2025 Houston Women Leading Real Estate Awards

Kelly Agent is the Executive Vice President, Head of Property Services for Griffin Partners, a commercial real estate investment and development firm headquartered in Houston. She oversees the company’s property management, construction management and engineering operations throughout Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Colorado. Prior to Griffin, Kelly worked in various roles in commercial real estate for 15 years – leading operations and teams across the country in Chicago, IL, Indianapolis, IN and Washington, DC. She began her career with the United States Department of Defense in Alaska after obtaining both her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from Mississippi State University.

Michelle Atkinson is the Managing Director and Principal of IA Interior Architects’ Houston studio, bringing nearly three decades of experience in architecture and interior design. A trusted leader and visionary, she oversees studio strategy, client relationships, and the delivery of workplace environments that elevate culture, productivity, and well-being. As Principal-in-Charge, Michelle serves as the primary liaison for clients and partners. Under her leadership, IA’s Houston studio has evolved into a high-performing, design-driven practice recognized for its creativity, rigor, and exceptional client service. A licensed Interior Designer in the State of Texas and an active member of the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter and NAIOP, Michelle is deeply committed to advancing the design community. She currently serves on the Leadership Council for the University of Houston’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture + Design, where she helps strengthen connections between education and the professional practice.

Powers Brown Architecture, an international professional services firm practicing architecture, interior design, programming and urban design, has promoted AJ Breneman, AIA, RID, to principal in the firm’s Houston office. She most recently served as a Senior Design Manager. “AJ came to Powers Brown Architecture fresh out of architecture school and quickly proved her acumen and agility in translating her academic architectural design skills to the commercial marketplace. Her exceptional design talent, coupled with her skills in client relations and professional leadership, have enabled her to ascend from team member to Design Team Manager, and now, I’m proud to say, Principal,” noted Jeffrey Brown, FAIA, Founding Principal and CEO. Breneman’s lead projects at Powers Brown Architecture include FCC Environmental Services’ Materials Recovery Facility for the City of Houston; several projects at the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s headquarters; the state-of-the-art 4.3-million-square foot Daikin Texas Technology Park in Waller County, outside of Houston; the Nalco Champion headquarters in Sugar Land; Stream Realty Partners’ Sierra Pines Phase 2, the first six-story tilt-wall building in Texas; and the Memorial Hermann Medical Office prototype, the first of five buildings. A graduate of the Hines College of Architecture at UH, Breneman is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is actively involved in the Greater Houston Partnership and NAIOP. She is a native of Kerrville, in the Texas Hill Country, and resides in Spring, Texas. Powers Brown Architecture, a professional services firm with offices in Houston, Washington, D.C., Denver, Toronto, and St. John’s, Newfoundland, maintains a diverse architecture design, space planning and urban design practice that spans from regional to international projects. Founded in 1999, it has built a reputation for specialized design and technical superiority, producing award-winning work and gaining recognition from local, regional, and national organizations. The firm has designed nearly 30 million square feet since its inception and has won more than 80 design awards as well as having 45 buildings with LEED certification. In addition, Powers Brown Architecture’s work, architects and design staff have been featured in Architect and Texas Architect, as well as various business journals around the country.

Angela Cotie most recently held the position of Vice President of Operations for a leading construction company's Houston office. She is widely recognized for her outstanding leadership skills and her substantial expertise within the construction sector. Angela’s career spans over 28 years, during which she has gained hands-on experience in various areas including project and program management, field operations, business development, and strategic planning. Angela’s impact and leadership have been acknowledged by several prestigious organizations. She has received recognition from ENR Magazine, Houston Business Journal, Houston Women’s Chamber, and 50/50 Women on Boards. These honors reflect her significant influence and ongoing dedication to advancing the construction industry. Angela’s long-standing commitment is evident in her leadership roles with the ACE Mentor Program, the Associated General Contractors (AGC), and other organizations focused on the construction industry. Her active involvement in these groups highlights her passion for the industry and her enthusiasm for its future growth and innovation.

