November 19, 2025 by Julia Troy

Phoenix CRE Women Leaders Discuss The Value of Teamwork, Industry Connections And Strong Work Culture

Photo: Unsplash/Nils Huenerfuerst

On Dec. 11, Bisnow is honoring 30 Phoenix-based female leaders and trailblazers who have made a significant impact on the industry through their work.

Bisnow’s inaugural Phoenix Women Leading Real Estate Awards, which will take place at The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, will bring these women together for an awards ceremony that recognizes their accomplishments. The event will feature a panel discussion called Breaking Ground, Breaking Barriers, in which seven of Phoenix’s women leaders will offer insights into their career trajectories and high points, followed by a Q&A and two cocktail and networking opportunities.

Click here to register and purchase tickets.

Bisnow spoke with the honorees to get their thoughts on what sets them apart in the Phoenix CRE community. 

Tonya Lively, Vice President Of Escrow Operations And Director Of Sales At Commonwealth Title National Commercial Services

Lively said she has always believed success isn’t solely measured by individual achievements but also by the ability to foster meaningful connections that uplift others.

“One of the core principles I uphold is the importance of being well connected,” she said. “Building a strong network allows me to advocate effectively for others' success, whether it involves clients, colleagues or community members. I find great fulfillment in supporting others’ aspirations and helping them navigate the complexities of the real estate industry. This collaborative approach not only benefits those I serve but also enriches my own professional journey.”

Lindsey Pontious-Brist, Business Development West Region Lead At MMR Group

Pontious-Brist said her diverse background in finance, project management and engineering helps her be hands-on in her job. 

“While I am doing traditional business development duties on some days, I am not your traditional BD person, because I am also constantly involved in the field, putting my past experience and brains to work,” she said. “On top of my work, I serve my community as a Fiesta Sports Foundation Yellow Jacket, and I am an honorary commander with the 944th Squadron at Luke Air Force Base. This all keeps me nice and busy, but it is my passion and I love it.”

Cassie Wells, CEO At Modern Business Development 

Wells said she believes her creation of the Business Relationship Gardening Method has not just helped influence how people can connect authentically to build trust with those who can bring in recurring business but is also changing the perspective of the BD role in organizations.

“I want to have a global impact on how business relationships are viewed and developed, focusing on authentic connections, self-motivated accountability and trust-building strategies,” she said.

Emily Ganem, Executive Vice President At Ganem Cos.

Ganem said what sets her apart is genuine passion and a true willingness to collaborate.

“I care deeply about what I do, and I think people can feel that,” she said. “I show up every day with energy, transparency and the desire to make everyone around me better — our clients, partners and team. I’m not afraid to admit when something doesn’t go as planned or when I don’t have all the answers. I love learning from others and sharing what I’ve learned along the way. In a competitive industry, I’ve found that being open, collaborative and, most importantly, genuine always wins in the long run.” 

Anna Sepic, Senior Vice President At SRS Real Estate Partners

Sepic said her dedication to finding the perfect property for her clients is what sets her apart. She added that her background — coming from a multifamily owner-operator — provided her with the ability to give a level of detail when it comes to buyer representation that is second to none. 

“I review every potential property as if I were purchasing the property but also am not afraid to push back on clients with must-haves and negotiables, and expanding areas in the site selection process,” she said. “Additionally, I have an extensive network of industry contacts and try to make sure that I have absolutely every potential resource to connect my clients — a one-stop shop, from lenders, CPAs, contractors, insurance, etc. Clients value that I can bring every possible resource to the table and that it is just a phone call away.”

Dala Al-Fuwaires, CEO And Founder At House Of Form 

Al-Fuwaires said what sets her apart is the way she mixes design, business and people. 

“At House of Form, we don’t just design spaces. We tell stories,” she said. “Every restaurant, hotel or bar has to feel like it belongs to the community and invites people in. That balance of concept and culture is what keeps our work fresh and memorable. I also care a lot about how we grow. Slow and steady, with intention. I’m big on systems and structure, but just as big on building a team culture that feels good to be part of. I want my team to feel like they can take risks, try things and push boundaries without losing sight of the details.”

Michelle Romero, Senior Principal At SmithGroup 

Romero said her leadership style puts people first. 

“As Simon Sinek says, ‘Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge,’” she said. “When people are doing what they love and are filled with purpose, business will flourish. I am a strategic thinker and value diverse perspectives. Listening to others and being open to fresh ideas not only breeds new thinking but provides growth opportunities that cultivate future leaders.”

