2026 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Julianne Calisto, Marcus & Millichap

What was the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in the past 12 months, and why?

The most rewarding project I worked on was developing and rolling out a national mentorship program for operations managers. It was meaningful to create a platform that strengthens leadership development, encourages knowledge sharing, and brings greater consistency to operations across offices. Seeing colleagues build relationships, exchange best practices, and grow in confidence reminded me that the most lasting impact comes from investing in people and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women entering commercial real estate?

Know your value, speak with conviction, and never wait for permission to lead. Commercial real estate demands preparation, resilience, and the confidence to hold your ground in rooms where your perspective may be challenged. Build expertise, cultivate strong relationships, and make decisions with integrity. Be open to guidance, but do not allow others to define your limits. Earn your seat, use your voice, and bring other women forward with you.

What trend or change in commercial real estate do you believe will have the biggest impact over the next five years?

I believe the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and real-time data will have the greatest impact on commercial real estate. These tools will reshape how firms evaluate opportunities, manage risk, serve clients, and operate properties. The firms that succeed will not be those that simply adopt technology, but those that pair it with strong judgment, accountable leadership, and disciplined execution. Technology will accelerate the business, but people will still determine the outcome.