Kelie Mayfield is a designer, storyteller, and the founder of MaRS Culture — a Houston-based studio known for weaving deep narrative, artistry, and cultural meaning into every space it creates. A lifelong maker at heart, Kelie brings an intuitive sense of beauty and connection to her work, whether she’s designing interiors, curating artisans, or shaping a new retail–gallery concept that celebrates creativity in fresh, inspiring ways. When she’s not immersed in design, Kelie is usually with her family — cheering on her son Gavin at a soccer match, going on creative or outdoor adventures with her daughter Izzy and her husband Jeff, or exploring Houston’s hidden gems. She loves wandering through galleries, visiting local makers’ studios, discovering great food, and planning trips that spark curiosity and culture. Those who know Kelie well aren’t surprised to learn she’s been creating worlds since childhood. She was the kid constantly rearranging her room, building things from scratch, and dreaming up elaborate craft projects. That imaginative spirit still fuels her today. She finds joy in art, architecture, travel, fitness, and the restorative calm of nature — whether it’s a hike, a ski slope, canyoning in big landscapes, or simply watching a great design documentary like Grand Designs. Kelie’s happiest moments are often the simplest: long dinners with loved ones, genuine conversation, spontaneous laughter, and watching her kids grow into their passions. Connection, creativity, and joy remain the foundation of everything she does. And then there’s Schuyler — her beloved Bernedoodle and the undeniable boss of the office. Schuyler, a giant teddy bear of a dog with soft curls and a sweet soul, greets guests, supervises meeting rooms, and brings daily warmth to the team. On humid days, Schuyler and Kelie even end up with matching curls, much to everyone’s amusement. Houston is home for Kelie — a city full of grit, generosity, culture, and creative momentum. It’s where her family is rooted, where MaRS Culture thrives, and where inspiration arrives around every corner.

For more than 35 years, Kimberly Barrow has built far more than the structures that define skylines and workplaces—she has built teams, careers, and a standard of excellence that has shaped the construction industry in Houston and beyond. Beginning her journey in general contracting, Kimberly immersed herself in every aspect of the field, steadily rising through roles that deepened her technical expertise and broadened her influence. Her career culminated in serving as Vice President and Project Executive for one of Houston’s premier general contractors, where she became known not only for her exceptional project leadership but for her unwavering commitment to integrity and collaboration. Over the course of her career, Kimberly has successfully led the management of more than eight million square feet of construction across a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, law firms, healthcare, and life sciences. Her projects stand as a testament to her ability to unite complex teams, navigate challenging environments, and deliver spaces that support the missions of the organizations they serve. Today, as Chief Operating Officer of QCI Solutions, Kimberly continues to redefine what leadership looks like. She oversees operations for the company’s structured cabling, audiovisual, and security design/build services with the same passion that has guided her entire career: a desire to create efficient, scalable processes and to mentor the next generation of industry professionals. Her transition into the COO role reflects a natural evolution—one rooted in her love for guiding people, strengthening organizational culture, and driving meaningful growth. Kimberly is widely respected for her client-centered approach, a hallmark that has earned her an extraordinary level of repeat business and long-standing professional relationships. Those who work with her often speak not only of her technical mastery, but of her authenticity, her steadiness, and her ability to bring out the best in others. Above all, Kimberly’s story is one of dedication—to her craft, her clients, her teams, and the future leaders she continues to inspire. Her career exemplifies the power of leadership grounded in service, vision, and heart.

Hira Khan leads daily operations at Maxx Builders and Maxx Designers, ensuring smooth project execution and delivering exceptional client experiences. She directly manages sales, client relations, and human resources, aligning operational workflows with strategic goals. With a hands-on approach to team development and process optimization, Hira fosters a positive, high-performance culture, driving both employee engagement and client satisfaction while supporting business growth and long-term partnerships.