Jennifer Understahl, Partner At Perkins Coie 

Understahl said she works on large national projects, including in Arizona, that are high-visibility and cutting-edge. 

“My clients depend on me for practical solutions to complex problems, and they trust my experience and my dedication to finding resolutions that are workable and attuned to the values and unique needs of their companies,” she said. “I also lead large teams of real estate attorneys at my firm in their work for emerging and established private and public companies on acquisition, financing, development and leasing of projects that involve electric vehicle charging, energy, automotive and technology projects, research and development, and headquarter moves. In other words, the real estate projects on which my team and I work are important and of high value to our clients, and we are trusted as strategic advisers.”  

Keri Scott, Executive Vice President At Colliers 

Scott said she believes what sets her apart is a combination of deep market expertise, a client-centric approach and a strong commitment to integrity and collaboration. 

“Throughout my career, I have focused on delivering tailored real estate solutions that prioritize clients’ interests, whether representing local owners, institutional REITs or national tenants,” she said. “My dedication to fostering long-term relationships, mentoring team members and consistently exceeding expectations has enabled me to make a meaningful impact in the Arizona commercial real estate market, which I am honored to have been recognized for by my peers.” 

Flor Aparicio, Partner And Asset Manager At Suncore Partners 

Aparicio said she genuinely cares about people, from being a thoughtful landlord to helping others grow in their careers. 

“I’ve built trust through proven results, consistency and authenticity, and I’m proud to be someone my peers can rely on not only for business success but also for personal guidance,” she said. “I love coaching, sharing knowledge and seeing others succeed. For me, true leadership is about growing together as a team, enjoying the journey and never stopping learning.” 

Sheley Brien, COO - Operations And Marketing At Brien Contracting

Brien said she brings a cross-industry perspective to construction — one shaped by finance, pharmaceutical, tech, media and operations — and she has used that to challenge how leadership shows up in the field. 

“What’s contributed most to my success is a focus on clarity, systems and building a culture that delivers both accountability and trust,” she said. “I don’t lead for the spotlight. I lead to raise the standard for what excellence and integrity can look like in construction.”

Crystal Pierce, Director At FFKR Architects

Pierce said building meaningful relationships is her top priority. 

“I approach every opportunity with persistence and purpose,” Pierce said. “My focus extends beyond generating revenue. I believe people are the true drivers of success. My mission is to foster authentic connections and strategic collaborations among professionals across all sectors of commercial real estate.” 

Marlene Brandemuehl, Owner At Soaring Eight 

Brandemuehl said that what sets her apart is her focus on alignment — aligning the work she does with the people and values that matter most. 

“After years in partnership, I made a deliberate decision to scale intentionally, shaping a firm that prioritizes purpose over size,” she said. “I’ve built lasting relationships through honesty, collaboration and a deep understanding of healthcare environments, where every design decision impacts real people.”

Candace Rosauro, Vice President At Chermack Consulting Group

Rosauro said she loves rallying teams, solving the impossible and keeping the vibe high even when construction dust makes everyone question their life choices.

“I pride myself on being a relationship-first leader who still gets the tough stuff done,” she said. “My peers know I show up, follow through and refuse to let a project lose its sparkle.” 

Jennifer Wallace-Sasek, President And Owner At McCarthy Nordburg

Wallace-Sasek said she embraces being uncomfortable, since that is where creativity and growth come from.

“Taking risks and pushing boundaries brings new opportunities to learn and to meet new people,” she said. “I am authentic and vulnerable with my team, and I believe we are all better for that.” 

Kristina Gooding, Vice President At Fidelity National Title 

Gooding said that since Fidelity is the largest title company in the U.S., her organization provides her and her team with resources and tools that help them offer great service to their customers.  

“My leadership’s trust and belief in me allows my team flexibility and autonomy to provide our clients unique solutions,” she said. 

Rachelle Smith-Strole, Owner And Founder At Capital Asset Management

Smith-Strole said she is passionate about making the CRE industry better and that she strives to teach the younger generation how to create and lead with kindness and empathy.

Beth Jo Zeitzer, CEO And Designated Broker At R.O.I. Properties 

Zeitser said she has been fortunate to surround herself with talented and supportive people who enable her and R.O.I. Properties to accomplish great things.

“As a woman who began her career in law and transitioned into commercial real estate over 26 years ago, I have learned the importance of grit, resilience and adaptability,” she said. “These qualities have shaped how I lead and serve my clients.” 

