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.