21 Women Leading Philadelphia Real Estate On Their Career Impact, Advice For Next Generation
From selling one of Philadelphia’s most iconic higher education portfolios to opening a grocery store in one of the city’s chronically underserved neighborhoods, the women leading the region’s real estate industry have a lot to celebrate this year.
Those achievements and more will be recognized July 30 during Bisnow’s Philadelphia Women Leading Real Estate event in the Ballroom at the Ben at 834 Chestnut St.
Before the 22 honorees receive their awards, the event will kick off with networking and a panel on greater Philly commercial real estate with Center City District CEO Prema Gupta, CBRE Global Head of Experience Services Anna Squires Levine, MPN principal Nadia Bilynsky and Thomas Jefferson University Senior Vice President of Asset Management Dominique Casimir.
The success stories honorees share come as women are still working to increase their representation across the industry. Last year, Bisnow found that across the 100 largest commercial real estate companies, women held 27.5% of C-suite jobs and 32.9% of board seats, up from 27.3% and 31.8% in 2024.
Ahead of the event, 21 of this year’s Philly honorees responded to emailed questions from Bisnow and provided a wide array of advice on how women can secure their seat at the table in a sometimes unwelcoming industry.
“Take up space,” Philly Office Retail Chief Operating Officer Kate Schoener said. “Learn every part of the business, from construction to finance, and don’t be afraid to speak with authority before you feel completely ready. Confidence grows through experience, not before it.”
Many honorees also stressed the importance of building strong relationships.
“Show up for the people in your network before you need something, follow through on your word, and genuinely champion the people around you,” Blueprint Commercial Real Estate founder Maddie Whitehead said.
“Deals come and go, but the network you build with authenticity and consistency is what sustains a career.”
The honorees also discussed their careers and impact on the industry. Read more of their responses below.
Samantha Kupersmith, Senior Director Of Capital Markets, JLL
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
I take great pride in the conversion sales I've worked on in recent years. These transactions have meaningfully impacted the fabric of our city. The sale of the University of the Arts real estate is particularly significant, as it will reimagine these properties and revitalize South Broad Street.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Regardless of the reasons you're invited to join a meeting, approach it as an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and perspective. When you consistently add value to these conversations, you'll earn your seat at the table based on the strength of your contributions.
Maria Sourbeer, Executive Vice President, Mosaic Development Partners
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
Opening the first grocery store in the Sharswood neighborhood in over 50 years was a defining moment for me. … It wasn't just about delivering a building, it was about restoring something that had been taken from a neighborhood. That is the kind of impact I hope to keep driving in Philadelphia.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
I began my career as an architect which is not an obvious launching pad to real estate development. … My advice is to stay open minded and not to disregard the idea of changing direction. The knowledge and experience you bring, regardless of direct field experience, is an asset you will use and should not be underestimated.
Paula Brown, Director Of Corporate Legal Counsel, Colliers
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
It's not a moment, but many. Each time a broker says that my advice was invaluable in getting a deal to the finish line.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Embrace your femininity, leverage the perspective it provides; trust your instincts. Feminine intuition is a valuable asset that enriches all interactions, personal and professional.
MaryVictoria Montanari, Hospitality Practice Strategy Leader, Nelson Worldwide
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
Returning to my career after two children within 19 months of one another was certainly a pivotal moment in my career. I hope that balancing raising a young family and the high demand of our industry never goes unnoticed for all working parents.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
It's always worth a conversation or a cup of coffee. No connection is pointless. You never know when sparing 30 minutes for a phone call or meeting will be the break for your next big move. It might not be immediate, it might be five years down the road, but your network is your value in this industry.
Kate Schoener, Chief Operations Officer, Philly Office Retail
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
One defining moment in my career was recognizing that forcing a struggling real estate deal to work would ultimately mean higher rents and less affordability. I chose to prioritize long-term neighborhood value over short-term returns. That experience shaped my belief that Philadelphia needs hands-on, community-minded development grounded in sustainability, honesty, and practicality.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Take up space. Learn every part of the business, from construction to finance, and don’t be afraid to speak with authority before you feel completely ready. Confidence grows through experience, not before it.
Uma Moriarity, Senior Investment Strategist And Global Head Of Sustainability, CenterSquare Investment Management
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
One defining decision in my career was focusing on the strategic side of real estate investing by connecting macro trends, sustainability, and asset performance. I hope to help Philadelphia’s real estate industry think long term, adapt proactively, and create resilient, high-performing places that generate lasting value for investors and communities alike.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Real estate is ultimately a relationship-driven business where trust and credibility are everything. My advice is to develop strong technical expertise, stay intellectually curious, and protect your reputation carefully because over time, consistency, integrity, and thoughtful judgment are what create lasting opportunities and impact.
Janice Wong, Chief Operating Officer, Gattuso Development Partners
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
Landing tenants to Philadelphia from outside the market grew our city's economy. Serving on the Habitat for Humanity Philly Board kept me grounded in who that growth should serve. Together, they define the kind of impact I want to have through my work in real estate.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Lead with a growth mindset. Ask questions, take risks, learn from every deal. Your willingness to learn and grow is your greatest advantage.
Ashley DeLuca, Partner, Ballard Spahr
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
When I made partner at Ballard, I took over the mixed-use/commercial condominium practice from my mentor, who was retiring. Deciding to stay at a firm and grow that practice was not an easy decision to make, but it has enabled me to be involved in so many amazing projects around the city!
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Take every opportunity you can to meet other people in the industry. Go to events, take the hard hat tour, get involved in organizations. You never know who you will meet or connect with!
Amy Novak, Project Director, Jacobs
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
A defining moment in my career was when I reached a point where I could intentionally prioritize mentorship and people development. I began to measure success less by the scale of the project and more by the strength of the team and community around it.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Be a voice at the table — your perspective matters and has the power to shape better outcomes for both projects and the communities they serve.
