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Our Current Scholars

Goldie Gala 25

2026–2027 Goldie Scholar Cohort.

Meet the 2026 Goldie Scholar Cohort. Comprised of outstanding students from leading universities, this year’s scholars have been recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to careers in commercial real estate. Explore the profiles below to learn more about their accomplishments, interests, and aspirations as they prepare to shape the
future of the industry.

Preethi Anbalagan (1)

Preethi Anbalagan

University of Chicago (MBA)

Preethi Anbalagan is an infrastructure and capital projects professional with experience spanning urban planning, transportation, and strategy. She is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and recently served as a Summer Associate at Bain & Company, focusing on infrastructure and capital projects. Prior to business school, Preethi spent more than four years at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, where she managed major transportation and infrastructure initiatives, including work related to the $10 billion Midtown Bus Terminal Replacement Program and the Cross Harbor Freight Program. Her experience includes project management, business case development, cost controls, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional coordination for large-scale public investments. Preethi began her career in urban planning and has worked across both the public and private sectors in Canada and the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Science from McMaster University and has been recognized with the 2024 International Changemaker in Transportation Award. Her work focuses on delivering complex projects that improve connectivity, strengthen communities, and support long-term economic growth.
Jada Mercy Ayebae

Jada-Mercy Ayebae

University of Pennsylvania (MCP)

Jada-Mercy is pursuing a Master of City Planning at the University of Pennsylvania, concentrating in Public-Private Development. She is passionate about leveraging real estate, planning, and economic development to create more connected, sustainable communities. Jada-Mercy previously interned with HR&A Advisors, where she focused on transit-oriented development at the intersection of real estate, planning, and economic development. Before graduate school, she supported U.S. Department of Transportation programs focused on transportation safety, complete streets, and infrastructure development. She earned a BS in Civil Engineering with a minor in Sustainability from the University of Maryland and is driven by a commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities nationwide.
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Bretagne Ball

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (MBA)

Bretagne Ball is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Gies College of Business, with a focus on strategy and leadership development. She is a Senior Lead at Air Communities (formerly LivCor), a Blackstone portfolio company focused on multifamily real estate, where she has spent more than four years leading national vendor partnerships and cross-functional initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, resident experience, and long-term portfolio value. Bretagne is also a licensed managing broker and has built a strong foundation in real estate, with experience spanning corporate operations, asset management, and property-level strategy. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Howard University, bringing a well-rounded perspective that integrates design, business, and real estate. Bretagne is deeply committed to leadership, professional growth, and expanding opportunities for women and people of color in commercial real estate. She is passionate about building a career at the intersection of strategy, real estate, and leadership while contributing to the continued advancement of the industry.
GeLisa Beard

GeLisa Beard

University Wisconsin - Milwaukee (MBA)

GeLisa Beard is an MBA candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a real estate professional with more than 15 years of experience in portfolio management, valuation, underwriting, project management, and workforce development. As ACRE Program Officer at LISC Milwaukee, she develops educational programs, manages strategic partnerships, and supports aspiring real estate professionals through training and mentorship. Previously, GeLisa managed an 800+ property residential portfolio at Opendoor, leading renovation initiatives and contributing to more than $75 million in asset recovery. She is passionate about expanding access to economic opportunity and leveraging real estate, community investment, and leadership development to support neighborhood revitalization and sustainable growth.
Nardos Bekele

Nardos Bekele

University of Pennsylvania (MBA)

Nardos is a first-year MBA candidate at The Wharton School with a professional background spanning management consulting and real estate. Prior to Wharton, she advised organizations on strategic and operational challenges while building experience in real estate investment and development. At Wharton, Nardos is focused on entrepreneurship and real estate.
April Cabral

April Cabral

April is pursuing a J.D. at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Before law school, she worked as a foreclosure paralegal, where she developed an interest in the intersection of real estate and law. She graduated summa cum laude from Iona University with bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and English and held several leadership roles during her undergraduate studies. April is passionate about commercial real estate and hopes to leverage her legal training to navigate complex transactions and help create opportunities through development. She looks forward to expanding her industry knowledge, building meaningful relationships, and growing as a future leader in commercial real estate.
abigail chen

