I was not the only one struggling with the uncertainty as to when and how we would emerge from the COVID world. There was a collective sympathy that we were all navigating the difficult situation to the best of our abilities. I decided that I could focus on what I perceived to be a “silver lining” and use some of the extra time created by the lockdowns to think about what I wanted in a career. I outlined a goal to critically think about what I was genuinely passionate, curious, and enthusiastic about. I was resolved to pursue a career that I felt aligned with those interests.

In my undergraduate degree, I studied urban geography and economics, and as a result, the real estate industry seemed to be a well-positioned nexus between the two subjects I had enjoyed. A career in real estate had long been an option on my radar, but I did not have a firm idea of the specific area I wanted to work in. I began to reach out to professionals in the industry for insight into their careers and experiences. I arranged calls with professionals that were employed in a diverse range of roles across the industry. While the discussions were immensely helpful in giving me a sense of direction in my career, I was disheartened when it was emphasized to me in most of the conversations that the real estate industry is often a so-called “white boys club” and that the industry still has a lot of work to do to include and elevate minority and female voices. Furthermore, I recognized that I may have a difficult time securing a job in the industry given my lack of relevant work experience and the pandemic, so I began looking into graduate programs in Canada, the US, and the UK that focused on real estate. During my research, I noticed that for almost all the programs, the class profiles were 10-20% female. This realization was alarming to me as I felt that these programs were to some degree an indication of what the future of the industry may look like, and it reinforced a feeling of doubt concerning where my place may be in the industry.

I was advised by a mentor to get involved with ULI to help build my network and find opportunities. In Spring 2021, I attended a webinar hosted by ULI for student membership, during which they discussed opportunities for involvement in various committees across ULI Toronto. The committee that immediately stood out to me was WLI. I filled out the application form and did not want to get my hopes up by thinking I would be accepted. However, I remember distinctly thinking that if I was accepted that getting involved with the committee could help me gain confidence and guidance in finding my place within the industry.

In July 2021, I was contacted and asked if I would be able to take minutes for WLI’s strategy session the next day. To be entirely honest, I am glad I was asked on such short notice because when I saw the names and the companies where all the attendees worked, I was intimated and felt apprehensive over whether I would be able to offer value in any capacity – the short notice meant I did not have time to let these feelings fester and grow.

What I experienced during the first meeting set the tone for all subsequent meetings. To put it simply, I liked how I felt during and after the meetings; I was determined, energized, and inspired. I felt privileged to have the opportunity to observe the discussions that were being had amongst a collection of accomplished women from a variety of backgrounds, all of whom were at different stages in their careers. I was impressed at the awareness of all the members of their positionality within the industry, and their ability to influence the direction of the Toronto real estate and land-use industries.

As I attended further meetings and became more involved with the committee the experience, I had continued to be increasingly positive. Every person that was involved with WLI felt approachable to me. On several occasions, I had it reiterated to me the willingness to help and support me in various ways if/when I need it. When I first moved to London, I arranged a call with Meghan Wong, one of the Co-Chairs of WLI, and I cannot express how valuable the conversation was for me given the position I was in. I can often set unrealistic expectations of myself and moving to London was no exception – I put an immense amount of pressure on myself to adjust immediately. Meghan had completed a master’s a few years ago in Glasgow, and the conversation we had made me realize that it was normal to be overwhelmed by such a huge change. I realized I should take some pressure off of myself and it is not necessary to have it all figured out.

When I gave an update that I was accepted into my master’s during one of the meetings, I was elated by the congratulations and excitement that was communicated to me in response to my news. After doubting my validity in the real estate space, having a network of women – all of whom I see as role models – make me feel like my accomplishment were impressive gave me the confidence to feel proud of myself and my abilities.