Fordham RE Institute Holds Fireside Chat With Alum and Industry Veteran Gilmartin
Real Estate In-Depth | December 18, 2019
NEW YORK—Some of the real estate industry’s biggest names gathered for a night of cocktails and conversation when Fordham Real Estate Institute and MaryAnne Gilmartin, co-founder and CEO of L&L MAG, presented Heroes and Champions (+ One).
The intimate, invite-only event, which was held at the University’s Lincoln Center campus last month, celebrated the third anniversary of Fordham University’s REI and featured a fireside chat between Gilmartin and Dr. Anthony R. Davidson, dean, Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS).
“Throughout MaryAnne’s years in real estate, you can see how much here in New York has been accomplished simply because of her vision and drive. She’s been a true friend to the Real Estate Institute and its because of her that we have been able to host numerous events focused on how woman can play more of an influential role and have an even greater impact on the real estate industry,” said Dr. Davidson. “A big part of what we do at REI, and what MaryAnne does in her own career, focuses on how we can mentor people going forward. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the real estate community, not only for our programs but for our students as well.”
During the event, Gilmartin, a Fordham alum who also serves as a special advisor to the REI Executive Advisory Council, stressed the importance of self-confidence and paying it forward by providing support to team members and mentees.
“Real estate’s a tough game, but I never did get the message that said I should be intimidated and cower with all the men around the table. I believed if I was there and I added value, I had a place. And if I knew my stuff then I could participate,” said Gilmartin. “As I grew in my career, I also recognized the importance of supporting those around you to reach their goals. It’s one of the reasons why I am involved with REI and why I look forward to conversations like the ones we had tonight.”
Prior to founding L&L MAG, Gilmartin served as President and CEO of Forest City Ratner Companies, where she oversaw a period of game-changing ground-up development and managed its multi-million square foot residential, commercial and retail portfolio.
In her tenure at Forest City Ratner, she spearheaded the development of some of the most high-profile real estate projects in New York City. She led the efforts to build Barclays Center, the state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue and the centerpiece of the $4.9 billion, 22-acre mixed-use Pacific Park Brooklyn development. Gilmartin also oversaw the development of The New York Times Building, designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano; the New York by Gehry, designed by award winning architect Frank Gehry; and the Tata Innovation Center at Cornell Tech, a brand new office building that is a first-of-its-kind space for tech innovation, designed by Weiss/Manfredi on Roosevelt Island.
The Heroes and Champions (+ One) event was sponsored by Sound Communications and Co-Communications, Inc.
For more information on the Fordham Real Estate Institute, visit www.fordham.edu/realestate.