2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Genessy Jaramillo, BKREA

“Genessy has quickly established herself as a leader in the NYC CRE industry and one of the most accomplished air rights brokers in the city. She is not only a strong development site broker on our land team, but her leadership in the air rights vertical has been impactful. Genessy is someone to watch in 2026 and is well deserving of this recognition.” 

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

One initiative I’m most proud of is building out our air rights platform at BKREA. When I started, there wasn’t a clear, centralized approach to tracking or marketing these opportunities. We’ve since created a more structured process, combining zoning expertise with real-time market data to help owners understand value and unlock deals. It’s had a meaningful impact on how we advise clients and create opportunities across the city.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate?

This business is built on relationships and showing up consistently, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Over time, that compounds into real opportunities. Clearly understand, define, and articulate what you do to the people you want to work with, and focus on building a personal brand that drives visibility. Success happens outside your comfort zone.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you?

One of the biggest challenges has been building credibility in a niche like development sites and air rights early in my career. These are complex transactions where experience matters, and I had to quickly get up to speed on zoning, policy, and underwriting while earning trust. It taught me that preparation and consistency go a long way, and that being honest about what you know and don’t know builds stronger relationships over time.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization?

I try to lead by being transparent about how I approach the business day to day. This industry can feel overwhelming early on, so I focus on showing others how to break things down, whether it’s underwriting a deal, structuring outreach, or handling conversations with owners. I also emphasize consistency. Small, disciplined actions repeated daily are what ultimately drive results in brokerage.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader?

Early morning exercise to start the day.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey?

My father and separately, my mentor Bob Knakal, hands down.