Goldie Scholar Pre-Retreat Happy Hour
Location: Clarion Partners
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Attendees: 75 attendees including scholars, mentors, and NY community members
The event began with a state of the market by the Chief Economist Ryan Severino and his team at BGO. It included a thoughtful Q&A session from the crowd. After the presentation, the group moved to the open area of Clarion’s beautiful office for appetizers and drinks.
Ryan Severino presenting.
Group picture of Goldie Scholars at Clarion Partners.
The three speakers, L to R: Zara Weinstock, Erica Moon, and Ryan Severino.
Overview of the cocktail space at Clarion.
Goldie Scholar Retreat
Location: Royalton Park Ave Hotel, 420 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Attendees: 55 attendees including scholars, mentors, and NY community members
Keynote Fireside Chat with 2026 Goldie Gala Shero Lisa Konieczka, moderated by Board Member Marissa Rose
The retreat opened with a fireside chat featuring Lisa Konieczka on leadership, career growth, and navigating key decision points in commercial real estate. The conversation was followed by an engaged Q&A, with scholars asking candid questions.
Lisa & Marissa presenting.
Group Photo with Lisa Konieczka and Marissa Rose.
Networking Round Robin
After the fireside chat, the group completed a round robin networking activity where groups of Goldie Scholars rotated tables every 15 minutes to talk with Goldie Mentors and Alumnae about their careers, advice, and commercial real estate.
Seven tables of Goldie Scholars, mentors, and alumnae networking.
- After lunch, the Goldie Scholars learned from Sarah Berman, CEO of the Berman Group, about public speaking and CRE Communications.
- After a quick coffee and cookie break, the Goldie Scholars then did an elevator pitch workshop with Kelsey Cleland, Program Director at the Goldie Initiative.
- To wrap up the working day with gratitude and a culture of philanthropy, the Goldie Scholars wrote over 70 thank you notes to Goldie Gala 2025 sponsors.
- Finally, the scholars enjoyed a relaxing private dinner together at the Ivy Room located on the penthouse floor of the Royalton.
Group of Northwestern University Goldie Scholars (L to R: Layla Salah, Linda Humphrey, Jess Ravitch, Alison Johnson, and Julia Schwartz).
Goldie Scholars at the post-Retreat cocktail hour/dinner at Ivy Room.