Goldie Scholars^®2023-24

Senior Analyst 
Eastdil Secured

Jilly Cronin is pursuing an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She works as a Senior Analyst at Eastdil Secured, covering a diverse range of commercial real estate assets and transactions. Prior to joining Eastdil Secured, Jilly attended Harvard University where she earned a BA in History and Literature with a secondary in Economics. Jilly is very interested in furthering the development of women leaders in real estate finance and looks forward to learning from the Goldie Network.

Legislative Aid
City of Miami 

Gabriella Fernandez is a rising third-year law student at the University of Miami School of Law ("UM"), where she is pursuing a joint degree in the esteemed Robert Traurig-Greenberg Traurig
LL.M. in Real Property Development program. With a firm focus on her academic pursuits, Gabriella's post-graduation aspirations revolve around delving into the intricate realms of zoning law and commercial real estate leases. Her fervent passion for these areas of practice is deeply rooted in her family background, particularly inspired by her grandfather's illustrious involvement in public policy, politics and his transformative impact on their local community.

Drawing from her family's legacy, Gabriella is determined to follow in her grandfather's footsteps and bring about positive change in her own community. Gabriella worked at the City of Miami Office of the City Attorney, where she worked in both the planning and zoning and the real estate development department and served as the Secretary of the Youth Advisory Board at the City of Sweetwater. She currently works at the City of Miami in the District 4 Office for Commissioner Manolo Reyes as his Legislative Aide writing and interpreting legislative policies,
resolutions, and ordinances.

De-Risking Analyst
The IDEA Center at the University of Notre-Dame

Rachel is pursuing her MBA at the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business in Finance with a focus in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship. Rachel is the Vice President of the Technology Club, Vice President of Alumni and Events for the Real Estate Club and the VP of Career Development for the MBA Association on campus. She also works at Notre Dame’s IDEA Center as a De-Risking Analyst. Prior to Notre Dame, Rachel worked for Toyota Motor Sales Corporation where she completed their Leadership Development Program in the greater Los Angeles area, worked as a Fixed Operations Consultant in the greater New York City area, then became a Marketing Planner and a Project Manager for their Digital Retail Transformation Program in Dallas, TX. Rachel is originally from Northern Michigan and completed her undergraduate degree at Hillsdale College in Marketing and French. Her areas of interest within Commercial Rea Estate are Prop-Tech and Asset Management.

Sophie is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business with a focus on strategy and real estate. Prior to business school, Sophie was an associate at Goldman Sachs within their Corporate and Workplace Solutions Division, where she designed and managed real estate operations that provided commercial and strategic value to support the firm’s business objectives in EMEA. Her interests include real estate technology, strategy, and urban development. Sophie earned her BEng in Chemical Engineering with Management from the University of Edinburgh.
 

Peggy is pursuing her master’s degree in real estate development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a concentration in investment and finance. She is a licensed architect and completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree in architectural engineering with a focus on sustainable design in Iran. 

In her role as a Senior Project Architect at Rad Studio, she led the design and development of residential buildings.  She is the founder of GIRD (Girls in Real Estate Development) and mentors underprivileged high school students in her free time

Upon completion of her master's degree, she is hoping to combine her interest in sustainable designs with investing and pursue a career in green investing."

Summer Associate-Real Estate Acquisitions
Nuveen, a TIAA company

Rosie is a rising second-year MBA Candidate at the Chicago Booth School of Business and spent her 2023 summer interning in Nuveen Real Estate's Impact Transactions team as a Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. MBA Fellow. In addition to being a Goldie Scholar, she currently serves as Co-Chair of Booth's Private Equity Group and Real Estate Group. Rosie is from the Chicago area and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she studied accountancy. Prior to graduate school, Rosie worked as a Senior Portfolio Accountant at LaSalle Investment Management, a real estate private equity firm, within the Investor Accounting and Finance Group. Before working at LaSalle, Rosie worked at Pearlmark Real Estate as Senior Associate in the high-yield debt group. Rosie has seen housing from contrasting perspectives, which has fueled her passion to be a future leader within the Chicago real estate investment space.

Vice President, Consulting
JLL

Vicki is pursuing her MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. At JLL, Vicki is a Vice President in Consulting responsible for leading and managing complex portfolio strategy engagements. Prior to joining JLL, Vicki worked for Ventas in their asset management group, where she was responsible for a ~6M SF portfolio of university-anchored life science properties, and in Deloitte’s real estate audit practice. Vicki graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, earning a BA and MAS in Accounting. Her interests include real estate, affordable housing, community development, and impact investing.

