What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?

It would have to be working for a development firm, Tredway, that constantly aims to raise the bar while making a tangible and positive impact. As an investment associate, I’m proud of my role in the acquisition of more than 500 units within our first six months of operation and the momentum we have cultivated heading into 2023 with an additional 2,000 units in the pipeline.

Tell us about a mentor or role model that has influenced your career choices?

My grandfather Joseph “Baba” Abada has fundamentally shaped my career choices and the person I am today. As an Iraqi Jewish immigrant who has owned, invested in, and operated real estate in New York City for more than 40 years, my grandfather taught me how to balance pragmatism with compassionate service–two qualities that are central to solving the ongoing affordable housing crisis.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I’m incredibly lucky to do volunteer work with Covenant House on behalf of homeless youth and participate in the organization’s annual Sleep Out. I’m also a New York sports fanatic–season ticket holder for both the Rangers and Nets–and avid hiker.

On top of that, I’m a believer that no weekend is complete without great conversation over a truly delicious meal with family and friends.

What 3 skills do you consider the most important to be successful in your industry?

Tenacity, concision, and empathy. Determination and persistence are just as important as the underlying analysis; the ability to distill complex information and communicate in a clear and concise way is the key to well-rounded decision making; and empathy is necessary at every level. Whether you’re speaking to a resident about their needs or to a public sector partner about their priorities, empathy is needed to synthesize win-win solutions.