2025 Women in CRE: Gabrielle Everett, GirlGang

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? The most rewarding project I’ve worked on was the Arlo NoMad hotel, which I supported through three separate rounds of financing. I was involved when the concept was still in its early stages — walking through a raw construction site and sharing the vision through renderings on an iPad. By the time it opened, it wasn’t just a beautiful hospitality asset — it had become a gathering place. I hosted some of GirlGang’s first events there, making it both a professional and personal milestone. Seeing the transformation — and knowing I helped bring it to market — remains one of my most gratifying experiences.

What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today? Adaptability — paired with the ability to nurture and leverage strong relationships. As my role has shifted, I’ve had to dive into new business models, master unfamiliar processes, and quickly understand the unique priorities of different stakeholders. What has stayed constant is the value of my network. I’ve been intentional about maintaining relationships across the industry, even when they weren’t directly relevant to my current work. Those connections have opened doors, led me to the right decision-makers, and allowed me to deliver results for my team.

If you could change one thing about the CRE industry, what would it be and why? I’d like to see the CRE industry create more space for exceptional talent, especially women, to have a seat at the table earlier in their careers. Too often, advancement is tied to tenure vs. capability. Shifting the focus toward meritocracy allows high-performing professionals to contribute meaningfully and influence decision-making. With that, I believe in embracing technology not just as an efficiency tool, but a strategic enabler. The future of CRE will belong to firms that combine diverse voices with the willingness to adopt solutions that free their teams to think bigger and act faster.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate?

Show up. Ask the questions, do the homework, and raise your hand to take on the project. The broader your skill set and network, the more doors you can open and the more value you can bring when opportunity comes your way. Lift up the next generation. Mentor, share your network and amplify underrepresented voices. Wear sunscreen (literally and figuratively). Never underestimate the importance of the little things. Maintaining your resilience and well-being is vital to staying visible, heard, and impactful over the long haul.