PRESS RELEASE: October 17, 2024
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Miami hosted a dynamic Fireside Chat with Ellen C. Buckley, CEO of Prospera Real Estate Collective, on October 16, 2024, at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden. Buckley shared her extensive insights on real estate development, leadership challenges, and the importance of building affordable housing and making lasting community impact.
Moderated by Josie Legido Correa, Director of Business Development at JWR Construction Services and incoming 2025 CREW Miami President, the conversation highlighted Ellen Buckley’s journey as a trailblazer in the commercial real estate industry, leading over $16 billion in developments.
Key Takeaways:
Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry:
Buckley spoke candidly about her experiences as often being the youngest and nly woman in the room. She emphasized the importance of “showing up” with confidence, skill, and results rather than focusing on the challenges of being a minority in the industry.
“I never showed up in the room as a young person or as a woman. I always entered as myself,” Buckley shared, highlighting the value of delivering consistent results and staying true to one’s abilities.
The Role of Mentorship:
While Buckley acknowledged that she has not had a singular mentor, she credited her success to the influential people she encountered throughout her career and the world-class teams she has worked with. She shared a lesson from her father, who often reminded her, “Can’t never did anything,” which became a guiding principle throughout her journey. Buckley encouraged aspiring leaders to seek diverse perspectives, stay curious, and constantly educate themselves to stay ahead.
Building Affordable Housing:
Buckley expressed deep pride in her firm’s commitment to developing affordable housing. She highlighted her North Miami project as an example of how real estate developers can make a significant impact by addressing critical needs like workforce home ownership, which fosters long-term wealth generation in underserved communities.
“At this point in my life, I get to make a difference,” Buckley remarked, as she described her work in affordable housing and the positive impact it has on communities.
Inclusivity and Encouragement for Women in Real Estate:
Buckley encouraged women to break through barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space, advising them to focus on their drive, substance, and desire to contribute to the industry.
“Don’t be afraid of the barriers. Just break through them. Get in there and do it,” she urged.
Work-Life Balance:
When discussing work-life balance, Buckley shared the importance of setting priorities, emphasizing that her children remain a top priority alongside her career. She advised professionals to plan ahead and carve out dedicated time for family, exercise, and personal interests.
Legacy in Real Estate Development:
Buckley concluded by expressing her hope that her legacy will be defined by the real impact she has made.
“I want my legacy to be about solving long-standing problems and affecting real people’s lives in communities every day,” she stated, reaffirming her commitment to creating lasting community impact.
Closing Remarks from Josie Legido Correa:
Josie Legido Correa, who will serve as CREW Miami’s President in 2025, wrapped up the event by highlighting how Buckley’s vision aligns with CREW Miami’s mission of advancing women in commercial real estate.
“Ellen’s dedication to community impact and her success as a trailblazer in the industry is exactly the type of leadership we aim to foster through CREW Miami. Her story reminds us all of the power of showing up authentically and the importance of building a more inclusive and impactful industry,” Correa remarked.
As part of the global CREW Network, CREW Miami continues to support women in the commercial real estate industry by offering mentorship, educational programs, and opportunities for meaningful career growth.
A Look Ahead:
Following the success of the recent Fireside Chat, CREW Miami invites you to its next Lunch and Learn event, “Medical Real Estate Eco-System in Miami,” on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden. This event will bring together top healthcare leaders to discuss how medical providers are shaping real estate decisions in Miami’s rapidly growing market. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and gain insights into key industry trends and upcoming projects.
The guest speakers are: Tatiana Guimares (Healthcare Practice Leader, Gensler), Kathleen Moorman (Corporate Vice President, Baptist Health South Florida), Sara Hernandez (Senior Vice President, First Citizens Bank), with Talia Kudan Abad (Director, South Florida Healthcare Advisory Practice, Cushman & Wakefield) serving as moderator.
To register, visit here.
About CREW Miami:
CREW Miami is dedicated to advancing women in the commercial real estate industry (CRE). We are committed to bringing more women into commercial real estate by offering programs like CREW Careers and UCREW that educate young women about the career opportunities in the industry; supporting CRE higher education and training through college scholarships and internships; and providing mentoring to those new or looking for change within the industry. Additionally, CREW Miami hosts monthly forums for professionals actively involved in the commercial real estate industry. These events encourage professional interaction and networking while providing a support network for commercial real estate professionals. CREW Miami is part of a global organization of 14,000+ members and 80+ chapters and affiliates providing our members with global access to professionals in our industry.
For more information, visit CREWMiami.org and follow @CREWMiami.