Senior Analyst-Project Manager
Sustainable Real Estate Fund (SURF)

Yiyao is currently pursuing her MBA at University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She has spent six years in Real Estate investment, with the focus on Hospitality, Social Impact, and Primary Development. Yiyao has been actively involved and managed property acquisitions and developments across Asia, Europe and the United States, and big-scale primary developments, with the total investment of over $1 billion. Her experiences also cover the corporate M&A deals in Hospitality, including the corporate M&A for Six Senses. Yiyao holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Mathematics from National University of Singapore.

Summer Associate
Polsinelli 

Maira is pursuing her JD at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. At UIC Law, Maira is a Student Learning Assistant and has held various leadership roles in student organizations. She is also the Deputy President of Communication for the Hispanic National Bar Association—Region IX. Prior to attending UIC Law, Maira graduated from Indiana University Bloomington, where she earned a BS in Law and Public Policy. Her interests include commercial real estate development and real estate finance.

Operations Associate 
Obama Foundation 

Corinth is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Real Estate at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, which is part of DePaul University's Driehaus College of Business. Driven by a commitment to excellence, Corinth serves as an Operations Associate at The Obama Foundation for the Obama Presidential Center. In this role, she actively contributes to diverse projects, supporting the planning efforts for the Obama Presidential Center's operations.

She began her tenure at The Obama Foundation as a Project Budget Analyst, where she displayed her meticulous approach to tracking and reporting project expenditures to both internal and external stakeholders. Before joining The Obama Foundation, Corinth sharpened her skills with CRG's asset management and accounting team.

Corinth's academic journey led her to Barnard College of Columbia University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies with a Specialization in Architecture. She has a keen interest in various fields including real estate development, affordable housing, community development, operational aspects of real estate development, and the socioeconomic impact of these areas

Jaynee is pursuing her MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Jaynee was a Project manager at Stantec responsible for leading and managing structural design teams for
Big Tech Data Center development. Prior to joining Stantec, Jaynee worked for Walter P Moore where she was an integral member in designing multibillion dollar NFL stadiums such as the SoFi Stadium in L.A. Jaynee graduated from Texas A&M University with a Masters in Civil Engineering. Her interests include proptech, real estate strategy, and investing.

Licensed Architect, Nairobi Kenya

Naomi is pursuing her Masters of Science in Design : Advanced Architectural Design from the University of Pennsylvania’s, Stuart Weitzman School of Design. She has a passion for design and innovation which has formed the foundation of how she envisions architecture. She believes that even the smallest scale interventions in a space can have a positive effect on people’s day-to-day experience.

Throughout her years of work, she has found enjoyment in engaging with projects spanning a wide range of scales. These projects have encompassed everything from crafting 3D printed wall panels to orchestrating a 440-apartment complex and designing a mixed-use master-plan for the Sea port of Zanzibar, as well as various scales in between. Naomi graduated from the University of Nairobi, Kenya earning a Bachelor of Architecture. She received her licensure from the Board of Registered Architects and Quantity Surveyors in Kenya and is a member of the Architectural Association of Kenya where she gets to compare notes with some of her predecessors in the construction industry. She is currently exploring the fusion of bio-materials and prefabricated technology to offer innovative solutions within the commercial real estate sector, reflecting her interests

Summer Associate 
Sidley Austin LLP 

Abigail Kuchnir is a second year law student at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, focusing on land use law and commercial litigation. Before law school, she worked as a legal assistant in a small law firm focusing on property tax appeals, and next summer she will complete an internship at Sidley Austin. Abby moved to Chicago from Massachusetts in 2015 and discovered a passion for land use and urban development as an undergraduate at the University of Chicago. She lives in the Southport corridor and enjoys playing board games with friends, practicing yoga, and spending time with family in Chicago and New England.

Development Associate
Related Companies 

Stephanie is pursuing her MBA at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, focusing on real estate and strategy. Prior to business school, Stephanie worked as a Business Transformation and Strategy Associate at AECOM, where she was responsible for developing implementable solutions, including workplace strategy, organization design, and programmatic design for Fortune 100 companies. Stephanie graduated from Lehigh University, double majoring in Civil Engineering and Architecture. Her interests include real estate, technology, development, and strategy.

Somin is pursuing her Master's degree in Architecture in Urban Design at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Passionate about the built environment, she believes in the powerful influence of architecture and design on people's lives. This passion is reflected in her specific interest in the synergy between socio-ecology, space, commercial real estate, and sustainable real estate development.

In her professional career, Somin worked as an architectural designer at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) in Chicago. Her contributions to significant projects have not only sharpened her ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams but also emphasized her drive to create innovative and transformative designs that align with contemporary needs and environmental considerations.

