Gabrielle Simon Everett and Michelle Kleger first met at the 2015 ICSC conference in Las Vegas. They bonded over their shared frustration with the lack of female connections in commercial real estate (CRE). Determined to make a change, they co-hosted an event for CRE women in New York. The success of this gathering inspired them to establish GirlGang, an organization that now boasts 1,700 members across the United States.
Connect CRE recently interviewed Everett and Kleger about their motivations and strategies behind Girl Gang:
Q: What prompted you to start Girl Gang?
A: As women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry like real estate, we saw firsthand how important it was to create a network where women could connect, support each other’s professional growth, collaborate on deals together, and advance together. We wanted to break down barriers and provide much-needed support for our fellow female professionals.
Q: How does Girl Gang differ from other CRE associations?
A: Unlike many industry associations that focus solely on professional development or networking opportunities,
GirlGang also prioritizes personal growth among its members. Our CoFounders have been leading this organization for over eight years now with warmth and enthusiasm evident in everything they do – from emails to events. When attending one of our gatherings or joining our virtual community platform , you’ll feel instantly accepted into a supportive environment – something often lacking at more formal networking events.
Q: If you could give your younger selves advice when starting out as women in the CRE field what would it be?
A: Don’t hesitate! Never be afraid or hesitant about asking questions – whether it’s seeking clarification on something you don’t understand; requesting one-on-one time with someone more experienced; finding mentorship opportunities; or connecting with peers who can offer valuable insights into navigating this competitive industry successfully . Embrace your curiosity because doing so will help lay down strong foundations for your career path ahead .
Q: What can we expect from Girl Gang in the future?
A: We have big plans for GirlGang’s future! Our upcoming initiatives include launching a virtual community platform where members can connect beyond our in-person events, expanding into new cities, and enhancing our membership benefits. In addition to job opportunities and discounts on industry events, members can look forward to exciting perks that will be announced soon. Stay tuned for more updates!
