September 15, 2025 by Elizabeth Reyn

Bisnow Gearing Up To Honor Influential Women In CRE At Inaugural Salt Lake City Awards Ceremony

Photo: Unsplash/Ashton Bingham

On Sept. 23, Bisnow will host its first Salt Lake City Women Leading Real Estate Awards to honor 24 women in different stages of their commercial real estate careers who have made substantial contributions through their work while paving the way for a more inclusive future. 

The event, which will take place in the Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown, will feature an awards ceremony and a panel discussion with Dana Baird, executive managing director of Cushman & Wakefield; Darlene Carter, CEO of C.W. Group; and Ronda Landa, senior vice president at Fidelity National Title. 

“My journey as a trailblazer in commercial real estate is fueled by a deep passion for people and an unwavering commitment to finding solutions,” Landa said. 

The three honorees will discuss trends and offer insights into SLC’s CRE market and share more about their experiences and career trajectories. The honorees will also have the opportunity to network with other leaders in the industry.

These women recognize the importance of mentoring and leading the way for the next generation of influential women.

“Beyond transactions, I want to mentor and inspire others, helping them grow as leaders while fostering collaboration and trust across the industry,” said honoree Jill Snyder, senior managing director of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties.

Click here to register and purchase tickets.

Ronda Landa, Senior Vice President At Fidelity National Title

Ronda Landa's CRE journey is fueled by a passion for people and a commitment to finding solutions. 

“As a top producer and advocate for women in the industry, I’m dedicated to lifting others through genuine connection, thoughtful mentorship and empowering education,” she said.

She wants to be remembered as someone who changed the trajectory for women in CRE, creating opportunities and pathways that didn’t exist before and ensuring future generations have a more equitable playing field.

Krista Peters, Senior Vice President At Redstone Residential

Krista Peters said that what sets her apart is her ability to blend operational excellence with genuine connection. While the numbers or the performance through those numbers matter, she focuses as much on the people.

“I’ve learned that if you can create clarity, communicate with care, and stay steady in the hard conversations, you build trust that moves everything forward,” she said.

Peters said that being willing to evolve, whether that is embracing artificial intelligence or rethinking development strategies to meet changing renter expectations, has helped her stay ahead. 

“I don’t wait for the industry to tell me where it’s going,” she said. “I ask the hard questions early and look for opportunities to create value in new ways.”

Nadia Letey, Senior Vice President At CBRE

Nadia Letey is focused on driving continued success for CBRE’s clients and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in commercial real estate. 

Her goal is to create value for CBRE’s clients by maximizing the potential of their properties and matching occupiers with innovative, inspiring spaces that cultivate a thriving work environment.

“We're a collaborative group, constantly learning from each other and striving to deliver an exceptional, high-caliber experience for every client,” she said. “I believe in lifting others up, and that focus on teamwork and mentorship is a key driver of our success.”

Sarah Narjes, General Manager At Mortenson

Sarah Narjes is honored to be recognized by her peers and hopes to have an opportunity to partner with them and add value to their businesses along the way. In her spare time, she also enjoys skiing and mountain biking with her family.

“I'd love to look back on my career and my journey as a parent and feel that both efforts complemented each other,” she said.

Alison Weinberg-Fahey, Shareholder At Greenberg Traurig LLP

Alison Weinberg-Fahey said she would like to continue to build a reputation of trust and integrity and be a resource that people look to for help when they run into an issue.

“I hope to build my practice and life within the community,” she said. 

Ashley Allred, Broker At Newmark Mountain West

Ashley Allred strives to be an agent that both peers and clients are proud to work with. She said that her ability to observe and learn sets her apart.

“My focus from Day 1 has always been to watch and learn from those who have been able to create a successful career,” she said. “I've had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the business and many highly respected people. I've watched and applied those skills that they have demonstrated, which include integrity, trust and care.” 

Ashley McDonald, Senior Director At Asana Partners

Ashley McDonald hopes to grow as a leader while creating places that matter. Her goal is to continue taking on meaningful challenges, which includes inspiring other women to pursue leadership in development.

“I bring vision, perseverance and grit to complex redevelopment projects while fostering collaboration to make ambitious ideas possible,” she said.

Connie Gonzalez, Associate Vice President Of D.A. Davidson

Connie Gonzalez works closely with private developers to help fund public infrastructure. She said she is grateful for the team, clients and projects across the state that she gets to be a part of.

“There is so much need for creativity and collaboration in the public and private spheres in our industry,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to have so much banking and transactional experience, and I want to positively influence the next generation.”

Dana Baird, Executive Managing Director At Cushman & Wakefield

Dana Baird prioritizes networking and mentoring, which have helped her grow and support others.

“I’m someone people can count on,” she said. “Clear communication has helped me build trust and strong relationships across teams.”

She is passionate about helping new leaders step into the industry with confidence and support. It is important for her to share what she has learned, encourage growth and create space for others to lead.

Darlene Carter, CEO At C.W. Group 

Besides her C.W. Group role, Darlene Carter is an adjunct professor in the University of Utah's master's in real estate development program. She said this recognition reflects her blend of strategic vision, strong execution and a genuine commitment to people.

“Real estate development is about more than building projects. It’s about creating communities and relationships that last,” she said. “In a male-dominated industry — often as the only woman in the room where key decisions are made — I’ve led with confidence, clarity and results.”

Eva Lopez Chavez, Chief Of Staff At Lotus Co.

Eva Lopez Chavez is the first Mexican American elected to the Salt Lake City Council. 

