Denver's Women Leading Real Estate Build Community While Growing Their Careers

Aimee Love is a principal at Essex, where she works at the intersection of real estate finance and relationship building. 

As an advocate for both borrowers and lenders, Love focuses on structuring deals that lead to long-term partnerships. Her approach centers on trust, transparency and alignment. 

She enjoys traveling and spending time with her young children when not in the office. 

Though she’s a business developer by trade, she calls herself an introvert — something that surprises people, she says. Her advice to her younger self is to take the time to fully understand each deal, and always trust your gut.

Afsaneh Makooi is a principal and senior project manager for healthcare at SmithGroup, where she brings strategy and innovation to complex projects across the sector. 

Her leadership has fueled the rapid growth of the firm’s Denver office, and she serves on SmithGroup’s national project management committee. 

Makooi helped launch the Denver chapter of Women in Healthcare and served on its board for four years. 

“Looking to the future, I want to continue making a difference in the healthcare industry by creating impactful projects that improve the lives of physicians, clinicians and patients through innovative design,” Makooi said.

A former competitive swimmer turned coach, she once led teams of up to 300 young athletes — an experience that shaped her discipline, work ethic and love of mentorship. 

Her advice to her younger self: "Strategic thinking is valuable and thorough preparation means long-term benefits. Every detail matters for better patient care and smoother operations."

Amy Aldridge is a partner at Tributary Real Estate specializing in office tenant representation. 

She was nominated as Dealmaker of the Year for her ability to build high-performing teams and elevate women in commercial real estate. 

Outside of work, she spends time with her bulldog, Bella, travels and makes memories with loved ones. 

Aldridge once testified at the Colorado State Legislature to advocate for stalking and cyberstalking victims’ rights. 

Her advice to her younger self: "Some voices are louder, but that doesn’t make them more important. Your perspective is worth sharing."

Amy Bui is managing director of operations at Quarterra, where she works on strategy and operations.

Bui leads by listening to her teams on the ground, embracing curiosity and focusing on solutions that benefit both residents and stakeholders. 

“My teams are dialed into what is happening on the community level, so it is important to always ask them how they believe we can do things better, smarter and in a way that creates lasting value for both residents and stakeholders,” she said.

Bui travels to support her college-athlete kids, and her family is fiercely competitive when it comes to word games. 

Her given name, America, was chosen by her immigrant parents as a symbol of hope and opportunity. It’s a reminder of her roots and motivation to succeed. 

Her advice to her younger self? "Real estate is about people, not just properties. Relationships, adaptability and alignment between financial performance and human experience are the real keys to success."

Council Member Flor Alvidrez represents the same Denver neighborhoods where she was raised, bringing community insight to her work. 

She has championed projects that range from creating a tiny home village for unhoused residents to supporting a major assisted living project. 

Alvidrez played a key role in bringing the National Women’s Soccer League stadium to her district, creating a catalyst for economic development. She also launched a community book club focused on zoning and redlining and has pushed for changes like removing parking minimums and accelerating review timelines for housing. 

A former concrete contractor and entrepreneur, she believes housing justice means more than shelter. It’s about dignity, equity and wealth-building. 

Alvidrez enjoys painting and visiting parks and libraries in her free time.

Her advice to her younger self: "Owning a piece of real estate is one thing, but truly understanding it is another."

Amy Cara is managing partner at East West Partners, the firm behind projects like Riverfront Park and Denver Union Station. 

Today, she’s leading the Cherry Creek West redevelopment, a 1.5M SF mixed-use project that centers on walkability.

Cara is also a civic leader, serving on several nonprofit boards and supporting the arts. An adventurer, she has participated in walking safaris in Tanzania and spends her free time fly fishing, skiing and paddleboarding. 

She reminds her younger self that great ideas in real estate can take decades to become reality.

"Lots of great ideas will never turn into buildings, or will turn into something completely different," Cara said. "If you drive your decisions from a mission and vision that keeps the end customer in mind, the place you create will be amazing."

