This limited series profiles SoCal Power Women who have helped shape cities, neighborhoods, businesses and lifestyles in Los Angeles and Orange counties. These women will be honored at Bisnow's SoCal Power Women event Dec. 13.

Megan Moloughney began her career as a property manager and has worked her way up. With nearly 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, Maloughney now serves as a senior development manager at The Ratkovich Co., handling asset management and entitlement duties.

How do you describe your job to people who are not in the industry?

Moloughney: I am a bit of a hybrid. I handle asset management duties as well as entitlement duties for a commercial development company in Los Angeles. As the mission statement for The Ratkovich Co. states, we seek to “improve the quality of urban life.” If it’s talking to my children, I am working on a project to help build more homes for people since there are many people in our region and we don’t have enough homes for everyone.

What is the biggest business problem you have faced and how did you solve it?

Moloughney: As a developer, oftentimes I have experienced dissent from those that are not in our industry. It is our responsibility to make sure we are being thoughtful in our intentions and informative by engaging with the communities and cities in which we do business. Looking into the future I think private and public partnerships will grow to become more important than ever to achieve success and provide a more clear understanding of why development is critical to the overall success of a city or region.

What is one thing you think companies can do to address wage and gender inequality?

Moloughney: I believe it is good for every company culture to have balance as it’s good to have diversity in decision-making. It’s vital that companies help bring out each person’s own set of strengths and play to those strengths for everyone to succeed.

What piece of advice do you give others entering the industry?

Moloughney: In real estate there are so many avenues that can be pursued. I started out in property management, which gave me a strong foundation to really understand property types and how they function. It also afforded me the chance to work with a wide variety of personalities, owners and projects. I would say have an open mind to every aspect within the industry, as it may take some time wearing a few different hats to figure out what fits you best.

What do you do to unwind when you’re not working?

Moloughney: Family and friends are the most important part of my life and bring me much happiness and relaxation! We love to spend time outdoors, skiing is definitely one of my most happy places and I’m looking forward to the winter snow… just wish I could spend more time there!

Meet The Ratkovich Co. Senior Development Manager Megan Moloughney at Bisnow's SoCal Power Women event Dec. 13 at the LA Grand Hotel Downtown.