Hats Off To Bisnow's LA Power Women
A room of powerful players in commercial real estate took over the Omni Hotel in DTLA last week for Bisnow's Los Angeles Power Women event.
Urban Link CEO I-Fei Chang was a featured honoree.
The former leader of Greenland USA was interviewed by Lockton Insurance team leader US & China Claudia Margolis (here and below).
I-Fei told the more than 220 women in attendance how important it is to take the time to learn from each other.
As women, "we together make a change," I-Fei said.
I-Fei said she has a "big heart" for LA.
Growing up in Taiwan, I-Fei said she learned integrity, the importance of having a target to go after and to be unafraid to take on challenges.
After arriving in the US to become a student at Yale University, where she earned double master's degrees, the experience gave her the courage to take on a new frontier, according to I-Fei.
She said she's proud to be a woman and happy to see a female presidential candidate.
Allen Matkins partner Julie Hoffman spoke of women breaking down barriers and how she works on deals with many of this year's honorees and their companies.
It can be disheartening when it comes to being the only woman in a meeting or involved in a deal, but by attending events like LA's Power Women, Julie told the crowd she's re-energized.
Pankow project executive Emily Nochez said it is a rare experience for her to be in a room full of women, especially since only 9% of the construction workforce is women, according to a recent statistic.
Also, one of the most important things to her is finding the right work/life balance.
She also values being a good role model and said owning her value and talents as a woman working in construction is vital.
HOK SVP Pam Light said one strength women have is they're nurturing, but it should be remembered women need to "step up and show our value."
While women have made great strides in history, Pam said the reality is women's salaries are still not comparable to men's, and discrimination exists.
She said listening to both male and female mentors has been advantageous.
There were more than 50 women honored as part of this year's LA Power Women, including Watt Cos president Nadine Watt and Fifield Cos chairwoman Randy Fifield, pictured with Fifield Cos chairman and CEO Steve Fifield and NewGround PR and marketing consultant Julie Fornaro.
RMA co-owner Dani Evanson and Charles Dunn Co senior managing director Janet Neman also were among the honorees.
We'll bring you more highlights from the event tomorrow.
