On the rise: Female leaders break barriers in commercial RE

March 2026 — In the male-dominated commercial real estate sector, female leaders are steadily expanding their presence across development, brokerage, finance, construction, and property management. There’s still a long way to go, but momentum is on their side.

Industry data shows that progress has been gradual. According to CREW Network’s 2025 Benchmark Study, women make up about 38% of the commercial real estate workforce, a figure that has remained relatively unchanged for nearly two decades. Representation at the highest levels, in particular, is limited, with women holding only about 9% of C-suite positions across the industry.

Despite these structural challenges, the influence of women in commercial real estate continues to grow. Industry research shows that mentorship, access to professional networks, and leadership development opportunities play a critical role in advancing women’s careers. For many professionals, organizations such as CREW Network provide those pathways by fostering business connections, delivering industry research, and supporting more than 14,000 members worldwide through networking and leadership initiatives.

At the same time, the industry itself is evolving. Hybrid work, new technologies, and shifting investment strategies are reshaping how commercial real estate professionals collaborate and deliver value to clients. These changes are also opening new opportunities for women to build careers, lead projects, and influence decision-making across the sector.

Women leaders in commercial real estate, including Heidi Swygert, senior vice president and Southeast region project services leader at Transwestern and 2025 president of CREW Atlanta; Josie Correa, 2025 board president of CREW Miami; and Nancy Manning, founder of CREW Tampa Bay, shared their perspectives with Invest: on leadership, mentorship, and the evolving opportunities for women in the industry.

Heidi Swygert, Senior Vice President & Southeast Region Project Services Leader, Transwestern; 2025 Chapter President, CREW Atlanta

The concept of a universal, one-size-fits-all approach to the workplace is no longer viable. Remote work remains a significant topic and has evolved into what many describe as “focused work,” where professionals make strategic decisions about when and where they work depending on collaboration needs, individual tasks, or fieldwork.

Technology plays an important role in making this model successful. The integration of digital tools allows teams to maintain continuity between in-person and remote work while improving efficiency and ensuring that everyone has equal access to information and opportunities.

Women continue to increase their influence and visibility across the commercial real estate industry. Today we see women in leadership roles across brokerage, development, construction, investment, design, finance, property management, and corporate real estate. Organizations like CREW help create mentorship opportunities, professional development pathways, and allies who support women’s advancement.

As a woman who has had the opportunity to sit at many male-dominated tables, I feel a responsibility to bring other women along with me. The real magic happens when women and men collaborate, because we complement each other’s strengths.

Josie Correa, 2025 Board President, CREW Miami

CREW Miami creates opportunities for members to build relationships that eventually lead to business. Many of our programs and events bring women together through educational forums, site tours, and networking experiences that allow professionals to connect in meaningful ways.

A lot of times, the way you get to a business opportunity is by first building that relationship. When members work together consistently through committees or events, trust develops. That trust often becomes the foundation for collaboration and future deals.

Mentorship is another important component. Each year we pair mentors with emerging professionals who are earlier in their careers. While the formal program lasts a year, many of those relationships continue long afterward and become lasting professional connections.

Commercial real estate has historically been male-dominated, but that is changing. We are seeing more women entering the field and pursuing careers not only within firms but also as developers, investors, and industry leaders. Seeing that level of ambition and participation is incredibly encouraging.

Nancy Manning, Founder, CREW Tampa Bay

There were very few women in commercial real estate when many of us started our careers. Informal networks often formed around activities like golf or drinks after work, and those environments were not always spaces where women were invited or included.

Expanding participation meant ensuring that women had a seat at the table. Inclusion has also meant recognizing the importance of representation across diverse backgrounds, including women of color from a variety of communities and professions.

Today, more women than ever are participating in the industry. Changes in workplace flexibility, including the ability to work remotely and stay connected through digital platforms, have helped many women continue their careers without needing to step away and restart.

The goal has always been the advancement of women in the industry and recognition of what they accomplish. The question moving forward is how the next generation of women will build on that progress and address the challenges that lie ahead.

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