Patti leads the strategic planning and revenue generation efforts at E.E. Reed Construction. She provides direction and leadership for the company by developing and executing various company initiatives. Patti is responsible for short and long-term strategies, as well as, many day-to-day operational activities. In her business development role, she manages client relationships, tracks valid job opportunities, and is responsible for all external and internal communication. Patti works closely with a team of doer-sellers, management and lower-level employees to increase profitability. It is her focus to identify and set company goals and create plans to achieve those goals. She develops and oversees all internal and external marketing campaigns including print and social media, website development and content, company newsletters and corporate publications. On the operational side, Patti is involved with staffing, recruitment and training of current and future employees. She helps to initiate and implement new technology for all levels of the organization. She works closely with Human Resources, Information Technology, the Chief Financial Officer and President on a daily basis. Patti is collaborative with strong interpersonal skills. She is motivated, ambitious and possesses exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. Patti has a demonstrated leadership ability and a well-rounded knowledge of business. She is a driven team builder. In 2017 Patti graduated with an MBA from Texas A&M University. Prior to that, she attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies. A continuous learner, Patti holds several certifications and is always looking for an opportunity to grow.

Stephanie Anderson, P.E. is a rare treasure in the engineering industry, combining creative solutions with her technical ability to make things happen. After graduating from Texas A&M University in Civil Engineering, she started her career as an intern with TxDOT's Yoakum District 20+years ago. She became known as a no- nonsense professional engineer and created a reputation for attention to detail and being a "joy to work with." She quickly stood out in the industry as she was not afraid to challenge conventional engineering procedures. Nine years ago, she set off on a venture to create a civil engineering firm founded with a customer-first approach grounded in integrity. Today, Gradient Group is a fast-growing Houston-based firm specializing in roadway and drainage design, utility, traffic, and site development projects for both the private and public sectors. Since starting Gradient Stephanie has been responsible for the design of several innovative award-winning projects in the Houston area. Stephanie is a recognized leader in the Houston Engineering Community and has recently been elected to serve as President of the American Council of Engineering Companies Houston Chapter. Her dedication to customer service is the backbone of GRADIENT's approach and delivery by doing things “right from the start.” She holds a professional engineering license and credentials as an Envision Environmental Sustainability Professional and LEED® Accredited Professional. She donates her free time to community and charitable organizations, including her church, the Saint Faustina Catholic Church, and the SIRE Therapeutic Equine Facility. Growing up in Victoria, Texas, she developed a love for horses from her father, an agricultural teacher. She spent her youth traveling to participate in rodeos and supporting her brothers as they rose in the Professional Bull Riders and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association ranks. She is a sharpshooter, and often found in jeans, muddy boots, and a ball cap, either on a job site or hunting from a hogs from a helicopter. Today, she and her husband Drew, five children, and farm animals continue to love country living on their ranch in Richmond.

For business, for society, for design ingenuity—technology is a remarkable tool. That’s Brooke’s philosophy, and she works to manifest it in our work each day. One of the most proven and dynamic leaders in the design technology profession, Brooke ensures our technology infrastructure and knowledge are best-in-class and differentiate our ability to empower clients. She leads our teams as they develop, enhance and implement multi-platforms solutions that connect built and virtual environments in profound ways. A catalyst for change, Brooke is deeply engaged in leading the design industry forward and keeps herself and those she works with at the leading-edge of technological possibilities. She's continually pushing what's possible with the Internet of Things, automation through machine learning and artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, data-informed practices and visualization and application development. She also loves mentoring others and regularly speaks on tech, mentorship and career development.

