Women Leading Real Estate Panel

Panel Honorees

• panelist

  Hilary Gevondyan

  Managing Director & General Counsel

  Ascent Developer Solutions

• Panelist

  Marin Turney

  EVP

  JLL

• panelist

  Amberly Washington

  Founder

  4P Ventures (& CREW LA President)

• 

  June Bardwil

  June Bardwil started her career with PLANNET in 2002 as a Consultant and Project Manager. Today, as an Owner, she plays a pivotal role in cultivating client relationships, a responsibility she passionately embraces. She is actively engaged in most of PLANNET’s projects, including PLANNET's vast entertainment and media portfolio, which includes industry giants such as Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal, and Riot Games. With a career spanning more than four decades in the technology sector, June has witnessed the remarkable evolution from the early days of IBM mainframes to the advent of Artificial Intelligence. June is known for her vibrant presence within the architectural, engineering, and real estate communities, and is enjoying the best part of her career – just ask her!

  PLANNET

  Director & Partner

  Panelist

  June Bardwil

  Director & Partner

  PLANNET

• 

  Carina Mills

  Carina Mills, AIA serves as Senior Director of Talent Management and Senior Associate for RDC-S111, Inc, a group of design firms including: RDC, DyeLot Interiors, PDO, and Studio One Eleven. Carina is the President of AIA California, currently serving her term as of 2025. She is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona’s BArch program and began her service to AIA as soon as she moved to Long Beach and joined the local chapter. Carina began her career dedicated to developing her skills as a technical architect, and as her career path has evolved, she has taken on leadership roles to support practice improvements. Carina has great love for the architecture profession coupled with a tenacious commitment to continuously evolving aspects of it, such as her passion for making the profession more inclusive and equitable.

  RDC

  Senior Director

  panelist

  Carina Mills

  Senior Director

  RDC

• 

  Emily Murray

  Emily, co-chair of the Land Use, Environmental, and Natural Resources practice group, represents private and public sector clients in legal and business matters related to land use and environmental law. From the timely securing of permits, approvals, and entitlements in land use transactions to helping clients buy, sell, or lease environmentally contaminated sites, resolve enforcement actions, or litigate environmental disputes, Emily has the ability to distill complicated concepts into practical business strategies and solutions that she applies for her clients to achieve favorable outcomes. Emily has the proven ability, experience, and network of relationships and resources to achieve results for her clients both in strong real estate markets as well as during more challenging times. During economic downturns she helps her clients navigate entitlement delays and other obstacles that could otherwise impede her clients’ goals. She works with her clients, jurisdictions, and oversight agencies to adapt the project and permitting and entitlement strategy to changing markets and conditions, including modifying or repurposing existing entitlements to fit the client's needs.

  Allen Matkins

  Partner

  moderator

  Emily Murray

  Partner

  Allen Matkins

Honorees

• 

  Lauren Achtemeier

  VP, Investment Officer

  Prologis

• 

  Dorian Aftalion

  VP

  Meridian Capital Group

• 

  Erica Balin

  Principal & Managing Director

  Lee & Associates

• 

  Maggie Beckley

  Healthcare Development Executive

  Providence

• 

  Hai Blankinship

  Director, Property Management

  Longfellow Real Estate Partners

• 

  Lise Bornstein

  Partner

  KFA

• 

  Danielle Bray

  Danielle Bray serves as Vice President of Leasing at Rexford Industrial Realty (NYSE: REXR), a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) with a portfolio valued at approximately $10 billion. The company is exclusively focused on investing in infill industrial properties across Southern California. Danielle oversees the leasing of nearly 14 million square feet spanning San Diego, Orange County and the Mid- Counties. She leads a dynamic team of leasing professionals, collaborates closely with the brokerage community and partners cross-functionally on repositioning and redevelopment projects. With more than 20 years of experience in the industrial real estate sector, Danielle began her career shortly after earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California, initially joining a privately held firm. She joined Rexford in 2019 and thrives in its fast-paced, energetic environment.

