Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) supports the advancement of women as leaders in the real estate industry and increases the visibility of women leaders within the work of Urban Land Institute. The Sacramento WLI Chapter has been active since 2014-2015. Now, in its current program year 2023-24, ULI Sacramento boasts over 90 women members, both the Immediate Past District Council Chair and Young Leaders Chair are women, and the ULI Sacramento Executive Committee is 80% women. WLI develops programs and events for women professionals and creates a network for women in the real estate industry.

About the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI)

Our Mission is to

• Promote the advancement of women, throughout their careers, as leaders in the real estate industry.
• Increase the number of women who serve in leadership positions in the real estate industry and in the Urban Land Institute (ULI).
• Increase the visibility of women leaders in the real estate industry and in ULI.
• Increase the number of women who are active ULI Full members and support the development of young women members as leaders in ULI and in their professions.

The WLI Committee works to ensure that the voices, experiences, and perspectives of women leaders are a regular part of the rich content of the programs that are delivered to ULI’s diverse membership. WLI also works to increase the number and visibility of women leaders within ULI and the broader real estate and land use industry.

FEATURED PROGRAM: WLI GOLF ACADEMY

WLI kicked off the Inaugural Four-Part Golf Academy in 2021, offering an opportunity for women to take lessons on the fundamentals, etiquette and rules of golf. Many women are left out of networking or business development opportunities that happen on the golf course. This unique Academy strives to close that gap by giving women members a judgement free space to practice their golf game and gain the confidence to play a round with colleagues or prospects. The academy also featured speakers on various topics, such as how to host clients and prospects and use golf as a business development tool, the rules and etiquette of golf, and how to be a good golf guest. This event to sells out quickly each year, so stay tuned for sign-ups in Spring 2024 for the next Golf Academy!

The Committee has regular events for women and men alike. Join us at our next one! Reach out to Mary Clementi for more information on events.

If you have interest in joining the WLI Committee, please reach out to Sahar Soltani WLI Chair, Development Manager at St Anton.

ULI Sacramento WLI Committee Members:

Sahar Soltani, St Anton Communities, WLI Chair

Amanda Frazier, LDK Ventures

Brooke Butler, Turton Commercial RE

Carissa Beecham, KRONICK

Lisa Halpin, Mogavero Associates

Tanya Husum, Sundt Construction

                            Scholarship Opportunities will be available once again in 2024.

ULI Sacramento Women’s Leadership Initiative has participated in the Habitat for Humanity annual Women Build fundraiser and building event since 2022. Women members encouraged to sign up for Spring 2024!

Article: Why Women Need a Sense of Humor When Crashing an All-Male Organization

Nina Gruen, co-founder of San Francisco research firm Gruen Gruen & Associates (1970), one of ULI’s first female members (1971), and ULI’s first female trustee (1982), reflected on her career in the real estate industry in Urban Land.  Click HERE to read about Nina’s experiences and observations about women’s involvement in ULI and the broader industry over time.