Kayla Kerscher is the Vice President of Capital Projects and Design for Partners Capital, where she leads the planning, design, and execution of capital expenditure and tenant improvement projects across the Partners Capital portfolio. With a sharp focus on aligning project execution with the company’s investment goals and operational strategies, Kayla manages multi-million-dollar Capital Expenditure budgets, schedules, and financial projections. She ensures the delivery of high-quality projects, optimizing costs while maintaining rigorous operational standards. A licensed architect in the State of Texas, Kayla brings extensive experience in the architecture, real estate development, and construction sectors. Prior to joining Partners Capital, Kayla worked at Marx|Okubo, where she acted as an owner’s representative for commercial and hospitality projects ensuring projects stayed on budget and on schedule. She successfully led efforts in construction loan monitoring, property condition assessments, and long-term capital expenditure forecasting. Earlier in her career, Kayla was an Associate at MG2, a retail design firm in the Pacific Northwest, where she managed new construction and facilities improvement projects. Her responsibilities ranged from design development to contractor selection, and she played a pivotal role in ensuring timely project completion while maintaining high design standards. Kayla earned a Master of Real Estate Development from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon.

Candra Brown is a visionary entrepreneur, award-winning real estate leader, and builder reshaping the future of construction and community development. She is recognized as the first Black woman in the United States to solely found and lead a construction and development firm while simultaneously serving as the builder, developer, contractor, and licensed REALTOR®. Roots & Early Leadership Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Candra earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston. She began her professional journey as a science teacher and volleyball coach, leading her Pearland ISD team to an undefeated season and district championship. This early success—rooted in discipline, excellence, and leadership—became the foundation of her approach to business and development. Real Estate Expertise & International Reach Her passion for real estate grew into a full professional career. Candra holds multiple certifications and designations, including: National Commercial Real Estate Advisor Luxury Listing Specialist Resort & Second Home Property Specialist Certified Real Estate Investment Planning Specialist Certified International Sales Agent (CIPS equivalent) Her international certification allows her to operate in global markets including Ghana, Mexico, Belize, Dominican Republic, and England. BEDDIEO: Redefining Construction & Development In 2021, she founded BEDDIEO Construction & Design, a minority-owned firm specializing in residential, commercial, and sustainable development. BEDDIEO is built on resilience, equity, and innovation—serving both private clients and community-centered initiatives. BEDDIEO has since expanded into a full ecosystem that includes: HOUSE OF BEDDIEO – a luxury home goods and lifestyle brand BEDDIEO School of Real Estate, Construction & Design – launching soon to certify youth and adults in high-demand trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, project management, carpentry) Coffee & Construction™ – an immersive workshop series educating new builders, future developers, and minority investors Developer’s Circle – a hands-on mentorship and training program equipping aspiring developers with the knowledge, systems, and guidance to build real projects from start to finish Leadership, Advocacy & Industry Influence Candra serves in key leadership roles across major real estate and housing organizations, including: Treasurer, Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA) Board Member, Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers (TAREB) Advisory Board Member, HAR Engage Advisory Advisory Board Member, HAR Governmental Affairs & Fort Bend Political Affairs PR Committee Member, National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) Graduate of Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Cohort 7 Member of ForbesBLK Her work centers around housing equity, development education, policy influence, and creating access for underserved communities and emerging minority developers. Creative Work & Community Impact Candra is also a film producer and former host of the Emmy-nominated television show The American Dream: Selling Houston, amplifying real estate stories, community culture, and local development. She is the founder of the Sweet Dreams Sweet Life Foundation, focused on uplifting underserved youth through empowerment, education, and mental wellness. The Vision Candra believes in building more than structures—she builds people, opportunity, and legacy. Her mission is to create resilient communities, empower future developers, and pave the way for generations of minority builders and real estate professionals. This is her blueprint—and she’s just getting started.

Elizabeth Esquivel received her Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from the University of Houston. During her senior year, she interned at Vaughn Construction as an estimator, assisting the Preconstruction Department with preparing cost estimates and bid packages for various clients. After graduation, Elizabeth accepted a full-time position as a Project Engineer and later advanced to a Project Manager position. As a project manager, Elizabeth collaborates closely with the design team and Owners to manage client expectations and ensure that projects are completed and delivered on time, within budget, and with the high-quality standards.

