Josie Correa, 2025 Board President, CREW Miami

March 2026 — Invest: sat down with 2025 Board President for CREW Miami Josie Correa to discuss how the organization is expanding opportunities for women in commercial real estate through mentorship, education, and relationship-driven growth. Correa said CREW’s impact is rooted in trust built over time. “A lot of times, the way you get to that business opportunity is by first building that relationship,” she said.

How does CREW Miami’s approach to business networking help members build meaningful commercial real estate opportunities in the Miami market?

CREW Miami does this in many ways, primarily through the variety of programs and events we organize. These are designed to bring women together, and in many cases, nonmembers as well. Some events are more experiential, like hard-hat tours, while others are educational, such as economic development forums that focus on what is happening in the marketplace.

Every event includes a networking component, and those opportunities allow members to build relationships with one another. Over time, those relationships often lead to business opportunities. Another important component is our mentorship program, along with smaller-scale events like dine-arounds, where small groups gather for dinner and connect in a more personal setting.

That relationship-building is critical because a lot of times, the way you get to that business opportunity is by first building that relationship. We also see this happen through committee involvement. When members work together consistently, trust develops, and that trust often leads to future collaboration and business.

What strategies does CREW use to support leadership development among its members, and how do those opportunities translate into real-world career progress?

One of the main strategies is our mentorship program. Each year, we pair up five to seven mentors and mentees. The program is free, and mentors are typically professionals with extensive industry experience. They provide guidance and support to members who are earlier in their careers.

Although the program is structured to last one year, many of these relationships continue long after. I have heard from participants who still maintain those connections years later. CREW serves as the starting point for relationships that grow well beyond the program itself.

We also offer scholarships each year, typically awarding between two and four to women pursuing careers related to commercial real estate. These may be undergraduate, graduate, or law students. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a complimentary CREW Miami membership and are encouraged to participate in the mentorship program.

Beyond that, CREW Network hosts leadership summits twice a year. We offer full scholarships for members or students to attend, covering conference fees, airfare, lodging, and incidentals. These experiences provide hands-on leadership training and exposure to industry leaders who share their personal and professional journeys.

How do these initiatives help bridge the gap for emerging professionals in the region?

It comes down to access and support. The resources we provide are often the people within CREW. Through both CREW Miami and CREW Network, members have access to job postings, career opportunities, and professional connections across the industry.

Just as important is the caliber of professionals involved. Many CREW members hold senior leadership or C-suite roles, and they serve as mentors and examples for women who are just entering the industry or looking to advance.

Because of the relationships built through CREW, members have people they can call when they are looking for guidance, navigating a career transition, or seeking their next opportunity. At its core, CREW functions as a support system that helps women move forward with confidence.

How do you see CREW evolving its offerings in response to changes in the commercial real estate landscape, particularly in a market like Miami?

We have always prioritized bringing together women who are leaders and trailblazers in South Florida, and that will continue. Education is also a major focus, particularly as new sectors and trends emerge.

For example, we have an upcoming program focused on data centers, which is a growing topic nationally. While it may not yet be a major sector in South Florida, it could become more relevant in the future. We are always looking ahead at areas like AI, emerging asset classes, and shifting market dynamics.

Another area of growth is experiential programming, including more hard hat tours and site visits. These give members the opportunity to see projects come to life. Everyone in commercial real estate plays a role in a project, but many professionals never see the finished result. These experiences help connect the work to tangible outcomes.

Beyond networking and events, how does CREW define success for its members and the broader commercial real estate community in South Florida?

One way I think about success is through something I call CREW First. Women do not always talk openly about the deals they do together, but those stories matter. CREW First is about highlighting referrals and collaborations that originate within the organization.

At our events, we sometimes invite members to share examples of referrals that turned into real opportunities. Those stories demonstrate the tangible value of the network. Success is also about access. CREW Miami includes professionals from every segment of commercial real estate, making it possible to keep business within the network.

Ultimately, success is measured by how we help one another grow. Are we referring business? Are those referrals turning into opportunities? Are members advancing professionally as a result of their involvement? Those outcomes matter.

How do you see commercial real estate shifting as more women continue to enter the industry?

Commercial real estate has historically been male-dominated, but that is changing. More women are entering the industry and building long-term careers. We see that reflected in our scholarship applications. This year, we received 16 applications, compared to our usual five or six, and the quality was exceptional.

These applicants represented a wide range of disciplines and demonstrated strong academic performance and leadership. CREW Network has helped shine a light on commercial real estate as a viable and rewarding career path for women. Many start by working within firms, but long-term, they aspire to become developers, investors, and leaders who bring projects to life.

Seeing more women pursue those goals is incredibly encouraging, and CREW is proud to be part of that progress.

Want more? Read the Invest: Miami report.