  Rexford Industrial

  VP Leasing

  Danielle Bray

  VP Leasing

  Rexford Industrial

• 

  Gina Chang

  Principal

  CO Architects

• 

  Darcy l. Coleman

  Darcy L. Coleman has over two decades of experience managing high-value real estate assets, including luxury hotels, resorts, office towers, and mixed-use developments. As Vice President, she has overseen more than $4.0 billion in transactions spanning acquisitions, debt investments, development financing, and large-scale repositioning. Through the asset management of premier hotels and resorts, she integrates risk management and capital markets strategies in partnership with lenders, investors and global brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Waldorf Astoria and Aimbridge Hospitality. Beyond her professional leadership, Darcy is committed to civic and industry engagement. She serves on the Urban Land Institute Los Angeles Advisory Board, the LMU Real Estate Advisory Board, and the Descanso Gardens Guild Board of Directors, and previously served on the board of 50/50 Leadership, where she supported initiatives advancing financial literacy. Through these roles, she continues to champion urban development, housing, placemaking, cultural stewardship, and community resilience.

  Alagem Capital Group

  VP, Asset & Investment Management

  Darcy l. Coleman

  VP, Asset & Investment Management

  Alagem Capital Group

• 

  Stanislava Dobreva

  Project Manager

  MGAC

• 

  Kelly Farrell

  Managing Director, Principal

  Gensler

• 

  Robin Finch

  Partner

  Greenberg Glusker

• 

  Marisela Fuller

  Director, Real Estate Development

  Innovative Housing Opportunities

• 

  Nadia Geller

  Principal

  Nadia Geller Designs

• 

  Mary Hamzoian

  Mary Hamzoian is a visionary leader whose dynamic approach to economic development has redefined the City of Burbank as a powerhouse of innovation, creativity, and business growth during the last 20 years. As Economic Development Manager, Mary has not only elevated Burbank’s regional and global reputation but has set a new standard for what effective, forward-thinking municipal leadership looks like. At the helm of a high-performing team and serving as Executive Director for both the Burbank Hospitality Association and the Downtown Burbank Partnership, Mary delivers results-driven strategies that generate measurable impact. Her leadership is marked by a rare blend of strategic foresight, collaborative engagement, and unwavering commitment to community and economic vitality. In 2024, Mary spearheaded the creation and City Council adoption of the 2024–2028 Economic Development Strategic Plan, a landmark initiative shaped by robust stakeholder engagement and an ambitious vision for Burbank’s future. This transformative roadmap outlines key priorities to activate underutilized spaces, streamline development processes, and grow critical sectors including creative media, healthcare, and tourism. Her work is directly expanding job opportunities and improving quality of life for thousands of residents. Mary’s effectiveness is exemplified in the success of Burbank’s Business Concierge Program, which under her leadership, provided over 15,300 direct services in FY 2024-25, helping entrepreneurs and established businesses navigate zoning, site selection, and permitting with speed and precision. Her ability to attract and retain major employers has reshaped the city’s commercial landscape, welcoming landmark tenants such as AC Hotel, Rivian Motors, Capital Grille, Equinox, Philz Coffee, and Artelice. She also played a pivotal role in securing the MUSEXPO event, recruiting the internationally acclaimed music and media summit to Burbank in 2016 and in 2025 welcoming high-level music executives from more than 30 countries to Burbank. As Executive Director of the Downtown Burbank Business Improvement District, Mary has led transformative placemaking initiatives like the Downtown Art & Mural Program and the expansion of outdoor dining, helping to attract more than $18 million in long-term investment and positioning Downtown Burbank as one of Southern California’s most vibrant urban destinations. Through the Burbank Hospitality Association, Mary has spearheaded award-winning tourism campaigns, including Elephant Parade Burbank 2024 and a public art series featuring DC Comics bronze statues (Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern), driving over 3.1 million overnight visitors annually and generating $31 million in local tax revenue. Mary’s impact extends well beyond city limits. She is an active board member of The Valley Economic Alliance and the Verdugo Workforce Investment Board and lends her time and expertise to civic and cultural organizations, including the Burbank Armenian Association. A proud USC alumna, she also mentors’ future leaders through university panels and professional development programs in economics and real estate. With an unmatched track record of delivering catalytic projects, forging powerful partnerships, and creating lasting economic and cultural value, Mary Hamzoian stands as one of the most influential municipal economic development leaders in California. Her innovative thinking, strategic leadership, and tireless advocacy continue to shape Burbank’s bright future, earning her not just recognition, but lasting impact.

