Women's Leadership
Initiative
Join hundreds of women at the ULI Fall Meeting to network, learn and grow within the real estate industry.
The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) is a dynamic program of ULI dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the real estate industry. Since its establishment in 2011, WLI has grown into a robust network with an active Americas Executive Committee and over 40 chapters across 8 countries. WLI’s mission is rooted in four key objectives: promoting the advancement of women, increasing the number of women who serve in leadership roles, enhancing visibility of women leaders, and fostering the growth of young women professionals within ULI and the broader real estate sector.
WLI connects women with peers and mentors to grow their networks and seize career opportunities, and its advocacy and community initiatives inspire change and promote diversity within ULI. By joining WLI, you join a vibrant community committed to elevating women leaders. Together, WLI connects, inspires, and leads—ensuring women's contributions are recognized and celebrated across the commercial real estate industry.
Unparalleled Content and Insight
Explore real estate’s cutting-edge trends through WLI’s curated sessions, highlighting women’s leadership, equity, and market innovation. Gain actionable insights and strategies designed to empower women and drive industry impact.
Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
Gain mentorship from seasoned leaders eager to guide the next generation of women in real estate. WLI fosters a supportive space to seek advice, share experiences, and advance your career while building belonging through meaningful connections across disciplines.
Transformative Leadership Development
Elevate your career through WLI sessions and events that spotlight pathways to leadership in real estate. Whether emerging or established, professionals gain skills, confidence, and insight to lead effectively in a male-dominated field. WLI also empowers women entrepreneurs with resources and exposure to grow their ventures.
Programming
The ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative offers numerous opportunities for networking, education, and specialized programming throughout the year and is hosting a rich lineup of programming at Fall Meeting in San Francisco on November 4-6, 2025. If you are interested in getting involved with WLI’s work, please reach out to [email protected] or your local District Council staff to express your interest.
Tuesday, November 4
Launch & Learn: WLI Executive Development Program Lunch
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES
Join WLI Americas as we officially kickoff the inaugural Women’s Executive Development Program at Fall Meeting! Come learn about the program and the application process, which opens on November 10th. The WLI Executive Development Program aims to empower and develop women leaders in the real estate industry through comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Hear from Melina Cordero, Founder and Program Director for P20 Leadership, a cutting-edge leadership program designed for next-gen leaders in high-growth industries.
WLI Americas Cornerstone Award Reception
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | BY INVITATION ONLY
Prologis Headquarters, Pier 1, Bay 1, 94111
Celebrate at the WLI Americas Cornerstone Award Reception
Hosted at the Prologis Headquarters
Join us for a special evening as we honor and celebrate the inaugural recipient of the WLI Cornerstone Award — Gayle Starr.
Gayle Starr, former Managing Director at Prologis, has been a tireless advocate for the advancement of women in real estate. Her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the mission of ULI and WLI have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Come raise a toast to Gayle’s remarkable career and her enduring legacy of empowering women across ULI and the broader real estate community.
Wednesday, November 5
WLI Americas Coffee Connect
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM | OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES
Sponsored by: Colliers, Avison Young, LaSalle, Kilroy, DIALOG, Sares Regis Group
Start your morning with WLI Americas for coffee and a delicious healthy breakfast. Join us to meet other women in a relaxed and welcoming environment with the goal to broaden and enrich professional networks and strengthen industry connections. Arrive early for a special WLI gift (limited availability).
Foundation First: The Right Entity Structure Matters: The Legal Myths and Realities Behind Business Structures, Presented by WLI Americas
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES
Think forming an LLC is always the best foundation for your real estate venture? Think again. Just like a building, your business needs the right structure to rise. Join our panel of legal, financial, and entrepreneurial experts as they unpack the pros and cons of LLCs, S Corps, C Corps, partnerships, and more—all with a focus on early-stage commercial real estate ventures. Whether you're assembling your first deal or laying the groundwork for future growth, you'll walk away with the clarity to choose the right entity. This is a must-attend session for any small or medium-sized business owner or operator looking to build on solid ground. Presented by the WLI Americas Entrepreneurs Program.
WLI Americas Entrepreneurs and Mentors Lunch & Learn – LLCs and Partnerships
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | BY INVITATION ONLY
The WLI Americas Entrepreneurs Cohort will meet with their Mentors over lunch to review their business plans as well as learn from a panel of industry experts on LLCs and partnerships in business.
WLI Americas Curated Conversations Dine Arounds
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES | *SEPARATELY TICKETED EVENT
Sponsored by: Eastdil Secured
From famous firsts like martinis and sourdough bread to iconic eats like Mission burritos and Dungeness crab, San Francisco is what foodie dreams are made of. It’s no coincidence that San Francisco has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any destination in America. The WLI Curated Conversations Dine Arounds will be an intimate dining experience in small groups to cultivate meaningful connections. We will first convene at the Moscone Convention Center at 6:00 pm for check-in and announcements. Each dinner group will be hosted by a WLI San Francisco member.
PLEASE NOTE – most dinner reservations will require an Uber. Groups will coordinate individual bookings to their restaurant destination. Groups will enjoy a seated dinner featuring inviting fireside chats to discuss key issues and topics of the day. Each meal will be a multi-course dinner and include one alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. This separately ticketed event is open to all Fall Meeting attendees. Limited spaces are available. Attendees must select a restaurant when registering.
Thursday, November 6
The Red Party hosted by Gensler & ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative WLI
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | BY INVITATION ONLY
In celebration of the 2025 ULI Fall Meeting, we invite you to Gensler’s signature Red Party, hosted in partnership with the ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative. We welcome ULI members, clients, partners, and friends from around the globe to join us for an evening of hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and conversation taking place at Gensler’s San Francisco office. We will see you there!