2026 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Jade Shenker, SERHANT.

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

One of the most meaningful transactions I’ve closed over the past year was the acquisition of 36 East 73rd Street, where I represented a West Coast-based family office at the intersection of technology, AI, and fashion. The property will become the home of their new fashion studio, with retail activation on one of Manhattan’s most iconic corridors. This deal carries a deep personal significance. We began working together just weeks before my father passed away, and throughout the process I developed an incredibly close relationship with the principals, a father and daughter leading the investment together. At a time when family meant everything to me, helping another family achieve a major milestone made the work even more meaningful. From a business perspective, we successfully acquired the property for $8.5 million, nearly half the price of comparable assets in the area. It was a reminder that the best deals are about more than numbers. They’re about relationships, trust, and creating long-term value.

What leadership lesson has made the greatest impact on your career?

The most valuable leadership lessons are born from the hardest moments. Adversity has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of leading with clarity even when circumstances are uncertain. I’ve learned that people don’t remember whether everything went perfectly, they remember how you showed up, how you treated them, and whether they could trust you when it mattered most. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying steady, making thoughtful decisions, and continuing to move forward through challenges.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying steady, making thoughtful decisions, and continuing to move forward through challenges.

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

The continued growth of technology and AI companies will fundamentally reshape demand across New York’s commercial real estate market. I’m particularly bullish on neighborhoods like the Upper East Side and Lower Manhattan as emerging hubs for innovation, where companies are looking for spaces that reflect the next generation of work. At the same time, I believe one of the industry’s biggest opportunities lies in reimagining underutilized buildings to address New York’s housing shortage. We’re already beginning to see innovative models, such as office and commercial conversions into professionally managed co-living residences, that have the potential to create high-quality housing at significantly more accessible price points. The firms that think creatively about adaptive reuse and changing consumer needs will help define the next chapter of New York real estate.

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

 Own your seat at the table. Too often, women walk into a room feeling like they need to prove they belong. In reality, your perspective is one of your greatest competitive advantages. Your intuition, emotional intelligence, and ability to build lasting relationships are strengths that directly translate into successful deals and long-term client trust. If you’re the only woman in the room, don’t see it as a disadvantage, see it as an opportunity. People will remember you. Make sure they remember your preparation, your expertise, and your confidence. Never underestimate the power of your voice. When you’re well-prepared and willing to speak with conviction, you won’t just earn respect, you’ll shape the conversation.