Natalie Storm, Director At Matthews

Storm said that what sets her apart is her work ethic and ability to foster a strong, hardworking, winning team culture. 

“I hope to continue transforming how Matthews presents its properties and brand by making our marketing materials more innovative, design-forward and impactful,” she said. “My goal is to modernize our offering memorandums, digital campaigns and investor communications to better tell each property’s story, strengthen our brand identity and expand our investment sales footprint.” 

Michelle Jenson, Chief Property Officer At PB Bell 

Jenson said she leads with heart and thinks of herself as a humble leader.

“I focus on my team members’ growth and how I can better their lives,” she said. “I don't take my position for granted and understand the role that I play in our team members’ lives.” 

Michelle Heeb, Owner And CEO At Forward Tilt

Heeb said what sets her apart is a 30-year career built on authentic passion, relentless hustle and an unwavering focus on the human experience.

“I love crafting spaces where brand, culture and people meet — and everyone feels, ‘This is us,’” she said. “We serve startups to Fortune 500s, single locations to national portfolios, modest budgets to multimillion-dollar builds, always with the same gratitude and humility. Clients become family, not transactions.” 

Alexis Matt, Vice President At Newmark 

Matt said it is easy to spot leaders who are truly cause-driven and passionate about their work. 

“I am passionate about not only commercial real estate but about mentoring others and making a positive impact in the lives of others, whether that is teaching a class to new professionals about financial literacy or Intro to Investing, or mentoring a friend through a tough time at their job,” she said. “This industry is about connections, and I'm passionate about finding them, learning and connecting.” 

Vanessa Williams, Arizona Market Leader And Senior Managing Director At CBRE 

Williams said she is a passionate and creative leader who sees endless possibilities. 

“I’m a strategic thinker with a strong focus on ethical leadership and helping organizations thrive through innovation, operational excellence and long-term growth,” she said. “What drives me most is people, leadership and supporting others in growing their business and reaching their potential.” 

Judi Butterworth, Senior Vice President At Orion Investment Real Estate

Butterworth said she is an action/solution person, so from the start of her career in 1977, she knew she needed to do something different from the men. 

“I started with being chair of the city of Phoenix Housing Commission and then advanced to being chair of the city of Phoenix Zoning Board of Adjustment,” she said. “I was part of Class 4 of Valley Leadership and later served on the alumni association. I was also involved in several political campaigns, bond election committees and the Paradise Valley Planning Committee. All of these taught me about the business, government and the market, and helped introduce me to decision-makers and market leaders.” 

Jessica Colón, Preconstruction Executive At DPR Construction

Colón said what sets her apart is her ability to blend strategic vision with hands-on execution, especially during pivotal transitions. 

“I prioritize transparency and collaboration,” she said. “Whether it’s attending industry events, engaging with industry peers or supporting our teams, I make it a point to show up, listen and lead with purpose. That presence across multiple touchpoints — strategy, talent and community — is what I think my peers recognized.” 

Elizabeth Berry, Senior Director At Plaza Cos.

Berry said the mix of experiences that have shaped how she approaches her work sets her apart. 

“Starting my career in communications and spending time in both state and federal government gave me a unique perspective on how policy, community and development come together,” she said. “I’ve carried that into commercial real estate, where collaboration and relationship-building are at the heart of what I do. I love bringing people together around projects that make a real difference for Arizona’s communities.” 

Lorraine Bergman, President And CEO At Caliente Construction

Bergman said the greatest accomplishment of her career has been building a team capable of carrying Caliente forward by growing, diversifying and strengthening the company for the future. 

“Looking ahead, my goal is to continue empowering our people to reach their full potential,” she said. “Watching our employees expand their knowledge, become experts in their field and emerge as strong industry leaders is incredibly rewarding and gives me confidence that Caliente’s legacy will continue to thrive for generations to come.” 

Ashley Harder, Founder At Harder Development 

Harder said her approach to development has always been personal and driven by what she wanted to see more of in her own neighborhood. 

“I wanted to see vacant properties reimagined as spaces where small businesses could open their doors and thrive,” she said. “Places where good design wasn’t an afterthought, and where historic buildings could be preserved, modernized and given new life.” 

Jaime Northam, Senior Vice President At Ryan Cos.

Northam said her passion for the industry, work ethic and perseverance, and focus on relationships help set her apart in the industry. 

“[My goal is to] have had a longstanding positive impact and influence on the healthcare and real estate industries,” she said. “Also knowing I always put forth my best effort and with no regrets.”