Women of Influence

Toledo, Stockton, and Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, New York are the top metros for women in real estate.

"The best advice I received was to speak the language of the individual/industry you're trying to influence," says Breana Wheeler, director of US operations at BREEAM.

Property valuation specialist Meghan Czechowski of Apprise by Walker & Dunlop provides key insights about multifamily valuations as market fundamentals begin to shift.

Women CRE professionals want work environments that meet their needs both inside and outside of the office. Employers must choose to adapt or be left behind.

With the right advisory team, multifamily investors can have it all: a swift transaction timeline and risk mitigation.

"Keep learning and take advantage of opportunities because career paths in commercial real estate are not linear. The best way to position yourself for success is education," says Damla Gerhart, principal and managing director at Avison Young.

Industry veteran Alison Flynn Gaffney will assume the role and work to evolve the firm's healthcare business.

"Unconscious bias creeps into every workplace. Although barriers to being welcome and included still exist, it is up to the individual to embrace similarities with colleagues even when they point out differences," says Colliers' Valerie Tatum.