While research suggests that women are making some strides in narrowing the gender gap in commercial real estate, many still feel as though they struggle to gain as much traction in the industry as their male counterparts.

A March Bisnow survey found that almost 51% of women believe they or other women in their companies are missing out on opportunities in their organizations. Thankfully, there are many women in the industry working hard to advance not only their careers but also the careers of the next generation of female CRE leaders.

Dozens of these women leading the charge in Texas will be honored at Bisnow’s Austin Women Leading Real Estate event on June 18 at the Hyatt Regency Austin. Register here for the event.

Bisnow spoke with six of the honorees of this year’s event to learn more about how they and their organizations are supporting women in CRE and what it means to them to be recognized for their efforts.

This story was produced by Studio B, Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Bisnow: How are you and your firm working to enhance the growth of women in commercial real estate?

Thomas: At The Rosendin Foundation, the charitable arm of Rosendin Electric and Modular Power Solutions, we are building and empowering girls to be construction leaders through TRF Camp Build and Camp NAWIC. Both are weeklong, hands-on construction camps where girls have the opportunity to work with tools to build and learn from women in the construction industry locally.

TRF Camp Build is a national coed program that fosters a love of building while nurturing the emotional, nutritional and occupational health of its campers, and providing construction professionals the opportunity to share their skills and knowledge with the next generation of builders.

Bisnow: What does being recognized at this event mean to you? 

Thomas: Being recognized means that people are learning about what we do at The Rosendin Foundation and supporting our mission to positively impact communities, build and empower people, and inspire innovation. It’s an honor to be viewed well by my peers and seen as a leader in the industry.

Bisnow: How are you and your firm working to enhance the growth of women in commercial real estate?

Seay: This year I am celebrating 22 years since founding Art + Artisans. In that time I have built a very large network in the CRE world. I’m at a point in my career where one of my greatest joys is connecting people to new opportunities. That may include making introductions, helping someone find a new job or mentoring. If sharing my experience can help someone succeed in their goals, I’m all-in! For the past 10-plus years, I have also been very involved with CREW Austin and CREW Network, whose mission is to advance women in commercial real estate. CREW provides a wonderful platform for women to connect and lift each other up.

Bisnow: What does being recognized at this event mean to you?

Seay: There are so many exceptional women being recognized at this event, and I am excited and honored to be among them!

Bisnow: How are you and your firm working to enhance the growth of women in commercial real estate? 

Escobar: The good news for multifamily is that it is predominantly a women’s industry. At a certain level, there has historically been a glass ceiling, but Greystar has made some very strategic changes in the last five-plus years to change that. The overall executive committee of Greystar has been expanded. Where it has historically been the three founders, it has now grown to 25 members, and our executive director of real estate operations is now running the entire U.S.-owned assets and third-party management. Most of the senior managing directors at Greystar are women. We continue to groom our teams and work to promote from within. The majority of our leadership started on-site, so we all understand all levels of the business.

Bisnow: What does being recognized at this event mean to you?

Escobar: I am beyond humbled about being recognized and so proud. I had no idea about this event and am very thankful for the nomination and recognition. I am excited to take part and pay this forward next year. I just want to be an example to the next generation and help them achieve their goals.

Bisnow: How are you and your firm working to enhance the growth of women in commercial real estate?

Roberts: Our firm is committed to supporting the growth of women in CRE by promoting work-life balance and empowerment in a male-dominated industry. We offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible hours, to accommodate the diverse needs of our female employees. Additionally, we provide resources and support for childcare and family responsibilities, ensuring that women can thrive in their careers while maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. By prioritizing work-life balance, we aim to attract and retain talented women in the CRE industry, contributing to their professional growth and success.

Bisnow: What does being recognized at this event mean to you?

Roberts: Being recognized at this event is truly an honor, and it fills me with a sense of pride and gratitude. It signifies that the hard work, dedication and innovation I've poured into growing my business has not gone unnoticed. Being recognized at this event validates our efforts and achievements, affirming that we're on the right path. It's a testament to the collective passion and commitment of our team, whose contributions have been instrumental in our success.

This nomination serves as motivation to continue pushing boundaries, striving for excellence and making a positive impact in our industry. It's not just about the recognition itself, but about the opportunity to inspire others and to further elevate the standards of our profession.

Bisnow: How are you and your firm working to enhance the growth of women in commercial real estate?

Martin: DLR Group advances its commitment to equity through industry leadership and community engagement. The firm has women leaders at all levels, from associates to board members. These leaders participate in groups like Women in Design, AIA Women's Leadership Summit and the National Association of Women in Construction. In the community, DLR Group encourages the next generation of women in design and allied industries by volunteering at events like Girls Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Bisnow: What does being recognized at this event mean to you?

Martin: Being recognized at this event is a humbling honor that validates my contributions as a design leader and inspires me to keep pushing boundaries in Texas real estate, all while furthering the success of DLR Group.

Bisnow: How are you and your firm working to enhance the growth of women in commercial real estate?

Vega: CRE has long been a male-dominated field, and it takes a lot to push women to the forefront and be respected, but we are breaking through that glass ceiling at Pearlstone. The women within our firm aren’t just taking the stereotypical admin and secretarial roles. They are all leaders and experts in their profession, and I help encourage and support them to take initiative and own their place in the company. As a whole, we get behind the decisions they choose, and I’m here to guide, mentor and celebrate them when those decisions come to fruition.

Bisnow: What does being recognized at this event mean to you?

Vega: Working for a small firm, you have to wear many hats, and there isn't much time for pats on the back, so being recognized was a complete shock. It is both a gratifying and humbling experience to know that I’m making a positive impact in this field. I’m grateful to have both my hard work and dedication noticed, but it is also a testament to those who have believed in and encouraged me along the way. It serves as motivation to keep striving for excellence and pushing myself to new heights.