Wilcox: My first job after college was definitely over my head. I was in charge of monitoring construction draws on a $300-million project in Boston. The project was underwritten by Merrill Lynch, which asked me to work for in its commercial real estate finance department.

GlobeSt.com: Were there many other women in the field?

Wilcox: Zero.GlobeSt.com: Has this changed at all?

Wilcox: Surprisingly, it really has not. In the 1980s, I used to go to the National Mortgage Bankers Assocation meetings that were held in Orlando or San Diego, and I would be the only woman there. Today, you see more women in commercial real estate on the leasing or brokerage side, and even as analysts, but there are still not many women in commercial real estate mortgage banking.

GlobeSt.com: Why do you think this is?

Wilcox: It might have to do with a level of comfort. In this business, you really need to be comfortable around men at all times. Your clients are men and commercial real estate owners are primarily men. And in my job, I deal with insurance companies across the country or local bankers and 98% of them are men. But I never had a problem with that. It was never intimidating. Plus, I went to an all-boys prep school the year it turned co-ed so I got a quick education there.

GlobeSt.com: What sort of inroads have you made in your career?

Wilcox: I am proud of the fact that my company is the only commercial real estate mortgage banking firm to be founded by a woman, and I am very proud that we are still an independent firm and that services over $1.1 billion of commercial real estate mortgage loans.

GlobeSt.com: Did you have any mentors who were particularly influential?

Wilcox: My father was very supportive from day one and I always felt like I had the support of the people I worked with. My clients were supportive, as were my male counterparts across the country. Truthfully, I was embraced more than discouraged.

However, I do remember that there were certain meetings I was not invited to because I was a woman. Also, when I monitored the $300-million Boston project, I had to report to the finance committee of Brigham and Women's Hospital, which had offices on top of the State Street building. I had to take a separate stairwell because women were not allowed at the Harvard Club.

GlobeSt.com: What advice would you give other women looking to go into the industry?

Wilcox: This business is a people business so it's okay to be yourself. Many times when clients come in, I cook dinner. If that's what you like to do, then do it. Just be yourself, don't try to be anybody else.