Reaching new heights: what we learned from women leaders in CRE. Reflections from the 2025 CREFC Spring Symposium
By Camila Avila & Isabella Carrano
As two female graduate students getting ready to start our summer internship in real estate, we’ll be honest: we’ve been excited, but also a little anxious. How do we make a strong impression? What if we make mistakes? How do we start building a network that actually lasts?
We got some real answers to those questions at this year’s Spring Symposium hosted by the Women’s Network of CREFC. The panel, titled “Reaching New Heights: Insights from Leaders in CRE”, brought together an incredible group of senior women in the industry. Their stories were not only inspiring, but full of advice that felt grounded and honest. Here are the lessons we are taking with us into the next phase of our career, and we think they’ll resonate with anyone who’s just getting started in commercial real estate.
You don’t need the title to act like a leader
One of the most empowering takeaways was that leadership starts before the promotion. The panelists talked about doing VP level work before you’re a VP: taking initiative, volunteering for projects others avoid, and finding ways to contribute beyond what’s expected.
For us, this shifted how we are thinking about our internship. Instead of waiting to be told what to do, we want to look for areas where we can take ownership, add value, and show curiosity. Even small things, like preparing for meetings or offering to help with a model or research, can demonstrate that we are eager to grow.
Mentorship and networking aren’t just for later
Another key message: don’t wait to start building relationships. The panelists emphasized being an active mentee: set up time with people you admire, come with thoughtful questions, and be clear about what you want to learn. One even suggested having a short agenda when you meet with a mentor, which we found so practical.
For undergrads, or honestly anyone trying to make the most of a networking event, this advice is gold. It’s not about having the perfect pitch or knowing everything. What really stands out is showing curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and following up. Miriam Wheeler, Global Head of CRE at Goldman Sachs, shared a great tip: after working on a deal, keep in touch with the people involved. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to grow your network and it does not involve awkward cold calls or emails.
Resilience is built in the hard moments
The panel didn’t shy away from the hard stuff either. They talked about how to stay focused and flexible during market uncertainty, and how asking for help, relying on your team, and continuing to learn can make all the difference.
We’ve realized it’s okay to not know everything going into this internship. What matters is that we are open, adaptable, and willing to ask smart questions. One tactic we are going to try is setting a 3-month learning goal for ourselves: something concrete to track, so we don’t lose sight of the bigger picture during the daily tasks. One panelist noted how important it is to find a peer you can relate to, someone who talks through the chaos when things get overwhelming.
Balance looks different for everyone
Finally, the conversation on work-life balance hit home. Several panelists shared how they’ve learned to prioritize rather than strive for perfection. Life and career can’t always be in sync, but it’s possible to be intentional about how you spend your time and what you let go of.
They suggested doing weekly “brain dumps” and using calendar blocks to make space for both focused work and personal time. It should help to reduce the overwhelm, and we can see how this kind of self-awareness will matter more as responsibilities grow.
Key takeaways from industry leaders
Besides the valuable career advice, here’s a summary of what’s going on in the industry today. The Dealmakers Perspective: Tackling Market Challenges & Closing Transactions Panel reflected on the quiet shift back toward office. Many of the panelists mentioned different asset classes that were attracting investors, many of which included the typical industrial assets as a top performer and data centers as well. What stood out was that office continued to be a part of the pipeline of transactions. Many of the industry leaders mention it is making its way back into their investor conversations.
While investors aren't taking on just any deal, there is an appetite for a well located, modern, high quality asset in core markets. The panelists mentioned that it's less about the yield now, but about the long-term value for these properties that are stabilized and have a strong lease-up in the future. We've found that this perspective matches up with what has been happening in early May in the market, where lenders including JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Citi, and Wells Fargo are backing nearly $1 billion in CMBS debt tied to two Midtown Manhattan office towers. It’s a sign that while investors are still cautious, the office is slowly making its way back.
What we’re taking with us
For anyone about to start their first job or internship, or for students wondering how to stand out in a room full of experienced professionals, this event reminded us that growth is messy, personal, and worth it. We don’t have to have it all figured out, but we do have to show up, stay curious, and take the next step forward.
Whether it’s striking up a conversation at a networking event or asking thoughtful questions during your first week on the job, leaning into moments of connection can open doors. One great topic to bring up? The quiet but noticeable revival of the office market, it’s something both lenders and investors are watching closely, and it can spark a real conversation about where the market’s heading and what’s surprising people most.
Read more about the authors: Camila Avila & Isabella Carrano