PORTLAND, Ore. — On June 21, 2025, the CREW Network’s Spring Leadership Summit officially concluded at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, capping off three days of intensive programming aimed at advancing leadership among women in commercial real estate. Hosted from June 19 to 21, the event brought together a diverse group of chapter leaders, mid-career professionals, and rising executives for a series of high-impact workshops, networking forums, and leadership strategy sessions.
The summit was designed to be more than just a gathering—it was a catalyst for transformation. Attendees engaged in immersive sessions on mentorship, inclusive leadership, and resilience-building, all of which have become critical skill sets amid continued economic and market uncertainty. These sessions, tailored to the nuances of commercial real estate, encouraged participants to share insights across regional and organizational lines while cultivating actionable leadership tools to bring back to their teams.
The final day of the summit was particularly focused on fostering inclusive decision-making and equipping leaders with strategies to support their teams through rapid shifts in the market. Attendees discussed best practices for creating psychologically safe workplaces, developing mentorship pipelines, and building emotionally intelligent leadership cultures. These topics not only reflect current workplace trends but also underscore the CREW Network’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Founded in 1989, the CREW Network is the premier business network dedicated to transforming the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally. The organization’s mission was front and center during the summit, with leaders emphasizing that systemic progress in the CRE industry requires persistent advocacy and leadership development at every level. As CREW Network CEO Wendy Mann noted in her opening remarks, “Leadership today is not just about strategy—it’s about empathy, accountability, and ensuring every voice has a seat at the table.”
A notable feature of the summit was its commitment to accessibility. By extending discounted registration through June 19, CREW lowered financial barriers to participation, ensuring broader access to this high-level professional development experience. Participants from across the country—representing disciplines from investment and law to development and property management—were able to connect, collaborate, and learn in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Workshops throughout the summit touched on topics such as conflict resolution, courageous leadership, and cultural competency. In one popular session titled Beyond Mean Girls, attendees explored how to lead through discomfort and challenge the outdated social narratives that often inhibit women in leadership roles. Another session, led by DEI strategist Jeannine K. Brown, centered on allyship and fostering a more inclusive workplace for the Black community—anchored in the historical context of Juneteenth.
Outside of formal sessions, the summit also provided space for informal networking and wellness activities, including “Netwalks” through downtown Portland and evening dine-around events, which allowed attendees to build meaningful peer relationships in relaxed settings. These engagements were particularly valuable for first-time attendees and younger professionals looking to grow their networks.
The summit concluded with a collective sense of momentum. Many attendees voiced intentions to implement newly learned strategies at their firms, from launching mentorship initiatives to incorporating inclusive frameworks into hiring and leadership practices. Others highlighted plans to enroll in CREW’s year-round Leadership Certificate Program, which offers more in-depth training on organizational leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning.
This leadership summit is part of CREW Network’s broader strategy to build a more inclusive and resilient future for commercial real estate. By investing in emerging leaders and offering sustained support, the organization is helping to shift the industry toward a model that values both performance and equity.
Looking ahead, the CREW Network is preparing for its Fall Leadership Summit, scheduled for October in Austin, Texas. That event is expected to build on the foundations set in Portland and continue fostering leadership that reflects the diversity and complexity of today’s business landscape.