She said that what sets her apart is how she approaches development as a creative pursuit and a civic responsibility, simultaneously weaving together design, community engagement and long-term economic sustainability.

“I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo, listen deeply to stakeholders and push for projects that elevate both the built environment and the human experience within it,” she said. “At the end of it all, if we aren't a little daring, a little restless and a little mad, then what is our time really spent doing if not changing the world?”

Gwen Knight, Executive Vice President At Colliers

Gwen Knight has been in the commercial real estate industry for nearly 40 years. She is on the Commercial Real Estate Women Network Utah board of directors and was its president in 2024. 

She has used her extensive experience in commercial real estate development, finance, consulting and brokerage to guide clients in evaluating the pros and cons of various approaches. This allows them to make informed decisions and ultimately achieve their goals.

“I consistently approach each project by asking, ‘What would I do if I were in my client's shoes?’” she said. “Sometimes, this means recommending that a client walk away from a deal — something that may not benefit me directly but is ultimately in their best interest.”

Jill Snyder, Senior Managing Director At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties

Jill Snyder has spent many years building relationships and delivering results in Utah’s commercial real estate market. She said she brings local expertise, having worked with most of the landlords and tenants in the area.

She has always approached the business with a long-term mindset — listening first, understanding her clients’ goals and finding creative solutions that benefit everyone involved.

“Ultimately, I aim to leave a legacy of thoughtful leadership — one that balances business success with integrity, innovation and a commitment to improving the environments in which we live and work,” she said.

Kathy Olson, Director At Woodbury Corp.

Kathy Olson specializes in large mixed-use developments. She is responsible for coordinating the construction of two of the largest mixed-use developments in the Salt Lake City metro area: the 112-acre University Place in Orem and the 56-acre Holladay Hills in Holladay.  

“I want to get others to see the benefits and profitability of mixed-use walkable communities,” she said. “They should be the norm rather than the exception.”

Erin Laney Barr, Managing Director And Market Leader At CBRE

Erin Laney Barr began her career as a real estate attorney, pivoted to economic development and property development, and is now at a commercial brokerage. 

She loves working with and helping to develop professionals, no matter where they are in their careers.  

“Whether it's creating a strategic plan for their next 15 years or helping plan their pivot and crafting their legacy, I feel fortunate that I've been entrusted with this opportunity and can't wait to help grow our business even more,” she said.

Michele Sauk, Market President At Fortis Bank

Michele Sauk credits her direct and honest communication with leading her to effectively move transactions forward and reach strategic targets set out by the bank and leadership.

“My goal is to help continue to grow Fortis Bank into a multibillion-dollar bank and help those around me grow into the best version of themselves, becoming high producers/contributors and having fun at the same time,” she said.

Kenzie Kier, Networking And Operations Director At J. Fisher Cos.

Kenzie Kier said that one of the things that sets her apart is her experience spanning many aspects of the industry. 

She wants to help change the narrative around women in the construction and real estate markets so they feel empowered and confident in their abilities to lead the team. 

“I believe women belong in both construction and real estate, and fiercely advocate for education and resources to support women having more seats at the table in a historically male-dominated landscape,” she said.

Elaine Lu, Managing Director At Bridge Investment Group

Elaine Lu has been with Bridge Investment Group for 10 years. Her career aspirations are driven by a commitment to continuous growth and skill development, and she is passionate about mentoring and sponsoring her team members and helping them progress in their own careers. 

“I’ve seen firsthand how much impact a manager can have on someone’s professional journey,” she said. “That experience drives me to be a positive force for my team. Whether they choose to grow within Bridge or move on to opportunities elsewhere, my goal is to ensure that their time here is meaningful and adds value to their careers.”

Nichole Parkinson, Chief Operating Officer At Newmark Mountain West

Nichole Parkinson is passionate about operational excellence and finding ways to streamline systems.

She hopes to keep building a culture where collaboration, innovation and growth are at the center of everything Newmark does.

“Commercial real estate is an industry built on relationships, and I’ve always believed that if you invest in your people and foster a strong, supportive culture, the results will follow,” she said. “The balance of people-first leadership, a culture where collaboration thrives, and a commitment to efficiency and innovation is what I believe has contributed to this recognition.”

Nicole Horst, Principal At Wenk Associates

Nicole Horst led the team for the Salt Lake City Green Loop plan. She said the project was a collaborative effort with multiple city departments, stakeholders and the community to transform the notoriously wide streets into public green space, and it can unlock tremendous value and opportunity in the development community. 

“I want to keep working on projects that capture the essence of place, promote healthier living and are vibrant spaces in their communities,” she said. “I want to continue to grow and learn and take on the new challenges in front of us to address climate resiliency by integrating natural systems and creating places that bring us happiness.”

Norah Potter, Senior Development Manager At Lake Union Partners

Norah Potter said a combination of curiosity, perspective and respect for the various people involved in the full development process is what sets her apart. She said she aspires to lead with support, respect, kindness and clear communication.

“I want to continue expanding my breadth of knowledge across the industry, and I’m excited to keep tackling new subjects and deepening my expertise,” she said.

Rachel Oh Smith, Managing Director At PEG Cos.

Rachel Oh Smith said that her background in relationship building and private wealth management positioned her to add value to PEG’s growth, helping to shape its presence in the Mountain West and expand its national footprint.

“Commercial real estate remains heavily male-dominated, particularly in capital markets and across the Mountain West,” she said. “When you layer in private equity capital formation, the number of women in the field becomes even smaller. That’s why I feel honored to be among the growing group of talented women charting a path in CRE.”