Associate Development Manager
Lendlease Development Inc., Chicago, IL
Jennie is pursuing her Masters of Sustainable Management at Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, DePaul University. Prior to Lendlease, Jennie worked in development roles for General Growth Properties. In her current position, Jennie has participated in Lendlease’s Springboard Sustainability Pilot-Program and she serves on the Leadership Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Chicago. Jennie earned her Bachelor’s in Finance from DePaul University’s College of Commerce.
Kayle Birdoff
Capital Markets Summer Analyst
JLL, Chicago, IL
Kayle is pursuing an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She has also served as an MBA intern with LaSalle Investment Management. Prior to her transition into the commercial real estate industry, Kayle worked in advertising with Mindshare, Dell and other companies. Kayle earned her Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Texas, Austin.
Katie Bryan
Real Estate Manager
NiSource, Merillville, IN
Katie is pursuing her JD degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. Prior to her current position, Katie clerked and served in various capacities in various law office environments. She was also a leasing agent for Marc Realty. Katie earned her Bachelor’s in Science Dual Degree in Real Estate Finance and Business Administration from DePaul University.
Jessie Chen
Senior Associate/Manager (Real Estate, Private Equity)
Deloitte LLP – Business Tax Service, Chicago, IL
Jessie is pursuing her MBA degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. During her time with Deloitte, Jessie has been actively engaged in Deloitte’s Eminence Team for Monitor Institute; she also volunteers with Build 312, where she organized a Women’s Development Forum. Jessie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.
Wanqiu Chen
Joint MBA and M.S. Civil Engineering Student
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Wanqiu is currently a full-time student at University of Illinois. She interned with Greystar in Chicago as well as with engineering firms in China. Wanqiu earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology. She is active in the Graduate Society of Women Engineers and the Rho Epsilon Real Estate Association at University of Illinois.
Kristina Flathers
Manager, Corporate Strategy
Gogo, Chicago, IL
Kristina is pursuing an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Prior to her current roles, Kristina worked in investment banking at Golub Capital and Jeffries LLC. Kristina earned a BA in Economics from the University of Notre Dame.
Kelly Hackett
Vice President, Enterprise Solutions, Global Occupier Services
Cushman & Wakefield, Chicago, IL
Kelly is pursuing an Executive MBA degree at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She has 15 years of experience in the corporate real estate industry and has lead and managed portfolio management positions on both the client side as well as the service provider side. Kelly earned her B.S. from Butler University. She is affiliated with industry associations including CoreNet Global, where she has held board positions and completed her Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR) designation.
Laura Hogikyan
MBA Candidate, Stephen M. Ross School of Business and JD Candidate, University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, MI
Laura is pursuing a joint MBA/JD degree at University Michigan, where she also serves as the MBA President of the Michigan Ross Real Estate Fund. She was a Summer Associate with Kirkland & Ellis as well as Davis, Polk & Wardwell and SSG Capital Advisors. She has also served in various analyst and associate positions. Laura earned her Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.
Carolyn Kane
MBA Candidate, The James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the Wisconsin School of Business
Madison, WI
Prior to pursuing full-time studies, Carolyn was Analyst, Multifamily Originations at Red Capital Group in Columbus, OH. She has also interned with Merrill Lynch and Colliers. Carolyn earned her Bachelor’s in Economics, Communications from Denison University.
Gabriele Katilius
Analyst, Direct Affordable Housing
J.P. Morgan, Chicago, IL
Gabriele is pursuing a Real Estate MBA at DePaul University’s Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. She is looking forward to advancing her career in commercial real estate and has aspirations to work in asset management. In addition to school and work, Gabriele is a member of the Real Estate Finance Forum (REFF). Gabriele earned a Bachelor’s in Finance from DePaul University.
Kechia Lewis
Corporate Legal Assistant
Avison Young, Chicago, IL
Kechia is a 3L Law Student at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Prior to commercial real estate, Kechia worked at various positions in scientific organizations. Kechia earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Forensic Science from Loyola University Chicago.
