What the Data Reveals About Women's Advancement in CRE

Behind many successful careers is someone who offered guidance at the right moment. A leader who encouraged a new challenge, or a mentor who helped illuminate what the next step could look like.

For many women in commercial real estate, advancement is rarely driven by technical expertise alone. According to First American Title National Commercial Services’ 2026 Women’s Advancement in CRE Survey, relationship building and collaboration ranked as the leading driver of success at 26 percent, ahead of industry knowledge at 20.3 percent and strategic thinking, confidence in decision making, and adaptability, each at 17.9 percent.

The message is clear. In CRE, advancement is powered by influence, visibility, and partnership.

Seventy-two percent of respondents said mentorship played a meaningful role in their career growth. Mentorship builds confidence, expands networks, sharpens judgment, and increases visibility into leadership pathways that may otherwise feel out of reach.

“Mentorship has been foundational to my growth,” says Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American Title National Commercial Services. “My mentors consistently pushed me beyond what felt comfortable, encouraging me to take risks, step into new spaces, and trust my voice. They helped me build on what differentiates me while strengthening the areas that needed development.”

Kushi emphasizes that mentorship often creates conviction before confidence fully forms.

“There have been pivotal moments when mentors encouraged me to pursue opportunities I might not have raised my hand for,” she explains. “Their belief in my readiness often preceded my own, and that confidence gave me the conviction to step forward.”

While mentorship develops capability, sponsorship drives access.

“To me, mentorship is guidance; someone sharing experience, advice, and perspective to help you navigate your career,” says Vanessa Abreu, Vice President and Division Area Manager at First American Title National Commercial Services. “Sponsorship is different because it requires action. A sponsor is someone who speaks your name in rooms you are not in yet. They advocate for you, recommend you for opportunities, and help open doors.”

Survey respondents underscored this distinction. When asked what most supports advancement, women pointed to leadership visibility and executive advocacy, access to high-impact opportunities, continued education, and peer collaboration.

“You can be talented and hardworking,” Abreu adds, “but having someone willing to say, ‘She is ready for this opportunity,’ can make a huge difference. Advice is critical, but advocacy drives advancement.”

Encouragingly, 75 percent of respondents describe the environment for women advancing in CRE as supportive, with 55.6 percent saying somewhat supportive and 19.4 percent saying very supportive. At the same time, 22.3 percent describe the environment as somewhat or very challenging.

Progress is evident. Yet cultural support alone does not guarantee advancement. Clear leadership pathways, visible sponsorship, and access to meaningful assignments are what translate support into sustained progress.

“A big part of how I mentor today is by creating exposure and opportunities,” Abreu says. “Sometimes women underestimate their readiness for leadership positions,” she notes. “A great mentor challenges that mindset and pushes you to think bigger about what’s possible.”

For Kushi, mentoring others is also about continuing the cycle of support that helped shape her own career. “I try to mentor the way I was mentored; with honesty, encouragement, and high expectations,” she says. “At its best, mentorship expands someone’s sense of what’s possible.”

When leaders invest in emerging talent, the impact goes far beyond individual careers.

The findings point to both momentum and responsibility.

Advancement for women in CRE is shaped by access, advocacy, and relationships. Relationship building ranks as the leading driver of success, reinforcing that influence and trust remain the true currency of leadership in CRE.

For executive leaders, the opportunity now is to move from encouragement to intentional design. Create visible pathways to leadership. Elevate sponsorship from informal practice to expectation. Ensure women are not only prepared for leadership but positioned for it.

Mentorship builds confidence and capability. Sponsorship builds opportunity and influence. Organizations that commit to both strengthen their leadership, deepen client relationships, and drive long-term performance.

At First American Title National Commercial Services, we remain committed to expanding access, increasing visibility, and accelerating advancement for women across commercial real estate. The future of commercial real estate will be shaped by leaders who build strong relationships and open meaningful doors.