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A Conversation with Onay Payne, Equity Partner at Clarion Partners

Here’s to the Trailblazers!

Our Common Ground campaign for Gender Equality salutes the women of real estate. There are so many pioneers in the field, blazing the way for others to follow. We’re proud to spotlight just a few of them. So here’s to every achievement earned, every milestone passed, and every glass ceiling shattered.

ONAY PAYNE, Portfolio Manager 

Clarion Partners

Pace Blog_Onay Payne Common Ground Headshot

Ms. Payne is an equity partner at Clarion Partners and a portfolio manager for private equity real estate investments in the U.S. and Mexico. In June 2013, Ms. Payne was honored by the Robert Toigo Foundation as one if its “40 Under 40.” In addition, she was recognized as one of Real Estate Forum Magazine’s “Women of Influence 2010.” Ms. Payne has co-authored research articles published in industry periodicals, including The Industrial Real Estate Letter and Inmobiliare Magazine.

We were so grateful and delighted for the opportunity to talk with Onay for our Common Ground campaign, to hear about her career, her achievements, and her advice and encouragement for other women. Click on any or all of the videos to see Onay’s thoughtful responses.

Q: How did you get your start in the real estate industry?

Q: Did you or do you have any role models in the industry, or someone who influenced you in a significant way in the field?

Q: What were some obstacles or challenges you faced along the way on your career path?

Q: Have you seen changes in gender equality since you started in the field?

Q: What’s one major milestone or achievement you can share from your career?

Q: What advice would you give to women who may be starting out, trying to break in, or trying to advance in the field?

Q: As part of our campaign for gender equality, we’re working with Bottomless Closet, a local non-profit that helps disadvantaged women who are transitioning from unemployment and public assistance into the workplace. Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for these women who are attempting to find work and establish a career – in any field – in spite of severe hardship?

Q: Last question, on a more lighthearted note: what’s the last great book you read or show you binged?

Thanks to Onay Payne for participating in our Pace Common Ground Trailblazers feature… and for sharing her unique experience and career insights! Watch for our next Common Ground feature as we continue to share this important campaign for Gender Equality throughout 2017.