  City of Burbank

  Economic Development Manager

  Mary Hamzoian

  Economic Development Manager

  City of Burbank

• 

  Leslie Haro

  Managing Partner

  CityStreet Commercial

• 

  Ileana Holguin

  Ileana Holguin is an Executive at The PENTA Building Group, leading higher education and healthcare projects across Southern California. With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Ileana has advanced from Project Engineer to executive leadership through her deep expertise in project delivery, preconstruction, and strategic oversight. Passionate about building legacy projects that serve communities, like schools and hospitals, she currently oversees multiple project teams and plays a key role in business development and operations. A committed advocate for women and minorities in construction, Ileana is a current board member of NAWIC Los Angeles, an active member of CMAA, and a founder of the Women Working Together (WWT) network. She has also led impactful programs introducing high school girls to construction careers, inspiring many to join the field. Her mentorship, advocacy, and leadership continue to elevate the next generation of women and minorities in construction.

  The Penta Building Group

  Executive, Higher Ed & Healthcare

  Ileana Holguin

  Executive, Higher Ed & Healthcare

  The Penta Building Group

• 

  Meghana Joshi

  Managing Principal

  MG2

• 

  Laura Khouri

  President & COO

  Western National Property Management

• 

  Kristin Larson

  CEO

  Southwest Industrial Electric

• 

  Kendra Leghart

  Special Counsel

  Sheppard Mullin

• 

  Jessica Levin

  Managing Director & Associate CIO

  Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation

• 

  Ioanna Magiati

  With more than a decade of experience, Ioanna leads multidisciplinary teams within AO’s Multifamily and Mixed-Use studios, specializing in market-rate, affordable, senior, and modular developments. She is a charismatic problem-solver with a passion for elevating the design vision of her clients and nurturing the success of her team. Ioanna is an avid researcher and lifelong learner valued for her strong project management and people skills, as well as her ability to foster trust and collaboration amongst developers, cities, designers, architects, and consultants. Ioanna is a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and sits on the ARC Alumni Advisory Board for Cal Poly Pomona, and the Design Professional Council for the Modular Building Institute (MBI).

  AO

  Partner

  Ioanna Magiati

  Partner

  AO

• 

  Nicole Mihalka

  SVP

  CBRE

• 

  Daniela Marin

  People Operations Specialist

  Build Group

• 

  Gemma Nibungco

  Gemma Nibugco is a Tax Partner and CPA at MGO, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in public accounting. She serves large clients across a range of industries, including REITs, multi-tiered real estate partnerships, and multistate corporations. Gemma is particularly proud of her extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions, where she plays a key role in structuring complex transactions and delivering clear, strategic consulting throughout the lifecycle of a business.

  MGO CPAs

  Tax Partner

  Gemma Nibungco

  Tax Partner

  MGO CPAs

• 

  Carrie Nikols

  Carrie is CEO of The Nikols Company, which is Manager of Nikols Mortgage Fund, LLC, a private commercial real estate construction & bridge lender providing $5-40 million loans on California properties. She directly leads all loan originations and structuring, and oversees closings, loan servicing and loan payoffs. She has led Nikols Mortgage Fund since 2008, closing over $1.3 billion of loan commitments. Carrie’s commercial real estate experience, which spans more than four decades, ranges from institutional permanent lending and large balance bridge loans to smaller bank and private money construction and tailored transactions. As the top producing Region Manager for DaimlerChrysler Capital Services, Carrie originated and was responsible for a portfolio of $10 to $75 million highly leveraged commercial property bridge loans, all handled as agreed with no defaults. She has also pioneered various loan structures and product types including mezzanine loans, tax-exempt bond letter of credit enhancements with taxable tails, assisted living facilities, self-storage facilities and single-tenant biotech properties. Carrie has also written approximately 50 income property and residential subdivision appraisals as a state certified appraiser and MAI candidate. She holds a California Real Estate Sales license and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration-Real Estate Finance.

  Nikols Mortgage Fund, LLC

  CEO

  Carrie Nikols

  CEO

  Nikols Mortgage Fund, LLC

• 

  Janet Pangman

  Janet Pangman is a Principal at ZGF Architects with over 24 years of experience in the programming, planning, design, and delivery of complex healthcare projects. With communication and care at the core of her leadership style, Janet is a medical planner who designs healthcare facilities with heart. Inspired by creating comfortable, welcoming environments that ease the hardship of illness, Janet takes pleasure in creating a dialogue between clients and users to understand how they work and translating that into spaces that support their goals and workflows. Her keen awareness of medical facility operations and functional requirements allows Janet to simultaneously address the aesthetics, workflow, and technical issues to create healthcare environments that that foster compassion and promote holistic healing. She is a frequent speaker at national conferences and is currently President of Women in Healthcare Greater Los Angeles, a national non-profit organization focused on promoting the professional development of women in the healthcare industry through networking, education, and mentorship.

