When CBRE's Lacey Willard was putting together the inaugural BOMA Women in Commercial Real Estate program and breakfast, she thought that perhaps 30 people would attend—but 200 women packed the room today, eager to hear about the most important issues affecting women in the industry.

The speakers, who shared their insights and secrets to success: Corporate Sustainability Strategies' Brenna Walraven, CBRE's Marcy Moneypenny, JLL's Sandrena Robinson, Cushman & Wakefield|PICOR's Barbi Reuter and Lacey. Brenna, who was BOMA International's first female chairman and a past president of BOMA Orange County, says she would have never considered herself a risk-taker, but after 16 years working for USAA Real Estate, went out on her own last year. "I live and work my passion," she says. "Life is short, so do what makes your heart sing."

Among the attendees (clockwise from top left) were Servpro's Patti Brown, BBM Techno Group's Bonnie Manter, Cushman & Wakefield's Linda Beauchamp, Restoration Management Co's Karen Cowan and CBRE's Lynn Linhares. Sandrena says it helps to have a high level of inspired curiousity and to always look for ways to do things better. That vision allows you to bring value to your company and career. Barbi adds to convey who you want to be and that your brand is consistent across all platforms. Think about your elevator pitch: who you are and how you can create value.

We also snapped The City of San Diego's Cybele Thompson, Brandywine Realty Trust's Lynn Hulbert and Meissner Jacquet's Kristin Howell. Marcy's favorite book is Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman by Gail Evans and is recommended reading. What she learned while being a manager at a male-dominated level of real estate: Speak in a strong, confident voice, but also listen and collaborate. Preparation means opportunity. When women hear "no," they think, "never," she says—but don't take it that way. It could be timing, budget or not relevant, but that doesn't mean you can't ask again.