I recall how — at 8 years old — I would lie in bed mesmerized by a TV show in my home country entitled “School of Repair”, which depicted young families repairing their homes. I observed the joy experienced by these people as their outdated and often decrepit residences transformed into comfortable homes. It was an early lesson for me: Spaces matter. Elevate a person’s environment, and you’ve changed their life. This desire to help individuals enduring impoverished conditions, continues to hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, I was exposed to friends and family who suffered in this manner; I realized then how important it is to feel the security and stability of a comfortable home. During college, I decided that there is no better way to learn than through immersion. I worked to observe first-hand New York City’s dynamic Real Estate community, and turn those observations into lessons. I was among several students chosen by Baruch to participate in the Colvin National Case Study Challenge. I encouraged our group to select a project that demonstrated how social impact and good business are not mutually exclusive. In doing so, I discovered the recent story of a not-for-profit homeless shelter – Covenant House – that struck an innovative deal with a NY-based developer (Gotham Organization), to sell their plot of land in exchange for a new and improved complex for their constituents. I was determined to interview the project's developer, to learn how he managed to create a financially viable 47-story tower, while simultaneously helping Covenant House solve their needs as a charitable organization. I cold-called the developer several times, and he agreed to personally meet with me and share his thinking process on the project. Lesson learned: Be bold; better yet, be bold and persistent. It’s rewarded. He explained to me that creative collaboration between for-profit and non-profit sectors is possible. In the case of the tower deal, Gotham was able to provide Covenant House with a compelling alternative to their original facility. Lesson learned: In any deal, first understand the other side’s needs, and you’ll serve your own. Further, I delved into literature such as "Housing Policy in the United States", taking note of instances of the government’s proactive involvement in addressing housing needs. Initiatives such as the LIHTC and HTC are prime examples of support for developers engaged in affordable housing projects. Lesson learned: Policy matters. Influence it, and the impact is exponential. Witnessing these initiatives has instilled in me a strong belief that it is feasible to become a developer who is committed to incorporating affordable housing. In New York City, we embrace our disparate backgrounds. We take the same trains, walk the same streets, and engage with each other in daily life. Despite these common bonds, housing has become increasingly unaffordable for many of us. While direct governmental assistance programs like Section 8 vouchers exist, their accessibility is limited and fiercely competitive. The struggles of individuals attempting to secure a residence — whether due to scant documentation or the absence of a guarantor — are very real. This is more than a degree or career to me. It’s a chance to make my own contribution to this world, in the context of the challenges laid out above. I am determined to do my part to enrich urban environments, and most importantly, create opportunities for those who struggle to achieve something as simple as just having a home. Females were historically underrepresented in my chosen field and I want to make a difference by succeeding myself and guiding other female-identified ones in this career.

I recall how — at 8 years old — I would lie in bed mesmerized by a TV show in my home country entitled “School of Repair”, which depicted young families repairing their homes. I observed the joy experienced by these people as their outdated and often decrepit residences transformed into comfortable homes. It was an early lesson for me: Spaces matter. Elevate a person’s environment, and you’ve changed their life. This desire to help individuals enduring impoverished conditions, continues to hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, I was exposed to friends and family who suffered in this manner; I realized then how important it is to feel the security and stability of a comfortable home. During college, I decided that there is no better way to learn than through immersion. I worked to observe first-hand New York City’s dynamic Real Estate community, and turn those observations into lessons. I was among several students chosen by Baruch’s Real Estate Department to participate in the Colvin National Case Study Challenge. I encouraged our group to select a project that demonstrated how social impact and good business are not mutually exclusive. In doing so, I discovered the recent story of a not-for-profit homeless shelter – Covenant House – that struck an innovative deal with a NY-based developer (Gotham Organization), to sell their plot of land in exchange for a new and improved complex for their constituents. I was determined to interview the project's developer, to learn how he managed to create a financially viable 47-story tower, while simultaneously helping Covenant House solve their needs as a charitable organization. I cold-called the developer several times (the third of which his office responded to), and he agreed to personally meet with me and share his thinking process on the project. Lesson learned: Be bold; better yet, be bold and persistent. It’s rewarded; especially in New York. He explained to me that creative collaboration between for-profit and non-profit sectors is possible. In the case of the tower deal, Gotham was able to provide Covenant House with a compelling alternative to their original facility. Lesson learned: In any deal, first understand the other side’s needs, and you’ll serve your own. Further, I delved into literature such as "Housing Policy in the United States", taking note of instances of the government’s proactive involvement in addressing housing needs. Initiatives such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit are prime examples of support for developers engaged in affordable housing projects. Lesson learned: Policy matters. Influence it, and the impact is exponential. Witnessing these initiatives has instilled in me a strong belief that it is feasible to become a developer who is committed to incorporating affordable housing. In New York City, we embrace our disparate backgrounds. We take the same trains, walk the same streets, and engage with each other in daily life. Despite these common bonds, housing has become increasingly unaffordable for many of us. While direct governmental assistance programs like Section 8 vouchers exist, their accessibility is limited and fiercely competitive. The struggles of individuals attempting to secure a residence — whether due to scant documentation or the absence of a guarantor — are very real. This is more than a degree or career to me. It’s a chance to make my own contribution to this world, in the context of the challenges laid out above. I am determined to do my part to enrich urban environments, and most importantly, create opportunities for those who struggle to achieve something as simple as just having a home.