  ZGF

  AIA, Principal

  Janet Pangman

  AIA, Principal

  ZGF

• 

  Michal Poran

  COO

  UMTB

• 

  Erin Poulson Morris

  Erin Poulson Morris, based in the Los Angeles office, is responsible for sourcing prospective tenants for build-to-suit, lease, and land sales of Wonderful Industrial Park, as well as other Wonderful commercial parks. In this role, she is also a liaison to the brokerage community and works with both internal and external agencies to develop various marketing materials and websites to showcase Wonderful’s parks and developments. Her additional responsibilities include sourcing real estate investment opportunities and attending national conferences to increase the visibility of the Wonderful Real Estate brand. Erin has over 10 years of experience marketing both commercial real estate property and real estate private equity funds to institutional and high-net-worth investors. Prior to joining Wonderful Real Estate, Erin was Associate Vice President at CIM Group where she was responsible for investor relations and capital-raising efforts, Senior Associate Investment Sales at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, and Associate Director of Hotel Acquisition and Development at Hardin Investment Partners. Erin has an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Business with a concentration in Real Estate Finance and Strategy, and a BA in Economics from Spelman College.

  Wonderful Real Estate

  Director

  Erin Poulson Morris

  Director

  Wonderful Real Estate

• 

  Tina Quirin

  Principal

  Arcus Harbor Real Estate Capital

• 

  Miray Rossi

  Senior Manager

  Shawmut Design & Construction

• 

  Rachael Sery

  Rachael Sery (née Lewis) serves as the Head of Capital Markets Operations at George Smith Partners, where she leads initiatives to enhance the firm’s value to clients and reinforce its position as a market leader during this dynamic period of growth. She is responsible for directing and managing the firm’s technology initiatives and dedicated team, oversees training and standards for all employees, and co-leads our recruitment efforts. In addition to this role, as Senior Director she is also active in originating and executing debt and equity placements across the United States, with a focus on structured finance. Rachael brings specialized expertise in esoteric financings, including EB5, tax credits and back-of-house leverage. She has a background in hospitality financing and dedicates a significant amount of her time to clients in that sector and collaboration throughout the firm as our in-house Hospitality expert. Over the course of her career, she has arranged over $5 billion in total project capitalizations across the debt and equity markets. She is known for structuring creative, full-capital stack solutions across large-scale development or heavy repositioning opportunities, providing clients with innovative and effective financing strategies. Rachael began her career at a buyside advisory firm, where she focused on net-leased properties and consulted on more than $400 million in commercial acquisitions, primarily in the retail and industrial sectors. She further honed her expertise during her years of tenure in the JLL Capital Markets debt & equity placement group, where she worked with institutional clients and offered invaluable insights into market trends and international capital. Having previously been an instrumental part of GSP, Rachael has returned in this expanded leadership role, bringing a fresh perspective and deep understanding of the capital markets landscape. When Rachael is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family in nature, traveling to new countries and learning Torah.

  George Smith Partners

  Managing Director

  Rachael Sery

  Managing Director

  George Smith Partners

• 

  Megan Skaalen

  Studio Leader & Senior Principal

  SmithGroup

• 

  Marissa Skinner

  Project Manager

  Parker Brown

• 

  Courtney Trujillo

  President

  SR Watt Company

• 

  Adriana Vesci

  Partner

  Cox, Castle & Nicholson

• 

  Elizabeth Vlassopoulos

  Project Executive

  Swinerton

• 

  Courtney Wing

  As the development manager for Newcastle Partners, Courtney performs comprehensive duties related to the purchase, finance, development, and sale/lease of properties. Specific duties include processing entitlements and overseeing construction. She directly manages the development of an average of 12 ground-up projects per year and oversaw the construction of 5 projects in 2022, managing a total construction budget of over $58 million. Courtney has also raised over $300 million in equity on behalf of the firm. Courtney is involved in NAIOP SoCal, as the Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee and a member of the NAIOP SoCal Board of Directors. She previously held a seat on the CREW Orange County Board of Directors and chaired CREW Orange County's Emerging Leaders committee.

  Newcastle Partners

  VP, Development & Construction

  Courtney Wing

  VP, Development & Construction

  Newcastle Partners