VIP women in real estate cheered at PWC event held June 16

"Meet the Real Estate Industry's VIP Women," Professional Women in Construction's (PWC) annual meet the real estate industry networking and table-top exhibit event drew a capacity crowd from the AEC sector and its service industries to Club 101 in NYC on June 16, an enthusiastic audience eager to enjoy a rare opportunity to connect one-on-one with the industry's movers and shakers. The panel's moderator, ACC Construction president and CEO Michele Medaglia, head of one of the city's leading WBE construction firms, worked closely with PWC president Lenore Janis to organize the event. Medaglia called the panel of speakers "spectacular women, true super stars in real estate," and thanked Janis and PWC, an organization that "pushed me to the forefront years ago and clearly has bolstered my career." Gloria Guillo, procurement officer of capital projects, NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA), encouraged women and minority-owned A/E firms to take advantage of the opportunities in public work as their Capital Project Division will be awarding multiple A/E contracts through various RFP solicitations beginning in June. The contracts will be tapping up to $50 million in design fees over the next five years for their $1.5 billion capital program that will upgrade and improve NYCHA's vast building portfolio. Medaglia called Guillo "one of the most dedicated advocates for women in this industry and W/MBEs I know." Cynthia Boyea, CPM, RPA, property manager, Paramount Group, Inc., has held property management and facilities management positions in Maryland, New Jersey and NYC. With Paramount since 2002, she has led day to day operations at several properties throughout New York City; Washington, DC; and Virginia. Boyea was noted as "a fantastic role model for women" by Medaglia. Medaglia called Lisa Kiell, managing director, Jones Lang LaSalle, "one of the most respected female brokers in the industry." Kiell, who provides strategic and implementation services to clients and specializes in law firms and financial services, said, "I encourage women to step up to the table because you belong there, to aim as high as you can and be recognized for your achievements." Leilani Glover, construction project manager, Tishman Speyer Properties, manages construction for one of the world's most prestigious properties: Rockefeller Center. Hailed by Medaglia for her "dynamism and thorough knowledge of the business," Glover spoke of her longtime "passion for construction" and stressed the importance of "maintaining relationships" and building a solid and lasting reputation for yourself. Medaglia spoke of Michelle Cooper, LEEP AP, project manager at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), as someone with "incredible passion for the business who goes out of her way to help other women in the field." Cooper oversees programming efforts for CUMC's Campus Revitalization Plan. She spoke of her commitment to developing and implementing initiatives to "strategically help clients meet goals" and stressed that "we're here to listen, partner and engage."