Abigail Chen

Columbia University (MBA)

Abigail is pursuing an MBA at Columbia Business School, focusing on real estate finance. She began her career in Chicago through LinkedIn's Business Leadership Program before joining Dealpath, where she worked at the intersection of technology and institutional real estate investing. Abigail brings experience across a range of real estate sectors, including mixed-use development, global office and industrial properties, and multifamily finance through roles with 42 Real Estate, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, and CCL Capital. She is passionate about connecting communities with economic opportunity and is an active volunteer with Apex for Youth and Billion Oyster Project. Abigail holds a BA in Economics, with minors in Political Science and Urban Studies, from Wheaton College.
Chicari Cole

Chicari Cole

Roosevelt University (MSRE)

Chicari Cole is pursuing an MS in Real Estate at Roosevelt University's Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate. With more than 15 years of experience in affordable housing and commercial real estate asset management, she has overseen multifamily and mixed-use portfolios across LIHTC, HUD, and RAD programs at firms including Related Affordable, The Habitat Company, The Community Builders, and DL3 Realty Advisors. Chicari is passionate about advancing operational excellence, community impact, and affordable housing initiatives. She is also committed to mentoring and creating opportunities for women of color in commercial real estate, helping to open doors for the next generation of industry leaders.
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Sydney Dea

Loyola University (JD)

Sydney Dea is pursing her JD at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Sydney was a 2025 Summer Associate at Dentons in their litigation practice group, and she plans to join Honigman as a 2026 Summer Associate to gain more experience in the real estate realm. Post-graduation, Sydney aspires to specialize in commercial real estate litigation. Prior to law school, Sydney earned her Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, where she majored in Real Estate and International Business. During undergrad, Sydney interned with law firm, O'Dekirk, Allred, & Rhodes, where she worked on real estate transactions. She also interned for Beam Living, a Blackstone Portfolio Company, where she gained more experience in the legal realm of commercial leasing and property management.
Wenpeng Ding

Wenpeng Ding

Baruch College (MS in Real Estate)

Wenpeng is pursuing her MS in Real Estate at Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business, where she received the Steven L. Newman Real Estate Institute Advisory Board Award. She is passionate about the intersection of investment and equitable urban development, connecting financial performance with inclusive community impact. Wenpeng is an incoming Credit and Underwriting Intern at the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and most recently interned at Eight West by The Hakimian Organization. Previously, she spent three years as a Development Manager at Shanghai Bund Investment Group, supporting the close of $4.8 billion in mixed-use acquisitions. Wenpeng holds an MSc in Urban Development Planning from University College London and a Bachelor of Architecture from Southeast University.
Sakina Electricwala

Sakina Electricwala

DePaul University (MS in Real Estate)

Sakina Electricwala is passionate about real estate development and enjoys working through pro formas, underwriting deals, and helping move development projects forward. What excites her most is seeing how financial analysis and planning ultimately translate into places that people experience every day. She is always seeking opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow within the industry.
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Brianna Galvan

Dominican University (MBA)

Brianna Galvan, PE, LEED Green Associate, is the Building Simulation Team Lead at Baumann Consulting, where she leads projects focused on predicting building performance to inform investment and design decisions. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Architectural Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing an MBA at Dominican University. Brianna is passionate about advancing sustainable real estate practices and developing the leadership skills needed to shape the future of high-performance buildings. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Illinois Green Alliance Auxiliary Board.
Priscilla Gil

Priscilla Gil

Northwestern University (MBA)

Priscilla Gil is a Senior Marketing Manager at The Shops at North Bridge in Chicago, where she develops integrated marketing strategies that activate retail spaces, enhance the guest experience, and strengthen Michigan Avenue's position as one of the nation's premier shopping and cultural destinations. Over the past decade, she has built a career at the intersection of marketing, placemaking, and commercial real estate, leading award-winning campaigns, cultivating community partnerships, and creating experiential activations along The Magnificent Mile. Her work has been recognized with an ICSC Silver MAXI Award and multiple ICSC award finalist honors for innovation in retail marketing. Beyond her professional role, Priscilla serves as a volunteer river cruise docent with the Chicago Architecture Center, sharing the city’s architectural history with visitors from around the world. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, where she is deepening her expertise in strategy, leadership, and commercial real estate while advancing innovative approaches to placemaking and destination development.
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Ketti Gorski

