2024 Women in CRE: Caaminee Pandit, Lendlease

Why should this nominee be recognized in our Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight? 

“Caaminee has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative problem solving, and her work has significantly influenced projects and development strategies for Lendlease in New York and other markets. She is an active mentor who supports emerging talent — at Lendlease and in the industry at large — especially young women who are starting out in their career.” - Isabel Sepkowitz, Senior Corporate Communications Manager, Corporate Affairs & Marketing at Lendlease. 

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? 

I currently oversee condominium sales at the recently completed Claremont Hall, a mixed-use development in New York’s Morningside Heights neighborhood. I was also the project lead for the development, with duties including business plan execution, market research, legal agreement negotiations and sustainability certification. I oversaw underwriting, budgets and financial models, including securing a $250 million construction loan. My sales strategy and other contributions on the development helped propel Claremont Hall as the top-selling condominium project in New York in the first half of 2024, per Corcoran Sunshine data.

Who inspires you most? What qualities do they possess that inspire you? 

I am inspired by Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments. As a strong, visionary leader with a sense of purpose, she inspires others to solve problems effectively. Hobson uses her role as an investor to promote ESG practices and defends her beliefs when encountering detractors — battling racism and sexism at the expense of gaining a client. I admire her confidence, bravery, tenacity, encouragement of discourse and ability to generate buy-in to achieve her vision. Like Hobson, my goals are underscored by the value of service. I strive to confidently voice my opinion and inspire others to act.

What are the most important factors young women should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? 

When starting your career, I would ensure the firm’s values align with your own, and I would evaluate the leadership advancement and career opportunities available at the company. I believe it is equally important to find a manager who has the same value alignment and will advocate for your professional development. I would seek companies with inclusive cultures that value and promote diversity. Lastly, I would keep an open mind to different types of opportunities that may be adjacent to your dream job, where you could learn a skill set or develop relationships to help accomplish your career goals.

Which professional organization(s) would you recommend to women just starting out in your industry:

I recommend ULI, REBNY and Wx. Each of these organizations offer different programming, mentoring and networking opportunities. As a previous committee chair at ULI’s Women Leadership Initiative (WLI), I was able to connect with inspiring women leaders in the New York region. Wx offers a women-executive scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students.