A Common Ground Conversation with Ellen Israel
Ellen Israel
We’re pleased to present the latest in our Common Ground campaign for Gender Equality, with a salute to Ellen Israel, Executive Managing Director at JRT Realty – and a true pioneer in commercial real estate! We’re proud to shine a spotlight this year on so many trailblazers like Ellen; women who have paved the way for others to follow. Here’s to every achievement earned, every milestone passed, and every glass ceiling shattered!
ELLEN ISRAEL, Executive Managing Director – JRT Realty Group Inc., the largest woman-owned commercial real estate firm in the U.S.
Ellen is among New York’s most accomplished commercial real estate professionals, recognized for her excellence in investment sales and leasing brokerage – and especially for her ability to conceive and orchestrate complex transactions. In her 30-year career, she has worked for some of the largest institutional and entrepreneurial real estate organizations and has sat on every side of a negotiating table. Ellen has executed transactions totaling over 25 million square feet of sales and leasing on behalf of owners, investors and tenants.
Click on any or all of the videos below to see Ellen’s thoughtful responses and reflections.
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 are 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: Is there something you would still like to accomplish in 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?
A big THANK YOU to Ellen Israel for being part of our Pace Common Ground Trailblazers campaign! Stay tuned for our next Common Ground feature, as we continue to share this campaign for Gender Equality throughout 2017.