2025 Women in Commercial Real Estate Team Feature - Romer Debbas LLP

For full responses from Romer Debbas LLP
click on the individual team member!

Check out New York Real Estate Journal's 2025
Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight!

Check out New York Real Estate Journal's
2025 Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight!

2025 Women in CRE: Camila Morcos, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP

If you could change one thing about the CRE industry, what would it be and why? If I could change one thing about the CRE industry it would be eliminating the mortgage recording tax (MRT), which imposes a tax of 2.55% if you take out a mortgage or refinance a property, forcing buyers to pay two separate taxes to the state and the local jurisdiction.

2025 Women in CRE: Taylor Gonzalez, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? The most rewarding project I’ve worked on was a use variance for a nonprofit. They bought a home that they planned to rent to disabled individuals and their families. It was a former four-family home, which they assumed they could convert back to, as the four-family home was the only way they could afford to operate.

2025 Women in CRE: Helen Hwang, Meridian Capital Group

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? One of the most meaningful deals in my career was the sale of 1865 Bdwy., the former headquarters of the American Bible Society in New York City. I was representing a nonprofit whose mission I deeply respect, and the sale was critical in funding their relocation to Philadelphia. It was a particularly challenging period in the market — super luxury land sales were stagnant,

2025 Women in CRE: Shallini Mehra, Meridian Capital Group

What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today? In commercial real estate investment sales, attitude and adaptability are crucial. Each day presents new personalities, challenges, and deal dynamics — no two transactions are alike, and the process is rarely linear.

2025 Women in CRE: Amy Heller, Meridian Capital Group

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? One of my most rewarding projects was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when my bank rapidly mobilized to process Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Amid uncertainty, my team built a system to support nursing home clients

2025 Women in CRE: Nicoletta Pagnotta, Meridian Capital Group

What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today? Success in this field comes down to building long-term trust and being adaptable. Technical expertise and a deep understanding of CRE add value, but what truly sets you apart is being someone others can rely on. That means showing up prepared, following through,

2025 Women in CRE: Ava Schumm, Meridian Capital Group

What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today? Success in commercial real estate is driven by unwavering commitment, strategic thinking, persistence, and patience. Trust — earned with clients, landlords, and lenders—serves as the foundation for long-term success.

2025 Women in CRE: Jessica Blocker, Meridian Capital Group

What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today? It is essential to have elasticity, whether it’s being able to adapt to market trends and tendencies or your clients’ change in needs. Being prepared to move quickly when there’s a market shift gives you the durability for growth