OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA—The GlobeSt. Women of Influence conference gathered stakeholders Tuesday afternoon with a keen interest in the intersection of ESG and investing. Panelists emphasized that the current climate presents a prime opportunity to invest in women-led ventures. Despite this, they acknowledged the persisting challenges in securing capital for new projects and the male-dominated landscape of institutional investments.
During the panel discussion, efforts were made to dismantle the barriers women face in the investment realm. Attendees were encouraged to equip themselves with the necessary tools and knowledge to confidently secure capital and make investments in the future of commercial real estate. Beth Azor, President of Azor Advisory Services, highlighted the importance of taking initiative and showing interest in investing, regardless of starting with smaller multifamily properties if needed. She emphasized that courage and capital are crucial, with opportunities seemingly on the rise, but the real challenge lies in finding the right investment deal.
Heather Konopka, President and Owner of The HKC Group of Sperry, shared her own struggles with fear and stressed the need to overcome such apprehensions. Ada Arevalo, Founder and CEO of iimpact capital, emphasized the power of community and urged women to recognize the economic system behind their investments. She encouraged sustainable investing, considering the sources of returns and their impact on the community being served.
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Leslie Biskner, Executive Vice President of Commercial Lending Group at Cooperative Business Services LLC, advised participants to communicate with lenders and prepare well before borrowing money. She shared her experience and encouraged women to start small, such as buying a duplex, and then leverage that success to build a sustainable investment journey.
Overall, panelists urged attendees to be courageous, educated, and collaborative in their approach to investing in the future of commercial real estate.
Check back with GlobeSt.com for more from the Women of Influence conference and check out the stories below for what you might have missed.
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Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.
