This issue of REDnews proudly celebrates the achievements insights, and leadership of women in commercial real estate. From trailblazing mentors and dynamic advisors to those driving industry innovation, these women bring diverse perspectives and vital expertise to the field. Their stories serve as a testament to the growing influence of women in commercial real estate, inspiring the next generation to build their paths in this challenging yet rewarding industry.

Cathy Nabours: Innovating in capital markets and fostering industry inclusivity
With more than two decades in commercial real estate, Cathy Nabours, Managing Principal at SRS Real Estate Partners, has carved a respected niche in the Central Texas market. Her expertise in multi-tenant investment properties has positioned her as a trusted advisor to top clients, including Crow Holdings and Kimco. “Ten years ago, I was with a company in which only 5% of the Capital Markets brokers were women,” Nabours recalled, explaining the efforts she led to recruit young women and encourage their advancement in brokerage. “The women working in commercial real estate today are supportive, collaborative and willing to help.” Her initiatives have paid off, as she has witnessed many of these women transition to significant roles within the industry. Nabours’ forward-thinking approach is also evident in her embrace of new technology.
“We all need to be up to speed with improvements in technology and especially AI,” she said, describing her team’s recent work on incorporating AI into marketing strategies. The pandemic was another pivotal moment, allowing Nabours’ team to stay connected with clients across markets.
“Ultimately, these conversations were a terrific reminder of the importance of sharing information—especially when the market is down, and times are tough,” said Nabours.
ADVICE FROM NABOURS: “Seek opportunities to be part of a team where you can add value by being resourceful, hardworking and detailed.”

Jamie Safier: Navigating success with purpose
Jamie Safier, Managing Director of Capital Markets at Marcus & Millichap, brings both financial insight and relational expertise to commercial real estate. Originally from a finance background, Safier pivoted from investment banking to debt and equity advisory, finding her calling in client centered, strategic advisement. “Being an advisor still allowed me to practice finance while also helping clients grow and achieve their goals,” she explained.

One early career highlight involved securing $32 million in acquisition financing for a client’s largest deal in Houston’s Spring Branch area. This experience emphasized Safier’s approach to advising not only as a broker but as a dedicated partner.
“My advisory time may not always translate into fees, but my patience and expertise have resulted in my clients seeing me as a partner and not just a broker,” she shares.
Safier’s role is more than transactional; she has cultivated long-term partnerships with clients, some of whom she has guided from their first multifamily acquisition to significant portfolio expansions. Underscoring the importance of perseverance in a male-dominated field, Safier now uses her journey to leverage her visibility to support other women entering the industry.
“It’s allowed me to be more memorable and stand out,” she said. A mom of three young children, Safier noted that she’s learned how to balance her work and personal lives while remaining centered. “Achieving my best professional year while pregnant and raising two children was a product of balance and having a strong support system both with my family and with my professional team,” Safier said.

ADVICE FROM SAFIER: “Prioritize balance and stick with it!”
Allyson Yost: Championing industrial real estate and women’s entry into the field Allyson Yost, Executive Vice President at Colliers, has built a career that bridges her legacy as the daughter of a broker and her vision for an inclusive commercial real estate field. “My comprehensive knowledge of the North Texas industrial market has allowed me to maximize my clients’ value,” Yost said, crediting her dedication to market insight as a key to her success. However, her impact extends beyond client work; in 2020, she co-founded IWIRE North Texas, a supportive network dedicated to integrating more women into the field. Yost’s mission with IWIRE goes beyond mentoring, creating a space for women to share their experiences and receive support as they navigate the industry.
“I have made it a point to find ways to educate and make it comfortable for women to enter the industry,” she stressed. “While today women are still underrepresented, it is not because they are not qualified or capable of succeeding. If women want to get into commercial real estate, there is
nothing that will stop them.”
Yost’s pride in her work is evident in a recent project, where she saw several women from IWIRE contribute to a large build-to-suit deal. “What makes me the proudest is realizing how many women new to the industry were involved in this project and proud to call it their ‘first project,’” Yost said.
ADVICE FROM YOST: “Don’t limit or hold yourself back. Do your research
and figure out what part of the industry you want to concentrate on, then get coffee or lunch with others in the industry. Find where you want to be and who will allow you to grow and go for it.”