Sydney Mafrige Kerns serves as Vice President and Head of Design + Construction for David Z. Mafrige Interests, where she leads the design and execution of capital improvements, oversees all in-house office construction projects, and manages tenant build-outs across the company’s office portfolio. She acts as a strategic liaison between tenants and outside contractors, ensuring project clarity, quality, and delivery. Sydney discovered her passion for design and project execution early in her career through her work in event planning, and her interest for real estate was sparked during her time at Wulfe & Co. Over the past seven years at David Z. Mafrige Interests, she has blended her design sensibilities, communication skills, and project management experience to deliver impactful, design-forward spaces. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communications from The University of Texas at Austin.

Samantha Talbott joined ZCA in 2015, after graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Prior to graduation, Samantha gained experience as an intern at ZCA. Samantha is a registered interior designer with 10 years of experience in corporate interior design. Samantha loves creating through different mediums. This versatility lends well to her industry work, and allows Samantha to bring a lot of different skills to the table, including research and design, being proficient in documentation, and project oversight. As Senior Project Designer, Samantha will be responsible to the Principal-in-Charge for the preparation of design and technical documentation and ensure design intent is maintained throughout the design process.

Rachel Calafell is a Principal and Senior Project Manager at Walter P Moore, where she has worked on a diverse array of projects including new facilities, adaptive reuse, and significant renovations since joining the firm in 2008. She has served as Structural Project Manager/Engineer of Record for award-winning projects at Houston Methodist, MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann, TMC, UT Health, UTMB, and Legacy Community Health. Rachel’s passion for tackling unique challenges, understanding and responding to client needs, and fostering collaboration resulted in her projects winning consecutive gold medals in Engineering Excellence ("Structural Systems") for 2023 and 2024, along with the esteemed Eminent Conceptor Award (2023) by ACEC Texas. Rachel is invested in nurturing the next generation of engineers through mentorship, leading educational sessions, and authoring industry publications.

Krystyn Haecker, AIA is a Partner who joined Mirador Group in 2013. She specializes in leading Urban Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Commercial Projects, where she enjoys engaging with how people live, work and interact with their communities at different scales. To date, Krystyn has been responsible for delivering over 1 million square feet of built multi-family projects in Houston, TX, including signature projects Giorgetti Houston and The Sophie at Bayou Bend. Krystyn is also a Partner with Vedetta Design, an Interior Design Studio from the makers of Mirador Group. Krystyn currently has served in various capacities on the boards and committees of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Houston Chapter, and the Texas Society of Architects. Currently, she is serving as President-Elect for the Texas Society of Architects in 2025, where she leads the 8000 member organization. Krystyn is a licensed architect in Texas and LEED AP BD+C professional. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University and received a Masters of Architecture from Virginia Tech. She was recognized as a Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Honoree in 2024. Krystyn was name the 2025 AIA Houston Ben Brewer Young Architect Award Winner and the 2025 Texas Society of Architects Award Early Career Professional Achievement winner.

Jennifer Henrichs is the President and owner of JRH Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc., a role she has held since 2014. After several years in the healthcare industry, Jennifer deepened her environmental and regulatory expertise through Texas A&M University, including completion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Compliance Program with specialized studies in wetland delineation and USACE permitting. She soon discovered a passion for the way civil engineers transform raw land into successful, revenue-producing developments. From that passion, Jennifer later earned her master’s degree in civil & environmental engineering from Lamar University. She is married to Jason Henrichs and is the proud mother of three children—ages 13 and 16, with her oldest currently serving in the U.S. Army. Outside of work, she enjoys snowboarding in Breckenridge, Colorado, and traveling to Key West, Florida. Jennifer also brings a developer’s perspective through her own public mini-storage warehouse project in Harris County, Texas. This firsthand experience gives her a unique, well-rounded understanding of both the engineering and development sides of complex projects. Over the past decade, Jennifer’s experience has spanned the full lifecycle of civil and environmental projects—from zoning and rezoning, pre-project planning, feasibility studies, and permitting, managing the design process and, in many cases, overseeing construction management. Her portfolio includes both private commercial developments and public works infrastructure projects. Jennifer has also served for more than five years as a City of Pearland Zoning and Planning Commissioner, supporting city planning initiatives, infrastructure planning, UDC code decisions, joint development workshops, and the rezoning process for property owners. At JRH, Jennifer’s mission is to help developers identify utility capacity, drainage, and floodplain constraints early—so they can accurately quantify site risk, control capital costs, and protect project pro formas, preserving target IRR and risk-adjusted returns. Personally, she is committed to raising awareness of the senior housing crisis and building alliances that expand access to housing solutions that improve seniors’ quality of life.