Somin graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Architecture, which laid a strong foundation for her pursuits in design and real estate. Her explorations in real estate development and sustainable practices further underscore her multifaceted and forward-thinking approach to the built environment.

Katy is currently pursuing her MBA at Columbia Business School with a focus on real estate and strategy. Prior to business school, Katy was the Assistant Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Synchrony Financial. Additionally, Katy was part of the Synchrony Business Leadership Program, a two year rotational program within the finance function. Her interests include real estate development, sustainability, and strategic investing. Katy earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Connecticut, majoring in finance and minoring in real estate.

Katrina Martin is a Managing Director and head of portfolio management for the Midwest Division of the Real Estate Banking Group at Wells Fargo. Since joining Wells Fargo in 2006, she has held a number of positions, including head of Commercial Real Estate Early Talent, Midwest Real Estate Banking Analyst Manager and Relationship Manager in Chicago. Katrina also served as a founding member of the Wells Fargo CRE Women’s Initiative and Wells Fargo Diversity Recruitment Strategy. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Katrina held a variety of positions at LaSalle Bank as an analyst and underwriter in CMBS and the Multi-family Capital group.

Katrina received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Roosevelt University. She is currently pursuing her EMBA at Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management.

Legal Operations Program Manager
Google

Chinaza is currently pursuing her Masters in Real Estate at DePaul University. Her passion for commercial real estate fuels her dedication to continuously acquire a wealth of knowledge and experience within the industry. Throughout her tenure at DePaul, she consistently dedicates time to staying abreast of market trends, best practices, and cultivating a network of local and regional experts in commercial real estate, from whom she eagerly absorbs great insights.

Additionally, Chinaza is an alumna of the Urban Land Institute's program, Project REAP (Real Estate Associates Program), and is an active member of CoreNet Global's Chicago Chapter. Chinaza earned her undergraduate degree at Marquette University. She currently works in the tech sector, and is looking forward to leveraging her education, proficiencies, and experiences to transition into the commercial real estate industry. Her aspirations center around utilizing her academic foundation to pursue her interest in corporate real estate and acquisitions.

Stella is currently pursuing her J.D at Loyola Chicago School of Law. She will be a 2024 summer associate at Dentons in their Real Estate practice group. This summer she worked as an in-house legal intern for Walgreens, where she was able to explore their various legal departments including their prominent Real Estate group. Prior to law school, Stella earned her Bachelors of Science at Marquette University where she majored in Commercial Real Estate and minored in Political Science. During undergrad, she interned with OVB Law & Consulting and Kasdorf Property Management. Her interests include real estate, affordable housing, community development and new-market tax credits.

Financial Analyst
Illinois Housing Development Authority 

Alicja is a Financial Analyst with extensive background in real estate and tax management. Her current expertise lies in the origination of First Mortgage Loans, conducting feasibility assessments, and underwriting multifamily deals. She has experience in REIT tax accounting from her previous position at Brookfield Properties Retail and Equity Residential. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy and Economics from DePaul University and is currently pursuing a Master's in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

Alicja speaks Russian, Polish, and English. 

Alia is pursuing her Master of Science in Real Estate Development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She is dedicated to upholding ethical working standards and fostering positive long term relationships and investments in the real estate development and construction industries. Prior to attending MIT, Alia worked for CMK Companies as a project manager for Sailrock Development, a 2,400-acre eco-community in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Alia earned her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her unique experience and perspective allow her to confront the challenges surrounding preconceived notions of resource constraints and capabilities

Project Manager
L + M Development Partners LLC

Morgan Reuther is a dual master’s candidate pursuing degrees in Real Estate Development and Urban Planning at Columbia University. Her research and work focus primarily on affordable and supportive housing development in New York City, and she is currently working as a Graduate Intern at L+M Development Partners on a number of these projects. She is passionate about development projects that contribute to the health and vitality of neighborhoods and set new standards for sustainable construction. Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban & Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia with a minor in Architecture and has completed coursework at Harvard Business School and the University College of London Bartlett School of Architecture.

Summer Associate 
Sidley Austin LLP 

Victoria started rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 10. At 13 she was provincial champion. After 5 years, she was a bronze medalist at the Youth Olympic Games. She has participated in 4 World Championships. Rhythmic gymnastics has taught her discipline and fostered curiosity for challenging opportunities. After a brief introduction of law at a civil litigation boutique, law and business school was her next natural challenge. Victoria is a third year JD/MBA student at Northwestern. She can be found exploring real estate trends, analyzing disruptive technology, and dancing on the Kellogg Groupwerk dance team. She is a an avid lifelong learner and a flexible teammate who is passionate about technological innovation in commercial real estate.