Sheila Loberg
Director of Business Development
Loberg Construction, Palatine, IL
Sheila is pursuing a Finance and Real Estate MBA at DePaul University’s Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. She is embracing her role as the 3rd generation at Loberg Construction and is dedicated to strategically growing the family business within the commercial real estate and construction industry. Sheila earned a Bachelor’s in Advertising from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Megan May
Real Estate Equity Associate
Allstate, Chicago, IL
Megan is pursuing an MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Prior to her current position, she was an associate and manager in the investment industry with companies such as Bond, VEREIT and BlackRock. A native of Southern California, Megan is active in Real Estate Finance Forum (REFF). She earned a BBA in Real Estate and Finance from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Christina (Perez) McInerney
Assistant Property Manager
Cushman & Wakefield, Chicago, IL
Christina is pursuing an MBA from Northeastern Illinois University. Prior to her current position, she served in various administrative roles, most recently as a Property Administrator with JLL. Christina is the 2018 recipient of the BOMA/Chicago Foundation’s Reginald L. Ollie Inclusion and Outreach Scholarship. She earned her BA in Sociology from Washburn University.
Vasiliki Mitrakos
JD Candidate at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law, Chicago, IL
Vasiliki interned with Reyes Holdings during Summer 2018. In addition to serving as Vice President of Communications for the Environmental Law Society, she is a student member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Hellenic Bar Association. Vasiliki is also Co-editor of Portes Magazine and has volunteered with Hellenic Legal Assistance Services of Chicago. She earned an MA in Social Sciences from University of Chicago and a BA in Political Science from Northwestern University.
Senior Analyst, Transaction Management
JLL, Chicago, IL
Emily is pursuing an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Prior to JLL, Emily worked at BMO Harris Bank and Aon Hewitt in various capacities. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
Olga Olejniczak
Real Estate Representative
The Opus Group, Chicago, IL
Olga is pursuing a Real Estate MBA at DePaul University’s Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. She began her career in marketing and business development with Littler Mendelson. Olga is active in the Real Estate Finance Forum (REFF) and serves as the organization’s Secretary. She earned a BA in Spanish and Environmental Studies from University of Michigan and studied business management and marketing at Northwestern University.
Rebecca Palmer
MBA + M.Arch Candidate at University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign, IL
Rebecca has received numerous scholarships and accolades in pursuit of her dual degree in business and architecture at Illinois’ Gies College of Business and the College of Fine & Applied Arts. She has interned with RATIO Architects and Dewberry. Rebecca volunteers as a Mentor with Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and also studied at Illinois Central College.
Irene Papierek
General Manager
Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Chicago, IL
Irene is pursuing a Master of Science in Real Estate from Roosevelt University’s Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate. She currently manages approximately 400,000 square feet of medical office space in Chicago’s western suburbs. She is active in BOMA/Suburban Chicago and is a licensed Illinois real estate broker. She earned a BA in Business from Eastern Illinois University and an Associate’s in Business Administration from Harper College.
Colleen Quirk
National Commercial Services Director & Senior Counsel
Near North National Title, Chicago, IL
Colleen is pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. In her current position, she oversees high liability commercial single and multi-site transactions for properties located across the country and in other select jurisdictions. Colleen earned her JD from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her BA in English and Communication from Loyola University Chicago.
Allison Rabin
Director, Commercial Business Development
Fidelity National Financial, Chicago, IL
Allison is pursuing an Executive MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Prior to her current position, Allison served as Wisconsin State Manager and Chicago Metro Manager for Chicago Title Insurance Company. Allison earned her BS in Finance and Management from DePaul University and JD from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Sue Taghabon
Commercial Real Estate Appraiser
Urban Real Estate Research, Chicago, IL
Sue is pursuing a Master’s in Real Estate at Roosevelt University’s Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate. She has a background in architecture, urban planning, and community development, and she co-authored a textbook on urban planning in her native language. She previously served on the board of Women in Planning and Development. Sue earned a Master’s of Urban Planning and Policy from University of Illinois at Chicago, a Master’s of Urban Design from University of Tehran, and a BA in Architecture from University of Shariati.
Rebecca Thomson
Principal
Thomson Real Estate Group, Chicago, IL
Rebecca is pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is Immediate Past President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and currently serves as a Regent for REALTOR® University, and is a Director at the Illinois Association of REALTORS® and the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. She previously held the position of Vice President of Agent Development, @properties. Rebecca earned a BA in English, Secondary Education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.