March marks Women’s History Month, which highlights a time to honor the achievements, resilience and contributions of women throughout history. In recognition of this, REjournals is spotlighting six women leaders making an impact in the commercial real estate industry. These trailblazers symbolize the continued efforts of redefining a field that has long been predominantly male-dominated.
Christine Barry, Draper and Kramer; Jennifer Murphy, Bradford Allen; Kathleen Arnold, McHugh Construction; Kathy Kwak, Proper Title; Kelly Strusinski, Baker Barrios Architects; and Sandya Dandamudi, GI Stone.
Sandya Dandamudi, President, GI Stone
Despite the relatively few cranes dotting the Chicago skyline in 2024, GI Stone President Sandya Dandamudi had a banner year, sourcing/fabricating stone for the Obama Presidential Center; launching the firm’s luxury residential practice, catering to homeowners; completing its first multifamily project in Nashville, where Dandamudi is planning to expand GI Stone operations; and co-founding SAIRE (South Asians in Real Estate), a networking organization for real estate professionals of South Asian descent. In addition, Dandamudi continues her work as vice chair of The DuSable Museum of Black History and Educational Center’s board – one of many philanthropic pursuits.
“When my mother founded GI Stone 30 years ago this year, there was very little diversity on job sites,” Dandamudi said. “Honoring her legacy by providing more opportunities for young women and minorities to work in commercial real estate has changed the face of the industry and given GI Stone a leg up on less diverse firms. It’s been immensely gratifying and good for business.”
Kelly Strusinski, Director of Industrial Design, Baker Barrios Architects
Kelly Strusinski knew she wanted to be an architect since she was in high school and has been very pleased to see how many more women are involved in the field than in previous generations. She noted her graduation class from NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego was essentially half women.
“There is an opportunity to change the perception of industrial spaces and what it means to work in the industry, and I think women are leading this conversation,” said Strusinski. “I’m a big advocate of human-centric design and creating warehouses that promote a healthier environment where employees can thrive.”
Despite the strides made for women in CRE, Strusinski said it is still a challenge for women to receive equal treatment and recognition for their contributions, especially in the male-dominated industrial sector. She noted the mentorship opportunities she has both given and received – through various industry groups such as NAIOP as well as at Baker Barrios Architects – have provided wonderful opportunities to grow as well as help other women succeed.
Jennifer Murphy, President, Management Services, Bradford Allen
A longtime property management leader in Chicago, Murphy excels at guiding property operations, leasing and construction management as well as building strong, effective teams capable of navigating even the most uncertain times. Having helmed such office assets as 333 W. Wacker Drive, 101 N. Wacker Drive and Salesforce Tower in Chicago, as well as suburban properties like Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ North American headquarters in Deerfield, Ill., she brought extensive experience with large, complex buildings to Bradford Allen (BA) when she joined the firm in 2023. She now oversees BA’s growing portfolio of office properties in Chicago and nationally as it acquires, improves and leases up assets in high-growth markets. Her leadership is critical to helping BA meet demand for modern, experiential work environments.
“Property managers are being challenged like never before to make the workplace a destination where people feel a part of a community,” said Murphy.
“Women in CRE are making great strides, and it’s exciting to see the field continue to grow,” she added. “There is a strong community of women supporting each other as we shape the future of the industry.”
Christine Barry, Senior Vice President, Commercial Finance Group, Draper and Kramer, Incorporated
When Christine Barry joined Draper and Kramer, Incorporated, 27 years ago as a recent University of Illinois graduate, she thought it would be the first step in her professional path – but she ultimately ended up building her entire career at the firm. From her start as an analyst, she is today a senior vice president and top producer for Draper and Kramer’s Commercial Finance Group, originating debt and equity for all property types across the country and helping clients find the best capital sources for their needs.
“This is a career where you can really control your destiny,” said Barry. “If you work hard, there is no limit to what you can achieve.”
Now as an industry veteran, Christine is passionate about helping other women get their start in CRE. Since 1999 she has been a member of Real Estate Finance Forum (REFF), an organization focused on the advancement of women in real estate finance, holding various board positions including president and currently sitting on the REFF Advisory Board. Additionally, Christine is a member of CREW Chicago, and since 2017 has been a mentor for One Million Degrees, a group helping community college students earn degrees.
Kathy Kwak, Chief Operating Officer, Proper Title
Kathy Kwak, COO of Chicago-based Proper Title, a full-service title insurance agency primarily serving the Midwest, recently launched the firm’s national commercial services division. She has also implemented wire fraud protection procedures for closings and construction escrow services. In recent years, she has recruited top talent and established several new closing locations to serve clients throughout Chicagoland.
“Build a team you can trust,” said Kwak. “Many women in executive leadership have a problem with delegating. I feel the more I delegate, the more space I have to be creative and innovative. Surround yourself with the support you need to get ahead because you can’t do it alone. Women also shouldn’t be afraid to speak up or shine a light on their success; let people see what women in charge can do. Once you get to a position of leadership, don’t forget how you got there. Remember who supported you and who will stay with you to make you a better leader.”
Kathleen Arnold, Project Manager, McHugh Construction
Kathleen Arnold took a gamble on entering the field of construction, and it paid off. Her eyes were opened to the field while working as an admin on the construction of a new casino boat in Indiana.
“I sat in on all the construction meetings and took notes,” Arnold said. “After a year or so of that, I thought, ‘I could do this.’ So, I went to school while I worked full time and eventually got my engineering degree.” Chicago-based McHugh Construction saw Arnold’s experience in hospitality construction and hired her in 2013 shortly after she graduated. Her 12 years at McHugh have been in the company’s hospitality and small projects division.
“I really love the variety in construction,” she said. “My office is always changing. It’s been in corners of a parking garage, on top-floor mechanical spaces, and even in building basements and hotel guest rooms.”