Johns Hopkins University (MS in Real Estate & Infrastructure)

Ketti Gorski is an Assistant Project Director based in WinnDevelopment’s Mid-Atlantic office, where she manages development efforts for ground-up and rehabilitation projects across the region. Prior to joining WinnDevelopment, Ketti spent a year and a half at Mill Creek Residential, leading marketing strategy for all new development across the company’s national portfolio. Before Mill Creek, she spent five years at Bozzuto where she led marketing for over 80 properties across 7 states, spanning new developments, lease-ups, and stabilized multifamily communities. Now focused on development, her previous marketing experience provides a strategic perspective on shaping projects that succeed from initial planning through stabilization. Ketti is pursuing her Master’s in Real Estate & Infrastructure at Johns Hopkins University. She is active in the Urban Land Institute’s Baltimore chapter and has served on the Partnership Forum committee since 2024, previously earning second place in the mock development competition for a site in East Baltimore.
Malika Holmes

Malika Holmes

University of Maryland (MBA)

Malika’s journey through the built environment is defined by a rare view of how communities are designed, built, funded, and sustained. Beginning her career with a foundation in architecture and project management, she initially focused on improving the quality of life for those in her community through improving their environment. Driven to understand the policy and regulatory forces shaping our cities, Malika transitioned to the public sector. With over twelve years of state service and now as Deputy Director of Housing and Building Energy Programs for the State of Maryland at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, she guides large-scale energy efficiency initiatives and manages a wide portfolio of programs that assist Marylanders enhance building performance and lower energy consumption. Currently pursuing a Master of Real Estate Development and MBA at the University of Maryland, she is bridging the gap between design vision, policy execution, and financial viability to shape the next generation of sustainable commercial real estate.
Alissa Ji

Alissa Ji

Harvard (MPP) / Stanford University (MBA)

Alissa is entering her final year of a dual MBA/MPP at Stanford GSB and Harvard Kennedy School. She is interested in developing new tools to advance affordable housing and sustainable economic development in cities. She previously served as Chief of Staff at the Community Economic Defense Project, a major Colorado housing nonprofit, and worked in housing policy for the Tulsa Mayor, Boston Housing Authority, and the Hawaiʻi Governor’s Office. She began her career as a management consultant at Bain in New York. She grew up in Georgia and loves the outdoors.
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Ivorine Jones

New York University (MSRE)

Ivorine Jones is a commercial real estate professional with a strong background in acquisitions, dispositions, and industrial transaction operations. At Link Logistics, she supports execution across the full lifecycle of complex transactions, from marketing through post-close, ensuring continuity, compliance, and value creation across a national portfolio. Her experience includes legal operations, title curative work, and financial due diligence on deals totaling over $11 billion, including a landmark $7 billion portfolio acquisition. Ivorine brings a unique blend of technical skill, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to purpose-driven work. This fall, she will begin her MS in Real Estate Finance at NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate. She is actively involved in Link’s employee resource groups, where she contributes to local outreach and cultural engagement. Ivorine is passionate about building more inclusive pathways into commercial real estate and shaping community-centered investment strategies for the future.
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Tiffany Kim

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MBA)

Tiffany is pursuing an MBA at MIT Sloan, where she focuses on real estate, finance, and community-centered development. She previously held roles at Goldman Sachs, Redcar Properties, and Assembly OSM, gaining experience across debt structuring, private equity, and modular construction. As the founder of POPL, a New York-based MWBE development firm, Tiffany is advancing sustainable and affordable housing models through partnerships with faith based developments and nonprofits. Tiffany is also a Program Manager at MIT’s delta v accelerator. She earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.
Yvonne Kim

Yvonne Kim

Columbia University (MSRED)

