Empowering Women in Real Estate

Throughout March, we celebrate the visionary women who have shaped and continue to transform the real estate industry. From groundbreaking developers to influential urban planners, women at ULI are driving innovation and excellence across every sector of our field. Their leadership, expertise, and unique perspectives are essential to creating thriving, resilient communities.

Join us in honoring the accomplishments of our women members, partners, and industry pioneers while exploring the vital conversations and initiatives that will define tomorrow’s built environment.

Women Leading Change

Discover the inspiring stories of ULI’s women leaders who are reimagining real estate development, investment, and urban planning. Through their work in sustainability, affordable housing, and community development, these change makers demonstrate how diverse leadership drives stronger outcomes for our industry and society.

Robyn Brown, MA, MPl, PLE is an Urban Planner and Professional Land Economist with nearly 20 years of planning, economic, development and ICI market experience. Ms. Brown, as the Principle of Arcadis’ Canada East Placemaking Group, leads a group of planners, urban designers, economists and GIS specialists, using her extensive knowledge and experience in the real estate market to assist clients with their planning and real estate needs.

Robyn is currently the Past-President of Toronto CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women), on the Board of Directors the Association of Ontario Land Economists and a member of the WLI Global Advisory Board. Previously she was on the Management Board of ULI and chaired the Women’s Leadership Initiative. As a lifelong learner, Robyn has just finished at the London School of Economics in pursuit of her MSc (Masters in Cities), her final research project was on creating sustainable funding models for Community Hubs in Ontario. Robyn is an avid supporter of diversity in the real estate and development field, and actively mentors and supports DEI initiatives across the industry.

“As a city builder and leader, it is fundamental we are including all groups who are part of our communities in city-building. ULI gives me access to thought leadership, case studies, and most importantly new perspectives on development. The lens of DEI has been crucial in my understanding of how I can impact the industry, but also how to listen and build equitable, sustainable and prosperous cities. Growing our pipeline of great diverse leaders through programs such as the Pathways to Inclusion is key as we continue on this sometimes difficult journey to create thriving, equitable communities.”

Robyn Brown, Principal - Practice Group Manager - Placemaking, Arcadis

Q: What are some current market trends you are seeing, and how do they impact your work? Can you share insights on how these trends align with ULI’s mission and priorities?

A: As covid has changed the nature of many cities and downtowns, repositioning these areas to address a more resilient future is key to creating thriving areas that accommodate a variety of people and perspectives. The poly-crisis of climate change and affordable housing has highlighted the deep challenges that we face, and the creative and inclusive thinking that will be required to solve these crises.

Q: How do you see the level of representation for women evolving in your field? What does Women’s History Month mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?

A: I am constantly reminded that despite how far we have come within my career to date, there are moments that galvanize me to action, to ensure that women leaders are heard, and their contributions to our industry are recognized. I celebrate the wonderful women leaders I know everyday, and seek out ways to uplift other voices and new leaders whenever I am given the occasion. It is through the constant recognition of the skills and knowledge of other perspectives that we will improve the future.

To all the women who have inspired, challenged and intimidated me – thank you!

Q: Can you share some examples of projects you’ve worked on that align with ULI’s mission priorities?

A: Working with institutional and private landowners with surplus properties across North America, I have been working to include and educate my clients on opportunities for social impact through these projects, in particular the goal to increase attainable housing, and looking at ways to support decarbonization through adaptive reuse and incorporating key components of the circular economy. As cities increasingly look at the redevelopment of neighborhoods, former industrial lands and areas with investment in transit, bringing new ideas to how we develop and create sustainable futures is key to my future work.

Q: How has your experience as a ULI member influenced your career?

A: ULI has given me leadership opportunities far beyond my company. It has helped me build a network in my city and beyond, connecting me with inspirational individuals who have bettered me in so many ways. The confidence I have gained through speaking engagements, learning opportunities and new experiences through the fall and spring meetings have been a catalyst of growth.

Ms. Brown has been involved with ULI for over a decade. She has been the co-chair of mentorship and WLI committees along with being on the management board of ULI Toronto. She currently serves on the WLI Americas committee and is working to contribute to the DEI agenda for her Production Council – Redevelopment and Reuse Council (RRC).

As the Chief Executive Officer, President and CEO of Family Scholar House, Cathe is committed to promoting the importance of education as an asset that appreciates over time and provides long-term self-sufficiency through career-track employment. Cathe sees her role as changing the paradigm for work with low-income individuals and families from short-term support to long-term solutions.

Under her leadership, the organization was born from Project Women, with a bigger, broader mission, and comprehensive, holistic services and programs that now serve over 106,000 households across 48 states. Cathe led FSH’s geographic expansion to serve other communities in our region; developed and launched the affiliate program to replicate the Family Scholar House model; added the Foster Alumni residential pre-parent residential program; and completed construction of five campuses in Louisville with four more campuses under construction, all of which provide affordable housing for low-income families. Cathe also led the development of FSH’s affiliate program that now boasts 20 affiliate locations, implementing the FSH program model from coast to coast.

“ULI understands the importance of engaging industry leaders with differing lived experiences in order to cultivate creative ideas and meaningful solutions to shape the built environment for us all.”

Cathe Dykstra, President & Chief Executive Officer, Family Scholar House and Parent Company Family, Inc.

Q: What are some current market trends you are seeing, and how do they impact your work? Can you share insights on how these trends align with ULI’s mission and priorities?

A: With housing shortages reaching critical levels, community leaders across the country have seen the challenge anew and committed resources to solving the problem. This new level of engagement and collaboration with people of all backgrounds will lead to the best community solutions.

A: When we no longer need to count the women in the room because we have attained appropriate representation, that will be success.

Q: Can you share some examples of projects you’ve worked on that align with ULI’s mission priorities?

A: Our Family Scholar House properties provide housing for student parents and their children while the parent, most often a single mother, is completing the education necessary for her chosen career. These properties allow us to build a welcoming environment for families that becomes the community to support, nurture, and celebrate their success. Building designs and development plans that are responsive to the needs of residents create community and enhance community relationships.

Q: How has your experience as a ULI member influenced your career?

A: ULI has helped me build a deeper network of collaborators and thought partners which has strengthened our organization’s geographic expansion and leadership in the industry.

Ms. Dykstra is currently a member of AWH product council (Gold).

Upcoming Events: Engage, Learn, and Connect

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events celebrating Women’s History Month and beyond. These events provide opportunities to network, learn, and engage in conversations about the future of women’s leadership in real estate. Stay tuned as more events are added from our District Councils nationwide!

Empowering Women in Real Estate

Women Leading Change

Upcoming Events: Engage, Learn, and Connect

ULI Westchester/Fairfield International Women’s Day Celebration

ULI Atlanta WLI Breakfast Series – ChangeMakers Through the Years

ULI Baltimore Galentine’s Day Speaker Breakfast

ULI Northern New Jersey Heads in Beds in Eds: Women in Construction