Tina Khatri is the Chief Executive Officer of TDK Construction, a full-service commercial general contracting firm based in Houston, Texas. Founded over 30 years ago by her father, TDK has built a reputation for delivering quality construction with a personal touch across retail, hospitality, cultural, and community focused spaces. Tina took over as CEO in 2024 after 17 years with the company, including serving as Vice President. She has been instrumental in the company’s evolution, leading efforts to modernize internal systems, strengthen operational efficiency, and invest in team development. Her approach combines strategic oversight with hands on collaboration and a deep commitment to client satisfaction. As one of the few female CEOs in the construction industry, Tina brings both experience and a fresh perspective to a traditionally male dominated field. She began her career at Huron Consulting Group before joining her family’s business. She holds a degree in Finance and Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin and has completed coursework at the London School of Economics. Her background in financial analysis and process improvement continues to shape her approach to leadership and decision making. In addition to her role at TDK, Tina is actively involved in the commercial real estate and nonprofit communities. She serves as a Trustee of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, where she also led the museum’s construction through TDK. She will serve as a Director on the CREW Houston Board in 2026 and is a founding member of the South Asian Women Entrepreneurs Alliance, a private invite only network of women business leaders. Tina is also a member of the Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. Known for her thoughtful leadership and passion for creating spaces that matter, Tina is committed to growing the company with integrity, impact, and purpose.

Kristin Wall serves as Vice President of Construction on Houston’s interiors construction team. While managing both office and industrial build-outs, she facilitates communication between the client and contractors, keeps up-to-date records of the construction process, and remains invested in every job from the bidding stages through project completion. Kristin brings with her six years of project management experience for a high-end corporate interior general contractor. She has managed large multi-floor tenant projects, capital improvement projects, smaller renovations, and anything in between. Kristin’s extensive knowledge in the general contractor arena assists her in managing hired contractors in order to deliver a seamless product to the client.

As a principal and director of design, Interiors in HOK’s Houston studio, Linnea brings more than two decades of design experience spanning both architecture and interiors. Her unique perspective, shaped by work in master planning, ground-up construction, interior design and furniture, fixtures and art curation, allows her to create seamlessly integrated environments. A registered architect, Linnea leads multifaceted projects with an approach that combines conceptual vision and technical precision. Her ability to translate complex design concepts into clear, actionable strategies has made her a trusted advisor to many organizations. Linnea’s portfolio encompasses award-winning work across corporate, residential and hospitality sectors. Recent projects have garnered recognition from Interior Design Magazine, IIDA Texas/Oklahoma Chapter Excellence in Design Awards, AIA Houston Design Awards, the Houston Business Journal Landmark Awards, the Chicago Athenaeum Museum for Architecture and Design, and the PaperCity Design Awards. Linnea is passionate about mentoring the next generation of design talent and actively participates in professional development programs within the industry. She regularly shares her expertise through one-on-one mentoring, speaking engagements and design workshops.

A real estate veteran with over 15 year of experience, Bedinger has a strong background in media relations, media buying, corporate brand development and marketing strategy. She most recently served as Vice President of Marketing at Transwestern, where she was responsible for overseeing the development of national communication and marketing plans for global clientele, key executives and internal campaigns;strategic influence for high-end development projects and executive leadership initiatives; spearheading annual brand planning processes; and leading national philanthropic partnerships. Bedinger’s career achievements stem from her ability to manage with creativity and collaboration. She is results driven, innovative and articulate, adaptable and able to lead a team to success.