Women’s Leadership Initiative

WLI - The Women's Leadership Initiative works to increase the visibility of women in ULI Southeast Florida / Caribbean, assist with career path advancement, and provide networking opportunities in the Southeast Florida and Caribbean region.

Women’s Leadership Initiative

The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Southeast Florida / Caribbean is part of a global ULI network promoting the advancement of women in real estate and development. Formally launched in Charlotte at the ULI 2012 Spring Meeting, the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) was formed in late 2010 and is now an active part of ULI’s Larson Leadership Initiative.

Mission

WLI Southeast Florida/Caribbean is committed to increasing the number and visibility of women in leadership roles in ULI and the real estate industry. The mission of the WLI is expressed in its four primary objectives:

  • Promote the advancement of women, throughout their careers, as leaders in the real estate industry.
  • Increase the number of women who serve in leadership positions in the real estate industry and in ULI.
  • Increase the visibility of women leaders in the real estate industry and in ULI.
  • Increase the number of women who are active ULI Full members, and support the development of young women members as leaders in ULI and in their professions.

To date, the WLI has provided programming for the Spring and Fall meetings, sponsored networking events and helped women navigate within ULI.

Leadership

The Co-Chairs of the WLI are responsible for representing the interests of WLI and advancing the mission of ULI within the WLI platform of activities. The Chairs participate on the District Council Management Committee and support and celebrate the efforts of the various WLI committees.

Jenni Morejon, Executive Director, Fort Lauderdale DDA

Jenni is the President/CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority. Jenni joined the DDA in 2016 to spearhead efforts that stimulate investment and enhance livability in DowntownFTL. From building a new federal courthouse and city/county joint government campus to improving Downtown’s public realm through art, activation and capital projects, the DDA is focusing on initiatives that leverage and complement the $3 billion of private investment that is on the horizon in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Prior to the DDA, Jenni served as director of the city of Fort Lauderdale’s sustainable development department. She graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in environmental design in 1999.

 

 

Cristina Gonzalez, Senior Principal / Senior Vice President, Langan

Cristina is the Senior Principal and Senior Vice President with Langan Engineering & Environmental Services. For over 30 years, Cristina has worked on geotechnical engineering experience throughout Florida, specializing in high-rise projects located in coastal areas. She has managed numerous high-profile projects , including SunLife (Dolphins) Stadium, Fontainebleaue II & III Towers, The MET Miami, Turnberry Ocean Colony, Marine aBlue, and more. Cristina graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Miami, and a masters in Geotechnical Engineering from Cornell University.

 

 

 

 

 

Want to Get Involved?

 Contact the WLI Co-Chairs or call (954) 916-7329 for more information.

 

Women's Leadership initiative News

Networking Reception Puts Spotlight on Women In Real Estate

Posted on August 25, 2017 by EraldaAgolli

FT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 16, 2017) — Nearly 50 women and supporters of women in South Florida real estate and development mixed and mingled Aug. 16 at a networking reception at III Forks Prime Steakhouse in Gulfstream Park. The event was hosted by the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Southeast Florida/Caribbean, a global Urban Land Institute (ULI) program designed to increase the number and visibility of women within the member organization and the real estate industry. WLI co-chairs Katy Hallgren, vice president of EDSA, Inc., and Jenni Morejon, executive director of … Read More

Significant Impact from WLI Grant at the Local Level

Posted on July 27, 2016 by EraldaAgolli

In 2015, the ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative awarded Urban Innovation Grants to four District and National Councils to support the creation of innovative programs that raise the visibility and number of women in ULI and the real estate industry. One of the District Councils to receive this grant was ULI Southeast Florida/Caribbean. The Grant of $2,500 was used to help fund the January 2016 program ULI Explores Miami’s Evolution through Art, Architecture, and Culture.  Held at the edgy M Building in Wynwood, speakers explored how art, architecture, open space, and cultural facilities are … Read More