Influential women in commercial & residential real estate

For the month of March in light of International Women's Day, hOM has been showcasing amazing women in all the industries hOM interacts with. Real Estate. Yoga & Wellness. Tech. Check out our Instagram account for more features. 

hOM collaborates with some of the best humans in the industry. So of course we wanted to take the time to feature a few of them while gaining their insight on industry dynamics.  
​
Please take the time to meet Antonina Agrusa, Jackie Manzer, and Jenna Petok.

Through their Q&A you'll get full insight into industry dynamics as well as their true leadership and #HERoic personality.

Antonina Agrusa, Director of Marketing at TerraCRG

Antonina Agrusa

Is the Director of Marketing at TerraCRG and is responsible for leading the firm’s marketing and communication efforts, both those in support of the firm’s client assignments, as well as those aimed at defining and communicating the firm’s brand and advancing TerraCRG’s profile and positioning in the market overall.

1. What do you think the future holds for women in Real Estate? 
The future in real estate holds a lot of exciting opportunities for everyone. Now more than ever, companies are looking for top-notch candidates and qualified talent, and I think women are doing a great job of breaking barriers, bringing a different sense of creativity, and earning their seat at the table.

2. What kind of industry shifts or evolution in workplace dynamics have you experienced, if any, in the course of your work in Real Estate?
As far as workplace dynamics go, it is great to see and hear everyone making a conscious effort to be inclusive and respectful of teammates, colleagues and clients.

3. Any words of wisdom or bits of advice for anyone navigating the working world in this time and age? 
This may sound cliché, but it is imperative to be your most confident self. If you believe what you have to offer your company, clients and colleagues is of value, they will too!
 

---

Jenna Petok

Is the Vice President of External Affairs Marketing at Forest City.  Through the art of storytelling  and creating a holistic sense of community, Jenna has successfully introduced exciting programming to the residential tenants at Forest City, bringing entertainment and functionality to their lives.
On the commercial side, Jenna has been fortunate to be involved with some of the most high-profile mixed-use and commercial properties in New York City, where she believes community building is as equally important.

Jenna is well versed in everything from content curation and management,  to development and production of award-winning integrated marketing and public relations campaigns. 

Jenna Petok Vice President of External Affairs Marketing at Forest City

 1.  What do you think the future holds for women in Real Estate?
As more industries across the country, and world, continue to acknowledge that gender doesn't impact an individual's leadership potential, it's my hope that we'll continue to see an increase in the number of women occupying leadership roles throughout the real estate industry.

 2.  What kind of industry shifts or evolution in workplace dynamics have you experience, if any, in the course of your work in Real Estate?
During my career there has been an increasing focus and investment in the fusion of technology and real estate, or "PropTech." As technology continues to shape the world we live in - from daily chores to booking vacations to transportation - the use of technology in real estate will only continue to grow. Particularly on the residential side, entrepreneurs are developing products that are fully altering how we interact with an apartment or building. It's an incredibly exciting time as new innovations enter the market every day.

3.  Any words of wisdom or bits of advice for anyone navigating the working world in this time and age?
I feel fortunate to have worked at Forest City, well known as a firm where women are in roughly half of the leadership positions in NY. I'd advise women, whether in real estate or other industries, to advocate for their right for equal pay and equal access to opportunities. The only way to make progress on this issue is if we make ourselves collectively heard.

---

Jackie Manzer, Tenant Experience Manager at Silverstein Properties, Inc.

Jackie Manzer

Is the Tenant Experience Manager at Silverstein Properties, Inc and initiated Silverstein’s Tenant Experience program throughout their Commercial Portfolio. From ideation to execution, Jackie's work demonstrates true passion for human connection while maintain pride in the companies brand. Her eye in revitalizing the community experience is one of a kind.  A graduate from Yale University, Jackie has previously worked at Hines, Varadis Inc., and Bisnow. 

1. What do you think the future holds for women in Real Estate?
 I think the future of women in real estate is going to be what we make of it. That might sound simplistic, but that's the future of anything really - it's our job to see to it that our own futures are bright. The door is open thanks to the great role models we see in leadership positions across the industry today. I also think that once we start thinking about it as "the future of real estate leaders" rather than “the future of women in real estate,” that's when we'll know we've stepped into a new era! I'm lucky to be at a firm where I often forget this is still a point of contention, and I think that the individuals and companies who are promoting that type of workplace attitude should be regularly recognized for it. 

2. Any words of wisdom or bits of advice for anyone navigating the working world in this time and age?
 This isn’t necessarily advice specific to this day/age, but getting involved in the industry outside of your everyday job is so important. I’ve been a member of ULI-New York for nearly my entire working career, and it has made a huge difference in my ability to stay fresh on the latest happenings and trends in the industry. Not only that, but I’ve made some amazing, genuine friends. If I could offer one piece of advice to someone trying to navigate the working world – it’s get involved. Make connections. It’s never too early to start making a name for yourself. I think people make the mistake of trying to climb the corporate ladder by tugging on the coat tails of those already in advanced leadership/management positions. Look instead at your peers around you – create alliances and trusting relationships early on, because pretty soon you’ll find that you’re surrounded by an amazing support network of others willing to lift you up with them as they advance.

---

Did you know that 77% of hOM's employees are women?!
Are you interested in learning more about our business-employment model?

YES! How do you run your business?