Amy Kiefer Hansen is a shareholder at Polsinelli, where she plays a central role in shaping real estate deals that help define Denver’s built environment. 

Known for her deep client relationships and civic engagement, Hansen brings passion and purpose to everything from deal structuring to advocacy. She’s active with the Downtown Denver Partnership, lending her voice to policy conversations that impact both the business and real estate communities. 

Outside of work, she travels with her family and attends as many as 30 Denver Nuggets games a year. 

Her advice to her younger self: "Make sure you understand the money — debt and equity. Without it, deals don’t get done."

Angela Harris is the CEO and principal of Trio, a design firm specializing in multifamily, hospitality and luxury housing, among other things.

"I approach design and development as a living dialogue between the spaces we create and the people who inhabit them," Harris said. "My work is driven by an ongoing curiosity and a commitment to constant reinvention, blending the rigor of craft with the freedom of creative play."

She’s pursuing a doctoral degree in visual arts studying how built environments affect human experience and design theory. 

She enjoys exploring new cultures through travel, skydiving and chasing inspiration in everyday moments with her family. 

Harris’s advice to her younger self? "People matter more than properties. Lead with empathy and design for connection."

Ashley Stiles is the founder and CEO of Tribe Development, a boutique development firm that has completed several multifamily projects and worked on Colorado State University's Spur Campus at the National Western Center.

Tribe works to build spaces rooted in community. 

"I’m passionate about building spaces that are thoughtful, inspiring and rooted in a strong sense of place," Stiles said. "Just as important, I want to continue building a team that shares in the vision and the rewards of our hard work — a team that is collaborative, driven and genuinely proud of what we create together."

In her rare moments not spent building a development firm, she spends time painting in her studio, reading or recharging outdoors. 

Her lesson to her younger self: "Don’t let the nonlinear path throw you. The messy middle is where the real growth happens."

Carla Ferreira is CEO of The Aurora Highlands master-planned community, a 4,000-acre project south of Denver International Airport.

Part of the development is Hogan Park at Highlands Creek, which is expected to host installations from world-renowned artists, including a 21-foot sculpture and a 55-foot mirrored Statue of Liberty scheduled for installation in May.

Ferreira grew up in construction, watching her father build communities in Houston and Las Vegas. She says he showed her how to lead with passion and conviction. 

Ferreira travels the world to attend art festivals like Burning Man and builds lasting relationships with artists who share her vision. Her early professional pursuits in the world of art and fashion led her "full circle," she says, back to real estate.

"Don’t apologize for taking up space," and don’t fear failure, Ferreira said. Women often work twice as hard to get a seat at the table "but perfection isn’t the path to progress. Resilience is."

Courtney Schneider is director of industrial development at Hines, where she leads leasing, development and strategy across Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. In 2024, she delivered six buildings in three major projects, negotiated over 250K SF in leases and responded to over 3M SF in tenant requests for proposal.

"To say I am deeply in the trenches would be an understatement," Schneider said.

Her work at Quantum 56 earned NAIOP’s Industrial Development of the Year award. 

A mother of two, Schneider jokes that she’s mastered après ski, even if she’s never skied herself. 

"Real estate is a small world," she said when asked what advice she’d offer her younger self. "And invest in relationships, because they’re your greatest long-term asset."

Cynthia Steinbrecher is a principal and interior design director at Davis Partnership Architects, a Denver-based firm with specialties in healthcare, hospitality, multifamily and more.

Her design philosophy: Break the rules, gracefully. 

Raised by a single mother who was a teacher and "inseparable" from her identical twin, Steinbrecher says she’s grounded by family and inspired by life’s unexpected turns. 

After losing her daughter three years ago to a rare genetic disorder sharpened her perspective, she now knows that family, health and friendships are her fuel.

"Thoughtful, flexible design always amplifies value," Steinbrecher said. "Spaces designed with adaptability in mind not only better serve evolving tenant needs but also protect your investment by future-proofing your property. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, focus on timeless functionality, integrated technology and human-centered solutions."

