Shalaunda Holmes
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting some of our inspiring WLI members and getting their thoughts on leadership. Hear from Shalaunda Holmes, Community Real Estate Director, Urban Neighborhood Initiative, below.
Please summarize your current role within ULI and explain why WLI is important to you?
I am a member of ULI and serve as a co-chair for the Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDi). ULI is important to me because I believe it keeps me up to date on the real estate development industry as well as provides options for expanding knowledge within real estate development. It makes an industry that is sometimes perceived as untouchable more accessible and right at your fingertips.
What is your expertise? What services do you provide? What leads do you look for?
My expertise is in housing development. I look for what is not being built and work to fill the gap.
Please summarize your CRE career, and explain why you decided to work in the built environment.
I am formally trained in landscape architecture and urban and regional planning. In both of these professions, the built environment plays a significant role. Both landscape architecture and planning are a passion of mine, however I have found over the years that the built environment can influence both of these fields in drastic ways. Instead of pushing against it, I decided to embrace it, starting with housing development.
Do you consider yourself a female leader? Please explain why.
I do consider myself a leader in that for a long time I found myself being the only female in certain rooms and conversations. I am not the only one any more, so I have strategically moved myself into spaces where other women, young adults, and girls can see that they can be a part of a profession where they don’t always see themselves. I share in these spaces and encourage in these spaces, and I like to call it being a strategic leader.
Who is a female leader you admire and why?
There are many, but if I choose one I would say my mother. I admire her because she is a leader in being her authentic self with no apologies to anyone. There is only one her and she is good at it! I admire that she stands in her truth daily but at the same time carries herself with humility and confidence. She speaks her mind and will make you feel like the most important person in a room no matter how many people are in it. These days it’s so easy to get caught up in who and what other people want you to be and do, that it’s easy to forget who you truly are. I continually strive every day to be me because it’s what I do the best, and my mother has taught me that.
Describe what you do to remain visible in your career.
Although I don’t like attention to be on me, I know that it is important for people to know who you are and what you do in order to build and sustain relationships. To remain visible I like to volunteer my time and help where it’s needed. If there is a larger goal to be met, and I know that I can contribute in some way, I will contribute.
Describe a pivotal moment in your career. What makes it stand out?
There have been a number of pivotal moments in my career, but one always stands out. One pivotal moment in my career was as a project manager, when I demolished an old industrial site with two large rows of grain elevator bins. Coordinating and managing that process was amazing. When I got to the point where the bins started to come down a chunk at a time, exposing miles and miles of rebar, I realized I could do just about anything with preparation and support — oh and money! I went on to redevelop the site with a great team, producing 85 units of much-needed housing for individuals and families.
What advice can you give to others on how to identify and maneuver through similar experiences?
Do not let anyone tell you what you cannot do. If they tell you you can’t, and you are passionate enough about it, prove them wrong. Do not be prideful or afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you know you are struggling in a project or just can’t figure out a way to approach a project or deal, ask someone for help. I think asking for what you need is underrated. You will be surprised at how many people will help you or connect you with the resources you need.