2023 Women in CRE: Margarette Lee, Youngwoo & Associates, LLC

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? In my 38 years as a real estate developer with over 50 properties developed, I think the most recently finished radio tower stands out to me as one of my proudest. Nothing like this was built in over 50 years in the area but we had the vision to make a catalyst project serving 2.5 million Latinos in New York City alone. No other developer attempted to build this magnitude of project in this community. Currently the 285,000 s/f mixed-use building stands to serve the community with the only class A office space in the area, a high-end Dominican restaurant, and a 221-room hotel that receives visitors from all over the world. People say that the building stands as a lighthouse/beacon for the whole community. 

Why should this nominee be recognized in our Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight? “She is a little giant. Nothing is impossible and she always makes things happen in any circumstance.” - Young Woo, Founder, Principal at Youngwoo & Associates, LLC.

What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? I believe that they need to find a company with a vision and energy, a company who thinks outside the box, a company who values what women can bring to the table. 

Who inspires you most? What qualities do they possess that inspire you? My younger sister who passed away after suffering from cancer for 15 years. She never gave up and always had a positive attitude. But the most amazing character she had was that she was so selfless and resilient. She endured Chemo therapy every week for over 6 years during the last stage of her life. Her endurance was with hope that she would be able to spend one more day with her young daughter.