Women of Influence

"Keep learning and take advantage of opportunities because career paths in commercial real estate are not linear. The best way to position yourself for success is education," says Damla Gerhart, principal and managing director at Avison Young.

Industry veteran Alison Flynn Gaffney will assume the role and work to evolve the firm's healthcare business.

"Unconscious bias creeps into every workplace. Although barriers to being welcome and included still exist, it is up to the individual to embrace similarities with colleagues even when they point out differences," says Colliers' Valerie Tatum.

Challenges are a work in progress for apartment companies making use of the technology.

"It's important to reflect on the feedback that you're given and leverage it to your advantage," says Taylor Parker, associate, branch manager at Bohler.

"The best lesson I have learned is to be patient," says Michelle Abramov, managing director of RIPCO Real Estate LLC.

"You want to create a work environment where employees feel trusted – a place they want to go to (and stay) when they come into the office," says Deb Donley, founder and CEO of Vocon.

"My advice to get a foothold in the industry is to take any available position that will get you in the door," says Mindy Mcilroy, president of Terranova Corp.