Emily Beach is vice president of design operations at Studio 10 Interior Design, where she leads with creativity and a deep belief in the power of design to move people. 

"The essence of what we create is deeply experiential, visual and vital to each project," she said. 

Beach aims to push boundaries, nurture a culture of curiosity and deliver spaces that inspire well-being and connection. Her goal with Studio 10 is to continue taking on innovative projects and "breaking the ceiling within our industry."

Outside of work, Beach enjoys travel, exercise and time with friends and family. 

"Staying flexible" is her advice to her younger self. Real estate and design are always evolving, and the best outcomes come from collaboration, creativity and openness to change, she says.

Heather Boelens is a partner and co-practice group leader of the U.S. commercial real estate practice at BCLP LLP, where she oversees deals across asset types and promotes inclusivity within her firm. 

Boelens is focused on empowering women, mentoring associates and creating a workplace culture that supports long-term success for diverse professionals. 

Her roots trace back to a farm town of just 800 people. It’s a background that taught her to speak up and push through. 

Boelens says she believes the future of law will be shaped by a new generation of attorneys prioritizing equity and empathy in the workplace. 

When she’s not practicing law, Boelens enjoys outdoor adventures and wellness activities. 

Her advice to her younger self: "It’s important to learn the underlying real estate business early on in your career to best understand client needs and to provide the best client service within the real estate industry."

Jenny Knowlton is senior vice president at CBRE, specializing in office investment sales — a tough beat in today’s market. 

With nearly 20 years of experience, Knowlton has built a reputation for resilience, relationship-building and staying grounded during turbulent times. 

She’s quick to credit her mentors and team for her success, noting that dealmaking is never a solo act. 

A Colorado native, she’s happiest outdoors skiing, biking, golfing or traveling. 

"Take a stand on something and have a voice," Knowlton said when asked what advice she’d give her younger self. "You don't have to be the loudest voice, but have opinions and don't be afraid to share them."

Jo Ellen Davidson is executive director of Grovewood Community Development, the nonprofit behind more than 360 affordable housing units and two new developments that will add 266 more. 

She builds coalitions of financial consultants, property managers, service providers and others who share a vision for inclusive, sustainable housing. Davidson is also a black-belt neuromuscular integrative action, or NIA, instructor and grandmother who loves to garden, sing, dance and cook. 

"Real estate is a precious nonrenewable resource fundamental to the well-being of all living things," Davidson says to her younger self. "Treat her with care and respect and bring all your talent, creativity, courage and imagination to ensuring she is utilized to her highest potential for the betterment of all."

Karla Nugent is the chief revenue officer at Weifield Group Contracting, an electrical contractor that works on education, aerospace and medical facilities.

Beyond business development, Nugent spearheads the company’s philanthropic efforts, supporting over 100 nonprofits each year. 

She brings the same competitive spirit to life outside of work: She’s raced NASCAR, hunted nilgai — a type of antelope — and coached youth basketball. 

Her advice to her younger self: "Sleep while you can, there’s a lot of good work ahead and great people to meet."

Kathleen Fogler is an urban designer and architect at Tryba Architects, a national firm with offices in Denver. The company has worked on projects like Denver Union Station and Google's Boulder campus.

"We take the time to understand the context and constraints of both the community and private sector, such that design and development strategies become a positive extension and evolution of the place for all parties," Fogler said.

She walks to work most days, often accompanied by ideas from her three daughters during family dance parties and fashion shows. 

She admits to having a mystical streak and finds value in the "energy of place." 

Her advice to her younger self? "Visionary thinking is grounded in real-world limitations. Surround yourself with great collaborators and build places worth remembering."

Kelli Lind is chief operating officer at Kore Investments, where she’s helped lead strategic acquisitions, recapitalization and leases in turbulent market conditions. 

Lind is a former 911 operator, police dispatcher and schoolteacher. She uses these experiences to bring calm, clarity and leadership to every challenge. 

Lind and her husband adopted their son from Colombia at age 10, and she finds joy in watching him discover his gifts. 