Yvonne Kim is a Master of Science in Real Estate Development candidate at Columbia University GSAPP, where she is a Merit-Based Scholar, Co-President of Women in Real Estate Development, and Communications & Media Chair. Prior to Columbia, she spent more than seven years with Seoul Housing & Urban Development Corporation, managing development projects and supporting asset management across a large multifamily portfolio. Yvonne is passionate about the intersection of real estate and technology, having founded two AI-powered real estate tools focused on affordable housing analysis and renter services. She currently works on AI-driven automation initiatives in real estate and proptech. Trained as an architect, Yvonne holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture and is a licensed architect in South Korea.
Jesicka Labud

Jesicka Labud

Wentworth Institute of Technology (MS in Construction Management)

Jesicka Labud is pursuing an MS in Construction Management at Wentworth Institute of Technology and brings nearly 20 years of experience managing complex capital projects across commercial real estate, public infrastructure, and institutional portfolios. Most recently, she oversaw owner-side project management and a $100 million capital repositioning program at International Place in Boston. Previously, she led the project team for PwC's $150 million New York City headquarters renovation at CBRE and managed corporate real estate programs across the Americas. Jesicka holds a Bachelor of Architecture from The Cooper Union and was a Fulbright Research Grantee at Seoul National University. She is passionate about driving better project outcomes through collaboration, transparency, and effective project controls.
Kate Lantier

Kate Lantier

University of Pennsylvania (MBA)

Kate Lantier is an MBA student at The Wharton School studying Finance and Real Estate. She was previously an Associate at Bain Capital, focused on real estate equity investments across the US. She started her career at Eastdil Secured, where she was an Analyst supporting investment sales and debt placement. Kate received a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Management Studies from Northwestern University.
Diana Lara

Diana Lara

University of Notre Dame (MBA)

Diana Lara is an MBA candidate at the University of Notre Dame concentrating in Finance and Real Estate. She recently completed a summer internship with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where she supported the Supervision of Large and Foreign Banking Organizations (LFBO) and explored commercial real estate and credit risk. Her interests include commercial real estate finance, housing finance, and fintech, with a focus on leveraging technology to expand access to homeownership. In her free time, she enjoys reading theology, studying Scripture, hiking, and discovering local food and coffee shops with her mini-aussiedoodle, Ozzy!
Danielle Lowe

Danielle Lowe

Columbia University (MBA)

Danielle Lowe is currently a MBA candidate at Columbia Business School. She is a Miami (FL) native with deep family roots in real estate development. She received her undergraduate degree from Tufts University in Boston prior to moving to New York City. Before pursuing real estate directly, she worked in consulting and technology, building a strong analytical foundation that now informs her approach to development and acquisitions. Danielle most recently completed a summer associate role with Trammell Crow Company in Los Angeles, working on the multifamily development team. At Columbia, she serves as Vice President of Careers for the Real Estate Association and is an active member of the Health and Wellness Club, the Jewish Business Association, and the Entrepreneurship Club. Outside of work, Danielle stays active through hiking and yoga, and regularly listens to podcasts on entrepreneurship and health.
Keena McIntosh

Keena McIntosh

University of Wisconsin - Madison (JD/MBA)

Keena McIntosh was born and raised in Sherman, Texas, and earned her bachelor's degree in Finance from Prairie View A&M University in 2018. After building a successful career in financial services over seven years, she chose to pursue a JD/MBA with a concentration in Real Estate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Upon graduating in 2029, Keena plans to build a career that combines her interests in law, business, and real estate, helping clients and communities navigate real estate opportunities and investments. Outside of work and the classroom, she enjoys international travel, live music, hosting friends and family, and discovering new TV shows.
Danielle Peteet

Danielle Peteet

Northwestern University (MS)

Danielle Peteet began her real estate career as a residential appraiser, driven by an early interest in architecture and the built environment. Her career has since evolved through federally regulated programs, project controls, and capital construction, leading to her current work managing complex utility infrastructure projects. Danielle is pursuing a Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction at Northwestern University. She is interested in the development and long-term performance of commercial real estate assets, particularly data centers, industrial properties, and mixed use developments. Her work focuses on how power availability, infrastructure, capital planning, and construction strategy influence development, investment decisions, and long-term asset performance.
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Jessica Ravitch

Northwestern University (MBA)

