today for 10 - 12 developers of color to form a taskforce, the hiring of a research manager to oversee it all.

2023 Women in CRE: Viktoria Alkova, Coastal Land & Commercial Group at Keller Williams Coastal Realty

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? Prioritize education and specialized training. The right brokerage should be like a blueprint for your real estate career, offering tools, support, and experienced mentors.

2023 Women in CRE: Shelley Balanda, FOOTPRYNT

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? We launched in early 2020, right in the midst of a global pandemic. It was undeniably a daunting time to venture out on my own. However, this unique circumstance presented an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our industry.

2023 Women in CRE: Jennifer Sutherby, Redgate

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? It’s usually always the next one. I’ve had the privilege of working on complex healthcare projects that are logistically and operationally challenging throughout my career and find that innovation and shifting institutional needs mean that projects are rarely comparable.