WLI initiatives exist in 40 District and National Councils worldwide. Below are examples of how these chapters are creating innovative and impactful programming. These programs fall into the 5 programmatic priorities: thought leadership, professional development, equality and inclusivity, community involvement, and networking.

Thought Leadership

 
ULI New York – Main Street Just Went Underground
TurnStyle, the first privately financed retail marketplace within the NYC subway
system, sets a model for public/private partnerships and transit retail. WLI hosted
a presentation on the initiative featuring the women who developed and designed
the project. Three tours at this Columbus Circle station site followed: the Landlord
Perspective, the Real Estate Deal and Finance, and Design & Architecture.

ULI Pittsburgh – Designing the Workplace of the Future: This is Not Your Father’s Office
This panel discussion brought together professionals from all disciplines of
urban planning and place-making to discuss the future of the workplace. The
discussion, led by female designers, centered around how to create workplaces
that encourage inclusion, collaboration, inspiration and creativity, and how spatial
design can support business outcomes and drive success.

Professional Development

 
ULI Los Angeles – GROW Program
The GROW (Grow Relationships and Opportunities at Work) mentorship
program, led by ULI LA’s WLI, provides leadership and career advancement
opportunities to mid-level professionals of all genders. Through group
discussion lead by an industry leader, professionals have an opportunity to
connect with industry peers and gain insights that will guide their careers.

ULI North Florida – Women’s Leadership Development Institute (WLDI)
WLDI engages 15 multidisciplinary women to participate in eight modules over
five months in an effort to grow strong female leaders in the industry. Modules
are led by local business leaders, public officials, and national experts. Topics
include Leadership, Management, Team Building, Effective Communication,
Negotiation, Assertiveness and Conflict Resolution.

Equality and Inclusivity

 
ULI Toronto – She With He Pledge
The She with He campaign is focused on gaining commitments from women and
men in the real estate industry to work together to achieve gender parity. Inspired
by the UN’s global “He for She Campaign,” WLI’s effort shines a brighter light on
the talent, knowledge and leadership that women contribute to the real estate
industry and the development of sustainable communities.

ULI Southeast Florida – Achieving Inclusive Leadership in the Real Estate Industry
Our workplaces employ a broader spectrum of ages, gender and ethnic diversity,
which changes the way we operate and how we respond to the changing
marketplace. Leveraging Global WLI’s research on the current state of women
in the industry, this panel of local men and women business leaders discussed
strategies to promote diverse professionals into leadership roles.

Community Involvement

 
ULI Charlotte – Community Building: Habitat’s Women’s Build
During Habitat for Humanity’s 25th Annual Women’s Build, WLI members from
Charlotte gathered to install trim work, build fences, and prepare a house for
occupancy. These women worked side-by-side with the female homeowner in an
effort to give back to the local community.

ULI Austin – UrbanPlan by WLI
ULI’s UrbanPlan is a curriculum-based program to teach high school students the
trade-offs surrounding real estate development. Engaging in role play activities
with local real estate professionals, students learn how to have a voice in their
communities. This initiative is run by ULI Austin’s WLI and targets female
students as participants.

Networking

 
ULI Washington – Whiskey Business
Female members gathered together for a whiskey tasting at a popular cocktail
bar that often is dominated by male clientele. Participants, who represented
all stages of the career spectrum, formed relationships with one another while
engaging in a non-stereotypical women’s activity.

ULI San Francisco – Boardroom after Dark
This program series features female leaders in the industry as the host of dinners
spread throughout the year. ULI members (male and female) apply to be part of
the small-group dinner. The program allows for relationship-building and access
to impactful female professionals in the field.