Jess Ravitch is an MBA candidate at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management with a focus on real estate development and investment. Most recently, she interned at Hines in Chicago, where she focused on acquisitions and development. Prior to Kellogg, Jess was a Senior Analyst in Capital One’s Healthcare Real Estate group, where she underwrote and managed transactions across medical office, life science, and senior housing assets. She previously interned at Lerner Enterprises, gaining acquisitions and asset management experience across multifamily, office, and retail properties. Jess’s passion for real estate is complemented by her entrepreneurial mindset. While at Tulane University, she founded Share Squad, a sustainable dress rental company serving the student community. She graduated from Tulane with a B.S. in Finance and a minor in Legal Studies. Jess is passionate about using creativity to build vibrant, dynamic communities through real estate development.
Dalila Ricci

Dalila Ricci

Northwestern University (MBA)

With five years of experience in construction management, Dalila brings a builder’s mindset and a passion for creating places that positively impact communities. Most recently a Project Manager at Mortenson Construction, she has delivered public and private projects across Denver and New York City. She is now pursuing real estate development to expand her boots-on-the-ground experience into shaping the larger vision—helping guide investment decisions and create sustainable, vibrant communities throughout Chicago. This passion led her to pursue her MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and become part of the Goldie community. Dalila is also passionate about mentorship and supporting Hispanic and young professionals through her leadership with Gilbane Hol@ (Hispanics Organizing Leaders @ Gilbane), Mortenson’s Denver Engineer in Training (EIT) program, and ACE Mentorship. Outside of work, Dalila enjoys exploring Chicago on foot, discovering new food spots, and running with her dog, Chai.
Madeline Robertson

Madeline Robertson

DePaul University (MBA)

Madeline Robertson is Director of Sustainability at Greystar, where she leads sustainability programs and strategic partnerships supporting a multifamily portfolio of more than 3,800 properties nationwide. Her work focuses on energy benchmarking, Building Performance Standards, sustainability education, and data-driven environmental performance initiatives. Madeline holds degrees from DePaul University and has completed executive education at Harvard University. She is passionate about making sustainability practical and scalable within real estate operations and is an active industry thought leader, having presented at national ESG and sustainability conferences. Her research on Life Cycle Assessment has been published in the Journal of Sustainable Production and Consumption.
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Alexandra Romanowski

Georgetown University (MSRE)

Alexandra Romanowski is an Associate Director on the Investment Team and Commonfund OCIO where she is responsible for assisting with asset allocation, manager sourcing, due diligence, and investment monitoring for investment portfolios for real asset strategies and private real estate investments. Before joining Commonfund, Alexandra worked as an Associate as part of the Commercial Real Estate Team for Bank of Montreal Harris, where she focused on Healthcare Real Estate lending and investing. Prior to that, she worked as an Investor Relations Analyst for Graham Capital Management, L.P., a Macro Hedge Fund in Rowayton, CT, as well as a Management Development Associate at M&T Bank. Alexandra received a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in International Relations from the State University of New York, College at Geneseo and is currently pursuing her M.S. In Real Estate Finance at Georgetown University.  
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Hannah Rosenberg

New York University (MBA)

Hannah Rosenberg is currently a member of the portfolio management team at CBRE Investment Management, supporting the firm’s open-end Industrial Fund. She brings several years of experience in real estate investment and strategy, with a focus on institutional asset management. She is pursuing her MBA at New York University and is actively engaged in industry and community leadership. She serves as one of the Communications Chairs for the Urban Land Institute’s Young Leadership Group and sits on the Women’s Leadership Board at CBRE IM. In addition, she is a member of the Real Estate Committee for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF). Hannah Rosenberg earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.  
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Victoria Sacchetti

University of Pennsylvania (MBA)

Victoria Sacchetti is currently pursuing her MBA at the Wharton School. She began her real estate career at J.P. Morgan, where she worked on deals across all asset classes including office, multifamily, self storage, hospitality, and gaming. She later joined the Partnership Fund as an investor. Victoria also completed her undergraduate studies at The Wharton School.
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Layla Salah

Northwestern University (MBA)

