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CREFC's Spring Symposium: Elevating Women in Real Estate Finance

The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) is set to host its much-anticipated annual Spring Symposium in New York City on May 7, 2025. This event, now in its ninth year, is a crucial platform aimed at enhancing the visibility of women professionals within the commercial real estate finance sector. With a staggering $6 trillion industry at stake, the symposium offers unparalleled networking and mentorship opportunities, specifically designed for women in the field.

As expressed by Lisa Pendergast, President and CEO of CREFC, the organization is thrilled to unite accomplished women leaders in the industry. "We are excited to facilitate conversations that shine a light on the valuable experiences of women who have navigated their careers through this male-dominated sector. Our goal is to foster insights and support among peers, providing tools for overcoming industry challenges and advancing professional paths."

One of the afternoon's highlights will be the speed mentoring sessions, which connect senior professionals with emerging talent. These dynamic small-group discussions encourage frank exchanges about career progression, market insights, and the unique obstacles women face within the industry. Julia Powell, Chair of CREFC's Women's Network, emphasized the event's significance: "This symposium is our largest annual gathering specifically for the Women's Network. Attendees can look forward to invaluable perspectives from esteemed keynote speakers and panel discussions."

Special Guest: Col. Eileen Collins

This year's symposium will feature keynote speaker Col. Eileen Collins, a trailblazer in her own right. Col. Collins was the first woman to pilot a U.S. spacecraft during the Discovery shuttle flight in 1995 and later became the first female commander of the Columbia shuttle in 1999. Her impressive journey through the space industry exemplifies breaking barriers and highlights the importance of leadership and teamwork.

In her remarkable career, Collins logged approximately 872 hours in space and authored a memoir titled Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Aeronautic Association's Wright Brothers Award in 2022, celebrating her contributions as an astronaut and leader.

"The anecdotes and insights that Col. Collins brings to the table will be both motivating and practical for our attendees," stated Ms. Pendergast. "Understanding her experiences in the high-stakes environment of NASA can provide valuable takeaways for women leaders in commercial real estate finance, especially regarding strategic leadership and collaboration."

Engaging Panel Sessions

In addition to the keynote address, the symposium will offer insightful panel discussions covering critical issues in the CRE finance realm, including:

• - The Dealmakers' Perspective: Navigating Market Challenges
• - Closing Transactions: Strategies for Success
• - Reaching New Heights: Insights from Current Leaders

These engaging sessions are structured to disseminate relevant knowledge and strategies that attendees can apply in their careers. They will delve into actionable solutions to navigate the highly dynamic landscape of commercial real estate finance while elevating women professionals.

Event Details

• - Date: May 7, 2025
• - Location: Citi, 45 Hubert Street, New York, N.Y., 10013
• - Program Information: Spring Symposium Program
• - Registration: Register Here

CREFC serves as a vital trade association representing nearly 400 members and over 19,000 individuals in the commercial real estate finance space. With a commitment spanning over three decades, CREFC has been dedicated to promoting transparency, efficiency, and best practices across the industry. By focusing on the advancement of women in this sector, the Spring Symposium stands as a testament to the organization's vision for an inclusive future in commercial real estate finance.

To learn more about the upcoming conferences and events hosted by CREFC, please visit CREFC Events.