2022 Women in Professional Services: Maysa Vahidi, Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

In the last 12 months, what was your TOP career highlight? Joining the executive team of Arbor Realty, Trust, Inc. (Arbor) as EVP, general counsel. As general counsel, I oversee Arbor’s corporate legal matters. Arbor is a nationwide real estate investment trust and direct lender, managing and servicing a $42 billion real estate loan portfolio and originating more than $16 billion in loans annually.

In the last 12 months how have you helped your industry grow through professional creativity, innovation and leadership? I am a proud member of the She Builds Committee of Rebuilding Together NYC. We sponsor numerous community revitalization events, recently including a community garden for the Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Center. This organization provides community service while also serving as a collaboration network for female CRE professionals.

What advice would you give the next generation of women in your industry? Women have been historically underrepresented in commercial real estate. I would advise women to use their organizational skills, natural problem-solving abilities, creativity and ingenuity to pursue opportunities and advancement in the real estate industry.