Investment Banking Summer Associate
Bank of America 

Srishti is pursuing her MBA at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Previously, she has spent six years working in real estate finance and M&A, with stints at JLL and Cushman & Wakefield Capital Markets Practices in Asia. She has also been a part of the acquisitions and business development team in Warburg Pincus’ student-housing focused investment platform in India. Srishti is a graduate of the University of Delhi where she earned her Bachelors in Economics and Finance. Her interests include sustainable development, proptech, real estate private equity and REITs.

Teaching Assistant 
Harvard University Graduate School of Design 

Ellie graduated in May 2023 with Distinction from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design with a masters in urban planning degree, having earned multiple faculty-conferred awards including the Academic Excellence Award in Urban Planning for the highest GPA in her class, the Ferdinand Colloredo-Mansfeld Prize for Superior Achievement in Real Estate Studies, and the peer-nominated Unsung Hero Book Prize for her community contributions. Prior to graduate school, Ellie worked as a senior planner in her home state of North Carolina. Ellie looks forward to continuing her postgraduate studies as a Goldie Scholar and will join the inaugural cohort for the masters in real estate degree program at Harvard. Although a diehard Tar Heel at heart, Ellie hopes to use her graduate degrees and urban planning professional background to enter Boston’s real estate industry.

Neeva Shrestha is pursuing her Masters in Real Estate at Roosevelt University. She recently interned as a Real Estate Analyst at World Business Chicago, collaborating with prominent firms like DL3, Habitat, Related Midwest, and P3. With a strong background in financial analysis and strategic decision-making, Neeva aspires to join the asset and portfolio management division of real estate. She is the President of Women in Business, a leader at the Real Estate club and Graduate Assistant for the Heller College of Business.

When asked by a friend what she’d do with her life if money was not a factor, Neeva responded, “I’d still be in real estate! I’d create the most beautiful buildings and maintain their integrity. That sounds like the life I want to lead!”. Aspiring to excel as a female leader in asset and portfolio management, she aims to fully utilize Goldie’s career development, networking and mentorship.
Fun fact about Neeva: Neeva is from the country of Mount Everest, Nepal. She speaks 6 languages and counting..

Associate Vice President, Transactions
LaSalle Investment Management

Brigid is pursuing her MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. At LaSalle Investment Management, Brigid is an Associate Vice President responsible for evaluating new investment opportunities and leading dispositions for assets located in the Midwest and East Coast markets. Prior to her current role, she spent three years on LaSalle’s Asset Management team focusing on assets for open-ended funds and separate account clients. Brigid earned a BS in Hotel Administration and a minor in real estate from Cornell University. She is based in Chicago.

Real Estate Development Intern
Mortenson

Blair is a candidate for the Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Graaskamp Center for Real Estate. She possesses a keen interest in development and acquisitions, coupled with a profound passion for hospitality. Blair is pursuing the Real Estate Private Equity Track, where she actively engages in evaluating and investing in real estate deals through the WREAA LP Funds. Her academic journey has been enriched by active participation in clubs such as Women in Real Estate (WIRE) and the UW-Madison Real Estate Club. Alongside her studies, Blair has garnered hands-on experience from impactful internships at Mortenson Development and First Hospitality.

Melanie is pursuing her MBA at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. At Barings, Melanie served as an analyst on the Global Structured Finance team and was responsible for closing $2.6 billion in private structured credit transactions through residential whole loan flow programs and lending platforms while improving process efficiencies, allowing for the onboarding of several new clients and products. Prior to joining Barings, Melanie graduated from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell earning a BSBA with concentrations in Finance and Marketing. Her interests include real estate, adaptive reuse and conversion opportunities, community development, and impact investing.

Summer Associate
Weitzman Associates, LLC

Bernice is currently a full-time student in the master’s in real estate program at Cornell University.  After more than seven years as a corporate lawyer, Bernice seeks to apply her deep knowledge of deal structuring and her experience leading large teams to execute complex, multilateral transactions to a new context: real estate development for hotels and other hospitality properties. Prior to pursuing graduate education in real estate, Bernice was a lawyer at Helbraun & Levey LLP, a boutique law firm in New York, where she counseled entrepreneurs and established players in the hospitality industry on a wide range of transactional legal matters.  Prior to her work at Helbraun Levey, Bernice led multi-billion-dollar, cross-border private equity fund formations in the New York and Hong Kong offices of international law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP.  She holds a J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A. in Economics and Philosophy from Pomona College and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.