"When you are 'climbing the ladder,' stay curious and flexible — Being observant and creative will serve you well," she tells her younger self. "Also, it is absolutely possible to have it all — you can be a wife, mother and an executive, and you can be satisfied and fulfilled in it all."

Laura Dougherty is associate principal and regional director at Cushing Terrell, where she leads a team of architects, engineers and planners. 

Her work as a generalist spans senior housing, hospitals and civic infrastructure, resulting in over 4,000 units of affordable housing and countless community-centered projects. 

Dougherty wants to push Denver’s built environment toward innovation, inclusivity and resilience, she says. 

Outside of work, she spends time with her daughters skiing, hiking, crafting and traveling. 

"Real estate is a team sport," she said when asked what advice she’d offer her younger self. Build strong relationships early, she says, because they shape both the project and the process.

Megan Waldschmidt is a principal at Westside Investment Partners, which has completed projects across the Front Range and one in Arizona.

She’s known for respecting all parties at the table and viewing each deal as more than just a transaction.

“I believe a little bit of compassion can go a long way and sometimes just understanding what the other side is up against can help me make strategic decisions,” she said. 

Waldschmidt started in construction accounting and made a mid-career switch to land development about eight years ago. 

She spends her free time with her two teenage sons, especially cheering them on at hockey games. 

She’d like to tell her younger self that her "determination, grit and hard work has paid off."

"You’ll figure it out," she said. "Just keep showing up one day at a time."

Melyssa Hartzell is a principal at Martin/Martin, where she leads urban and campus civil engineering projects, including water reuse initiatives. She is working on the redevelopment of Ball Arena. 

Hartzell is a "One Water" advocate, which means she "seeks to find the right use for the right water sources," she says. She worked on Colorado’s first legal water reuse projects. 

Hartzell blends technical expertise with knowledge of placemaking and urban design. 

Outside of work, she spends time outdoors with her husband and son, cheers on Denver sports teams and enjoys fantasy football. 

"I would tell my younger self to be patient, to keep learning, keep making connections and keep smiling. And to stay true to my values," Hartzell said. "I am so lucky to have been part of the real estate and construction industry for 18 years. It just keeps getting better and better."

Morgan Lysohir is senior vice president and district manager at Milender White, where she’s spent 15 years climbing from boots-on-the-ground builder to senior leader. 

She’s helped expand the company’s reach through a merger and guided the firm to become Engineering News Record’s No. 1 multifamily builder in the Rocky Mountain region.

Lysohir’s leadership emphasizes continuous improvement, community giving and team growth. 

She’s a proud mom who once brought her five-day-old baby to a groundbreaking ceremony — safely, of course. 

"This is a people industry," Lysohir says when asked about advice she’d give her younger self. "Technical skills and problem-solving are important — but you can't do anything in construction on your own."

Polly Jessen is a partner at Kaplan Kirsch LLP and has worked on some of the Denver area’s most transformative redevelopment projects, including Union Station, the National Western Center, The River Mile and Ball Arena. 

With more than 30 years of experience navigating the public-private project space, Jessen has earned a reputation for crafting creative legal strategies that make complex brownfield redevelopments possible. 

The Wyoming native grew up on a sheep and cattle ranch and once took home top honors in the women’s sheep-hooking competition at the Kaycee Sheepherders Rodeo. 

Outside of work, Jessen is a dedicated golfer, audiobook enthusiast, and pet portrait artist who is "overly attached" to her dog. 

"The best outcome for your client is likely to emerge from listening carefully to your counterparty’s view of the issues to be resolved," she said when asked what advice she’d offer her younger self, adding that asking questions and understanding client objectives is a better tactic than demanding a specific approach.

Grisel Gray is director of preconstruction and estimating at Gilmore Construction, where she advocates for small businesses and students entering the industry. 

A Latina-raised French-Canadian, Gray draws on her lived experience to remove barriers for others. 

She runs ultra-trail races and sees construction as a people-first industry rooted in purpose. 

Her advice? "Real estate isn’t something you do alone. The business is about people — help them grow, and you’ll grow too."