Filler Capital secures
$78m refinancing for Better Living Properties portfolio
Jennifer Hower, Esq. Partner Herman Katz LLP
What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today?
Cara Cronin Attorney Partner Cronin & Cronin Law Firm
What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why?
I recently negotiated a settlement for an ex-
Michele Pincus, Esq. VP & Real Estate Market Director
H2M architects + engineers
What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today?
The ability to bring your own unique experience and perspective is important. My legal
A skill that is essential to success in the commercial tax certiorari practice is the ability to listen and actually hear what others are saying. Active listening helps you to fully understand the issues at hand and leads to more thoughtful responses and better solutions. It also helps to create mutual trust, which makes others feel valued. It is a demonstration of genuine interest, which can help build important relationships. In short, active listening is not just about hearing words; it is about being fully engaged and responsive. What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate?
The advice I would give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate is to use the talents that come naturally to you. Women are innately problem-solvers. So, whether it is finding a suitable property for an investor, negotiating a sale price or a reduction in real estate taxes, women tend to be able to look at a problem from many different angles, and develop effective solutions. In addition, we are accustomed to multi-tasking, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines, all of which contribute to success in this industry.
tremely over-assessed property which was also a major taxpayer in the respective municipality. I utilized a detailed and complex analysis which required several different approaches to valuation under Real Property Tax Law due to the unique nature of the property and the immense challenges it faced. I was able to utilize these approaches to obtain over a 70% reduction in the taxes offering my client significant tax relief for all years at issue. This outcome gave my client the resources to reinvest in the property, attract new tenants, and adapt to a fundamentally different marketplace. Guiding clients through high-stakes situations like this and turning adversity into opportunity, makes the work deeply rewarding.
What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate?
My advice is to lead with confidence and curiosity. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful women in the real estate industry. I’ve learned that genuine connection comes from both sharing the things you know as well as asking questions and learning about the things you may not know. Whether at the beginning, middle or end of your career, it is so important to be consistently learning and growing.
background in zoning and land use has been invaluable in managing our Real Estate Market and delivering results to AEC industry clients. It is also vital to have the foresight and creativity to identify trends early on; in our case, championing adaptive reuse in the CRE space and increased multi-family housing has helped define our brand as dynamic professionals with an eye to the future. My leadership skills further inspire others with the tenacity to overcome obstacles and bring these trends to life.
What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate?
My advice to women is to gain as much experience as you can early on and find a mentor to assist you in navigating the ins and outs of the industry. Joining organizations and industry groups will also help expand your horizons and make a name for yourself locally. Commercial real estate is still a male-dominated industry, so it is important to create community with other women and find ways to stand out by being visible and vocal and remaining on top of trends. As you find success in the industry, make sure to pay it forward by supporting the next generation of women in CRE.
Koretski Senior Associate Spacesmith
What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why?
I’ve been fortunate to work on projects from
Chaya Milworn Executive Managing Director Northgate Real Estate Group
What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today?
Adaptability. Commercial real estate is
Lindsay Ornstein Co-Founder OPEN Impact Real Estate
What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why?
Helping Zeta Charter Schools secure their first permanent home at 425 Westchester was one of the most meaningful deals of my career. It marked the beginning of a decade-long partnership supporting one of NYC’s fastest-growing charter networks. We’ve since helped them open six schools, each
To view complete responses to the 2025 Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight please visit us online at www.nyrej.com
s ecure government facilities to high-end retail, hospitality, and higher education. The most rewarding is the Brooklyn STEAM Center expansion. Our design team collaborated closely with educators, administrators, students, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. We engaged students from concept through construction, giving them a first-hand look at shaping their future space. We learned from their experiences and ambitions, which informed an inspiring design with cutting-edge makerspaces that empower the next generation to dream boldly and build fearlessly. What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today?
I believe curiosity is one of the most essential qualities for success today. A genuine interest in the experiences and perspectives of others is vital when your job is to design the environments people inhabit every day. Listening closely to clients and end-users — and applying an analytical, iterative approach to transform their insights into design — has been key to building strong, lasting relationships. That trust brings clients back, as with the U.S. Department of State, for whom I’ve designed interiors for 10 embassy projects over the last decade across multiple continents.
evolving faster than ever — with shifting market trends, new technologies, and changing client expectations. Being adaptable means more than just reacting; it means anticipating change, staying curious, and being willing to pivot when needed. Whether it’s learning new tools, understanding emerging asset classes, or navigating economic uncertainty, success today depends on your ability to stay informed, flexible, and open to innovation. What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate?
Commercial real estate is a dynamic, relationship-driven industry that rewards persistence, knowledge, and confidence. My advice to any woman entering the field is: know your value, learn continuously, and don’t be afraid to take up space, it’s not always easy — but it’s worth it. You’ll have to prove yourself more than once. You might be the only woman in the room. But you’ll learn fast that results speak louder than stereotypes. Build your reputation on integrity, knowledge, and follow-through. And never underestimate the power of your network — cultivate real relationships, and help others rise as you climb.
providing high-quality, tuition-free education to underserved students. Knowing our work is directly impacting children’s futures and helping reshape educational equity in New York is deeply rewarding and exactly why I do what I do. What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today?
Perseverance is absolutely essential. Deals are more complex, timelines are longer, and the stakes feel higher. You need grit, patience and a relentless drive to keep things moving forward. But just as important are interpersonal skills. Relationships power this industry — how well you connect, listen and build trust can define your reputation. Together, these two qualities — resilience and interpersonal skills — set the foundation for long-term success and fulfillment in commercial real estate today.
If you could change one thing about the CRE industry, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing, it would be the lack of diversity. Our industry has historically been closed off to women, people of color and those from nontraditional backgrounds. That needs to shift. Diverse teams bring better ideas, stronger dynamics and ultimately better client outcomes. At OPEN, we addressed this by creating a transparent salary-plus-bonus structure that promotes equity. The more inclusive we are, the more innovative and resilient our industry becomes.
