CREW New York hosts sold-out event April 7

More than 230 professionals attended CREW New York's sold-out event highlighting high-powered women in real estate on April 7. During the discussion, five female panelists shared how they began their careers in the real estate industry, reflected on market trends, discussed notable projects underway and provided advice to young women seeking careers in real estate. "Women are entering the real estate field with gusto and are quickly rising in the ranks. The fact that there wasn't an empty seat in the house underscores the significance of our mission as an organization - as well as the inherent interest across New York's real estate industry - in supporting the advancement and success of women," said Jane Lyons, CREW New York co-president and a managing partner at Rhodes Associates. The five female panelists came from a range of professional fields in real estate, from business development to client relations. The panel featured Ann Cole, managing director/portfolio manager for JP Morgan Company; Lisa Gomez, chief operating officer of L + M Development Partners; Sara Queen, senior vice president of Brookfield Properties; Sara Mirski, chief operating officer for Sam.Boymelgreen; and Laura Pomerantz, vice chairman and head of strategic accounts for Cushman & Wakefield. The panel discussion was moderated by respected reporter and real estate columnist Lois Weiss with the New York Post. Tuesday's luncheon also supported the advancement of women with an annual clothing drive for Bottomless Closet, an organization that provides business attire for disadvantaged women looking to enter the work force. CREW New York's Charitable Fund, a certified 501(c)3 non-profit organization, provides a number of charitable and service-oriented initiatives throughout the year. "We couldn't hold successful events like this one without dedicated support from our sponsors. We're so grateful to them for empowering us to be a highly effective resource for women in commercial real estate," said Christine Chipurnoi, co-president of CREW New York and senior vice president of Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Among CREW New York's sponsors are Trepp LLC, Durst, Cushman & Wakefield, Brookfield Properties, L + M Development Partners, and JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo Insurance Services and Akerman LLP.