We're starting a series highlighting top leadership and networking opportunities for women in Chicago. Meet one lady at the helm: CBRE EVP Lisa Konieczka founded the CBRE Women's Network in 2000. Since then, membership has skyrocketed to more than 2,000 women, she says, and the Women's Network has morphed into a formidable tool for change. Its tenets: networking, mentorship, professional development, and personal enrichment. Major initiatives include an annual global forum (last year 450 women met in Chicago) and a field delegate program to build more robust communities in CB's local markets. The Women's Network also offers a popular mentorship program, Lisa says, covering topics like negotiation training and personal branding. Success story: Lisa's former administrative assistant, through the network, is now CB's Southeast regional marketing manager. “That's the essence of the Women's Network,” she says, “Tapping women with great potential.”

Do you know of a fantastic CRE women's group in the Chicago area? Send Marissa Oberlander the details!