Avena of Garfunkel discusses Face-to-face networking

Name: Suzanne M. Avena, Esq. Title: Environmental Law Practice Leader, Garfunkel Wild, P.C. Company Name: Garfunkel Wild, P.C. Years in Commercial Real Estate: 20 years In the last 12 months, which project, transaction, honor or accomplishment are you most proud of and why? Helping one of our hospital clients settle a problematic environmental criminal matter with a creative compliance program. It fostered a big investment of interest from administrators and employees in conducting a "green-star" worthy facility-wide environmental management program, plus it turned a negative public relations issue into a positive accomplishment. What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? The same fear that I still have now - of never having enough time to do everything that needs to be done within deadline. Who are three women- living or dead - that you would like to have drinks with and why? Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer for transcending the remoteness of that office by not being afraid to express her authentic self while demonstrating keen intellect and a shrewd negotiating strategy. Plus, I share her love of salsa dancing. Diana Nyad for literally swimming with the sharks in 2013 from Cuba to Key West for 53 hours at the young age of 65. It takes prowess, guts, unrelenting determination and lofty ambition to envision success in such treacherous waters. Hillary Clinton because she represents the best hope for the first female U.S. President. She has diligently honed her ability to lead and profoundly earned the right to do so - thus being a role model for women everywhere, regardless of their political affiliation. What was your first job and what did you learn from it? At twelve I started work at my uncle's florist and eventually ran the store through high school. Starting work so young gave me a sense of independence and self worth. I loved being able to buy things for myself and see my salary (meager by today's standards but immense to me at the time) add up as savings in the bank. I was exposed to a variety of behaviors by the general public which taught me how to deal with people and how to exercise judgment in difficult situations. I got a good sense of time management in order to balance work with school and of course fit in time for sports and my friends. Lastly, working with flowers sparked my interest in the natural sciences and fostered my career choice of environmental law. What is your favorite quote? "Be the change you want to see in the world." - Gandhi What social media and/or face to face networking activities do you find most beneficial professionally? I have always found face-to-face networking to provide the greatest return in business development and in personal satisfaction. I think it's important to connect individually with decision makers in order to foster trust and confidence in their business. What are you doing differently in 2014 that has had positive impact on your career? Mentoring associates at the firm and getting out to industry events always reinvigorates my enthusiasm for practicing in this area of real estate law and growing the business. What are you doing to increase your client base from local / regional markets to national / global markets? Frequent articles and speaking engagements in legal real estate / environmental journals and associations. Charitable participation in not-for-profit environmental organizations to benefit world issues such as the need for potable water. Networking at events held by national consultants.