2019 Women in Real Estate: Jessica Sherman, Douglaston Development

Name: Jessica Sherman 

Title: Associate Vice President 

Company Name: Douglaston Development 

Association/Organization Affiliations (REAL ESTATE ONLY): Rebuilding Together NYC and New York Housing Conference’s Young Leadership Council

What is your favorite motivational quote?
My father likes to say, “The person who lifts the heavy weights gets the muscles.” It’s a reminder that success doesn’t come easily to anyone. It requires hard work and dedication.

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?
We recently collaborated with 17 New York City agencies, including the Departments of Environmental Protection and Sanitation, as well as the Fire Department of New York, to complete the 20,000 s/f public plaza at Crossroads, a phased, mixed-income, mixed-use development in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. The plaza is the last component of the project, which includes 425 low- to moderate-income affordable units, a universal pre-kindergarten, and the Bronx headquarters for the non-profit New York Foundling. Whenever I visit Crossroads, I get excited to see children and families enjoying the plaza.

What was one of your biggest accomplishments in the last 12 months?
My daughter is just over 1 year old, so she is ineligible to be my biggest accomplishment! I did, however, become a working mom in the past year. I am fortunate to have great mentors, such as Cathy Berger from Douglaston Development affiliate Levine Builders, to help me navigate this transition. While it has its challenges, I love what I do and the positive impact I can make by providing affordable housing for moms, dads and children throughout New York City. I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to visit the buildings I work on.