2025 Women in CRE: Ilana Ettinger, North Bridge

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why?

The most rewarding deal of my career was working on North Bridge’s $1 billion partnership with The Carlyle Group last year. This transaction not only accelerated North Bridge’s growth but also elevated the profile of C-PACE from a niche financing option to a mainstream product. Seeing this milestone open doors to high-profile transactions, like the $108 million construction financing for AREA15 in Las Vegas, and pave the way for similar deals nationwide, has been deeply gratifying — both for the firm and for the C-PACE industry.

What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today?

Adaptability. The commercial real estate industry is evolving rapidly, with shifting capital markets, emerging financing tools, and changing client priorities. The ability to pivot strategies, embrace new products, and see opportunity in uncertainty is critical for staying competitive and driving innovation.

If you could change one thing about the CRE industry, what would it be and why?

I would like to see a broader, faster embrace of innovative solutions. New tools are often overlooked until they reach a critical mass. For example, C-PACE can be leveraged to optimize capital stacks, reduce costs, and unlock stalled or challenging projects, yet it remains underutilized. Owners, brokers and capital providers who are willing to think creatively have been able to accelerate project timelines and expand what’s possible in today’s tight capital environment.

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

Surround yourself with people you trust and champion each other’s success. Lean on that network for advice, support, and perspective. And don’t shy away from opportunities that push you — those challenges often shape the most defining moments in your career.