Layla Salah is an MBA candidate at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, focused on real estate investment, finance, and strategy. Prior to Kellogg, she spent over three years in commercial real estate asset management, executing value-add strategies across a 500,000+ SF industrial portfolio. Most recently, she gained investment management experience with AJ Capital Partners, where she gained experience in underwriting, financial analysis, and investment strategy. Layla also serves as President of Kellogg’s Evening & Weekend Real Estate Club and is passionate about real estate investment, strategy, and value creation.
Kamila Sargsyan

Kamila Sargsyan

University of Virginia (MBA)

Kamila Sargsyan is pursuing an MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, with a focus on real estate and investment strategy. Prior to business school, she was a Development Manager at Staley Point Capital, where she oversaw the development of industrial and self-storage projects across Southern California. She previously worked at Layton Construction, gaining experience in construction estimating and operations. Kamila earned a BA in Economics from the University of California, San Diego, and has been actively involved with CREW Los Angeles. She is passionate about real estate development and hopes to revitalize historic buildings into community-oriented spaces that create lasting impact.
Jessica Signore

Jessica Signore

New York University (MSRE)

Jessica Signore is Director of Real Estate Strategy & Operations at DJJA Management, Inc., where she leads leasing, tenant relations, financial operations, investment strategy, and portfolio management across a multifamily and commercial real estate portfolio. She oversees property operations, regulatory compliance, capital planning, and technology initiatives that improve reporting and operational efficiency. Jessica also supports long-term ownership objectives through succession, tax, and estate planning strategies.Prior to joining DJJA Management, she held operations roles at Citadel and Goldman Sachs, where she managed complex financial processes, automation initiatives, risk controls, and large-scale operational projects. Jessica is currently pursuing an M.S. in Real Estate at NYU Schack and holds a bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Finance, and Leadership from the University of Scranton.
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Raychelle Smith

Northwestern University (MBA)

Raychelle Smith is a Commercial Real Estate Underwriter at Bank of America and an Evening & Weekend MBA candidate at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. In her role, she structures financing and evaluates credit risk across a diverse portfolio of commercial real estate transactions, building expertise in real estate finance, underwriting, and investment analysis. Beyond her current role, Raychelle has a strong interest in the development and entrepreneurial side of commercial real estate. She believes thoughtful development has the power to transform neighborhoods, strengthen local economies, and create lasting value for communities. Raychelle is committed to building community within the commercial real estate industry and connecting with professionals who share a commitment to learning, collaboration, and growth. She values meaningful relationships and enjoys learning from industry leaders while supporting those beginning their careers in the industry.
Samantha Smith

Samantha Smith

Cornell University (MSRE)

Samantha “Sam” Smith is a Master's Candidate in Cornell's Baker Program in Real Estate, concentrating in Finance and Investment. At Cornell, Sam is the VP of Marketing for the Association of Cornell Women in Real Estate and a ULI NY Women's Leadership Initiative Foundations Fellow. She’s currently working as a Development Analyst with EVI, supporting projects in the affordable housing and real estate innovation space, and previously worked in development and acquisitions at Dominium. Sam has her BA in Economics from Cornell University with a minor in Law and Society. She’s passionate about placemaking and reshaping communities through real estate, and aims to use her career to lead and help others.
Eve Tchebetchou

Eve Tchebetchou

University of Chicago (MBA)

Eve S Tchebetchou is an incoming MBA candidate at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with a background in commercial real estate finance. Originally from Douala, Cameroon, she earned a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in Real Estate and Finance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Throughout her career, she has structured and underwritten more than $1 billion in commercial real estate transactions. Passionate about expanding access to quality housing and investment across Africa, Eve aspires to transition into private equity before launching a real estate investment and development firm focused on transformative multifamily and hospitality projects across Central Africa.
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Abby Thyne

University of Wisconsin - Madison (MBA)

Abby Thyne is currently pursuing an MBA in Real Estate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Graaskamp Center for Real Estate. Prior to business school, she was an Associate for Northwestern Mutual Real Estate in Dallas, TX where she focused on production origination and financial underwriting. While there, she was responsible for analyzing property financials, dissecting market dynamics, and contributing to the $1 billion of new business each year. Her expertise lies in Class A multifamily, office, student housing, and retail assets located across Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Outside of deal origination, her passion lies in advocating for women throughout the Commercial Real Estate Industry. She is an active Forte Fellow through the University of Wisconsin, and she is the founder and co-chair of the Marquette University Women in Real Estate alumna group. She graduated cum laude from Marquette University with a dual degree in Finance and Commercial Real Estate.
Isabelle Turri