Elaine Marquardt, Philadelphia Managing Director, Savills
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
COVID reshaped how I view commercial office space. Since then, I've focused on helping companies create workplaces designed around people, with employee well-being and family life in mind.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Use your voice, trust your instincts, and build your business in a way that feels authentic to you. Know your strengths, lean into them, and find great partners whose strengths complement yours.
Maddie Whitehead, Founder, Blueprint Commercial
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
Founding Blueprint Commercial, a woman-owned brokerage, is the decision that best reflects the impact I hope to have on Philadelphia's commercial real estate industry. More than anything, I wanted to build a place where women have a genuine opportunity to grow, excel, and build lasting careers in this business.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Relationships are your most valuable asset. Show up for the people in your network before you need something, follow through on your word, and genuinely champion the people around you. Deals come and go, but the network you build with authenticity and consistency is what sustains a career.
Heather Kreiger, Regional Research And Marketing Director, Lee & Associates
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
Taking on leadership roles through the CCIM Institute and other real estate organizations helped me realize that the greatest impact comes from sharing knowledge and opening doors for others.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Stay curious, celebrate your wins, and never let anyone dim your light.
Natalie Madanick, Vice President Of Commercial Business Development, National Integrity Title Agency
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
Taking a leap, NITA has empowered my strengths as a connector to reshape title insurance from transactional to relationship driven — ultimately helping impact real estate experiences regionally.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Growth begins outside your comfort zone. Lead with authenticity. Relationships built through consistency, empathy and trust will outlast titles, trends and transactions every time.
Erin Warwick, Executive Vice President, Wolf Commercial Real Estate
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
At a young age, I was given an opportunity by people who saw potential in me before I had years of experience. … They invested time in mentoring me. … It taught me that real impact in commercial real estate is not just measured by transactions completed, but by the people you help develop along the way.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Trust that your perspective has value long before you feel “fully ready.” … Some of the biggest opportunities in my career came from being willing to ask questions, stay curious, build authentic relationships, and continue showing up consistently, even in rooms where I was one of the few women present.
Sarina Rose, Senior Vice President, Post Brothers
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
I decided long ago to embrace the hurdles it takes to achieve success in the Philadelphia development and construction process. That entails doing my very best to rise above and push through those challenges as if they were the equivalent of an obstacle course. … It's incredibly satisfying to beat the odds practicing a craft that one loves.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Appreciate those moments you are underestimated instead of allowing them to fill your head with apprehension. See it as an easy path to impress. Humor is one of the best and my favorite tools to cut the tension. You can re-invent yourself many many times throughout your career. Consider doing it regularly.
Chelsea DeLuca, Chief Operating Officer, PPR Capital Management
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
One achievement I'm proud of is navigating Covid while simultaneously executing a pre-planned business pivot. Rather than hit pause, our team leaned in. … This captures exactly the kind of impact I want to have in real estate, the ability to make clear-eyed decisions for stakeholders even when the path forward isn't clear.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Always follow through. Be the person people can count on to hit the deadline, do the quality work, give the honest answer. A leadership career built on respect and servant leadership is one you can't go wrong with.
Amber Marcanio, Philadelphia Marketing Manager, Avison Young
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
Leaving JLL and accepting the marketing manager role at Avison Young has had the greatest impact on my career. This transition provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain exposure to every aspect of commercial real estate. I oversee all marketing initiatives for the Philadelphia region, including capital markets, project management, and brokerage services.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Don’t wait to be offered a seat at the table — create your own. … I often tell my marketing team that you have to make yourself indispensable. ... Take on additional responsibilities, continue learning, and become the person others turn to for answers and support. … Establish your boundaries from the start in order to create healthy and respectful working relationships.
Samantha Buccino, Vice President Of Brand Operations, AVE
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
Helping expand AVE into new markets — including two Navy Yard communities bringing residential life to the area for the first time in decades. Being part of a team that drove meaningful growth for a family-owned and operated company has been deeply rewarding, and it reflects the kind of collaborative, community-rooted approach I believe Philadelphia's real estate industry deserves.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Always be the hardest working person in the room and never shy away from asking hard questions. For women in this industry especially, that combination of relentless work ethic and intellectual courage is what turns opportunity into influence.
Julie Herb, Vice President Of Facilities Management, Virtua Health
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
One achievement in my career was the impact I made bringing the deal to a close for Virtua's Cancer Center, from identifying the location, bringing it to the end of the project construction, and opening the facility. It showed the impact years of challenging work can have on improving patient care.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Always make your work and quality of work a top priority. ... When the focus is on the work and teamwork, respect will occur organically.
Kate McNamara, Senior Vice President, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp.
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
Launching the Navy Yard's current, $6B phase of high-impact development has been incredibly exciting and rewarding. Through intentional planning and great partnerships, we're delivering great jobs, major investment, opportunities for companies of all sizes, beautiful public spaces, and a mix of new housing options for Philadelphia.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
Know what you don't know, be open to different perspectives, and don't hesitate to seek out smart advice. Also, always keep cute boots in the trunk for visits to “promising redevelopment sites.”
Allison Wilson-Maher, Vice President Of Real Estate, Penn Medicine
What is one moment, decision or achievement from your career that best reflects the impact you hope to have on Philadelphia’s real estate industry?
My best professional decision was joining Penn Medicine. I have an impact on the daily lives of many people across our region who are seeking high quality healthcare, close to home. My goal is to leave our organization’s real estate in an evergreen state of constant growth and renewal.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women building their careers in real estate today?
This advice was given to me as a young professional: Never say no when someone offers you a real opportunity. Even if you think you can’t do something, someone else believes you can, or they would not have asked. Take the shot!
