2023 Women in CRE: Kara Rakowski, Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? NYC is in desperate need of more quality housing. With the elimination of new tax incentives for development there are very few sites that will qualify for tax benefits which are essential to development. I have recently headed administrative/rent regulatory due diligence reviews for several large multi-property acquisitions that upon completion of construction will create hundreds of new affordable and market-rate residential rental units, community use spaces and ground-floor commercial spaces in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan.

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? First, choosing a firm with a solid reputation is critical. Second, flexibility in the work environment is important to growth. Women should be looking for a firm that provides the ability to expand their knowledge and to grow: perhaps to create a niche area of practice that complements the firm’s practice but is not currently being offered.

Who inspires you most? What qualities do they possess that inspire you? I am inspired most by my family who possess patience (most of the time), grit and determination. I am also greatly inspired by each of the professionals who I supervise at BBG. Their integrity and commitment to our clients is inspiring to me.