GLENDALE, CA—Although more and more women are joining the commercial real estate fold, women are still needed in risk-taking sectors, like investment banking and development, according to Alexandra Glickman, a Woman of Influence in Real Estate Forum, GlobeSt.com's sister publication. Glickman is the area VP and managing director practice leader at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., and has had a lofty career as an expert in insurance and alternative risk financing.

“I believe the stigma of "the only woman in the room" begins to fade. In the past 5 years the number of female senior executives in real estate has grown markedly, and the ranks of exceptional "trusted advisers" (law, accounting, insurance) has also grown,” Glickman explains. “What is missing though are women in investment banking and development. The list is still too short, and it requires all of us to not only encourage risk taking, but promote women to a point of critical mass.”

Making major headway at one of the world's top four insurance brokerage firms, Glickman has seen first-hand how women have grown into the industry and become “trusted advisers.” Her own career goals have helped her to move into this role, and are still part of her success. Currently, she is working to continue to brand and grow

Gallagher's real estate & hospitality service platform in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. To help other make similar strides, she mentors talented graduates, particularly women, immigrants and first-generation college graduates.