Isabelle Turri

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MUP)

Isabelle Turri is a civil engineer and Master of Science in Real Estate Development candidate at MIT. She was among the first hires at Greystar Brazil, where she worked across acquisitions, development, and asset management, helping build one of the country’s first institutional multifamily platforms and managing a R$1.7 billion portfolio. Her work focuses on expanding professionally managed rental housing, particularly affordable housing, by combining institutional capital and technology, especially AI.
Margaret Williams

Margaret Williams

Loyola University Chicago (JD)

Margaret is a second-year law student at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She is currently interning with the legal department at Logistics Property Company, an industrial real estate development firm. Before law school, Margaret worked in multifamily bridge loan servicing and asset management at Walker & Dunlop. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she earned her bachelor's degree in Economics from Georgetown University in 2023.
Sophia Wilson

Sophia Wilson

Roosevelt University (MSRE)

Sophia Wilson is a Development Specialist at the Chicago Housing Authority and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Real Estate at Roosevelt University. She assists development managers, senior development managers and leadership with implementation support on activities related to CHA pipeline and priority projects – closings, perm conversions, recapitalizations and any other projects as needed. She identifies candidates for potential off-site subsidy-only projects and acts as a project lead, guiding proposals through the development process. Sophia moved to Chicago in 2024 to participate in the Illinois Housing Council’s Emerging Leaders Internship Program after graduating with her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Clemson University. While at Clemson, she was the Student Body Treasurer and led a group of 15 students in allocating $1.9M in student activity fee income.
Hannah Yi

Hannah Yi

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MUP)

Hannah Yi is a Master in City Planning candidate at MIT. She previously worked as a Commercial Real Estate Associate at Wells Fargo. Hannah holds a B.S. in Commerce from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. She is interested in public-private partnerships and their role in advancing commercial real estate development.
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Hannah Zhao

Columbia University (MSRE)

Hannah Zhao is a dual Master’s candidate in Real Estate Development and Architecture at Columbia University. At Columbia, she serves as Co-President of Women in Real Estate Development and is an Avery Scholar. She also contributes as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for both Real Estate Finance and Environmental Sustainability. This summer, Hannah interned at Centennial Bank, where she worked in the Commercial Property Finance division, focusing on credit analysis and loan underwriting. Her past roles span real estate data research at a proptech startup, construction management, and architectural design. Hannah earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture and Building & Construction Technology, along with minors in Economics and Information Technology, from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Additionally, she graduated as a Commonwealth Honors College Scholar with Distinction, co-founded the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, served as Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students, and received both the Senior Leadership Award and the Chancellor’s Talent Award.
Han Zhu

Han Zhu

New York University (MBA)

Han Zhu is a second-year MBA candidate at NYU Stern School of Business, specializing in Real Estate, Finance and Strategy. She interned this past summer at Navigation Capital Group in New York City, working on luxury residential and hotel development. Prior to Stern, Han spent five years as an architect at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, where she worked on major commercial projects across office, residential, and mixed-use asset classes. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Rice University. At Stern, Han serves on the board of the Stern Real Estate Club and is a Real Estate Career Mentor at the Stern Careers Center. Originally from China, Han is a Registered Architect in New York State and speaks fluent Mandarin. Outside of class, she can be found on the tennis court or hanging out with her dog.
Sokaina Zouak

Sokaina Zouak

New York University (MSRE)

Ms Zouak is a master’s student in Real Estate Development at NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate at just age 20. She started university at the age of 14 due to her exceptional intellect and earned her associate’s degree by 17. Ms  Zouak has already gained valuable experience at RXR, serving as an Owner’s Representative on major mixed‑use projects, conducting feasibility studies, and engaging in capital markets. She is driven to shape vibrant, inclusive communities and unlock the potential of emerging markets. A scholar and active member of CREW Network, ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative, and WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate, Ms  Zouak continues to advance her vision for impactful, community‑driven development.