2025 Women in CRE: Mikayla Nissan, Sage

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

Adaptability is essential in today’s CRE landscape. We’re seeing more office buildings converting to residential, AI becoming not just a tool but a necessity, and brands like Sage pioneering a “flagging” model — borrowed from the hotel industry — where buildings operate under a recognized brand identity and service standard, even if independently owned. Thriving requires agility, openness to change, and constant learning — pivoting when needed while keeping long-term goals in view.

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

Early in my career, I sought out three female mentors —  Whitney Arcarco, head of marketing at RXR; Nadia Meratla, head of design at Witkoff; and Rosanna Giacalone, founder of La Vita É Bella Marketing. With expertise spanning real estate marketing, interior design, and luxury fashion marketing and entrepreneurship, they’ve each shaped my perspective and approach entirely. Today, as a mentor to two ambitious women myself, I’ve seen firsthand the power of finding mentors early, meeting often, and maintaining those connections throughout your career.