F
or over three decades, Mary Salas has been a driving force within CREW Denver, empowering women in commercial real estate through her unwavering dedication. As the director of wealth management & planning at Wealthspring Financial Partners, Mary's journey is a testament to the organization's transformative power.
Mary joined CREW Denver in 1991 after moving from Minneapolis as the director of real estate for a retail mall owner/operator. She was part of a group that co-founded WIRE (Women in Real Estate) in the Twin Cities, which eventually led her to connect with a local Denver group of women who were already part of NNCREW.
Mary emphasizes the importance of being active and committed to at least one committee within CREW, as it allows for connections on both a business and personal level. This has been instrumental in finding colleagues, new employees, friends, and sources of information across the industry.
One pivotal moment during Mary's involvement with CREW Denver was the creation of the "Woman of Influence" event in 1999, which honored two outstanding women pioneers in Denver commercial real estate. The event became an annual tradition and has since been replicated by other CREW chapters nationwide.
Mary recalls fond memories of walking tours of redeveloped or newly-developed projects, followed by networking social hours at fun locations. She also enjoyed monthly luncheon meetings with panel discussions on industry topics, which brought together a larger crowd and facilitated discussion.
The camaraderie and collaborative nature of members was a defining aspect of Mary's experience within CREW Denver. While there was friendly competition for projects or funding, there was an abundance of opportunities for all to develop jointly or individually. Mary notes that while a formal mentorship program has been established, many informal relationships were formed through shared lunches, coffees, and adult beverages.
Mary continues to stay involved with CREW Denver due to the organization's successful mission not yet being realized. She believes that women in commercial real estate still face salary disparities and limited opportunities for advancement. Mary finds CREW professionals to be great prospects for her financial planning business, as they are smart, dedicated, and hard-working.
Mary advises the next generation to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, practicing inclusivity and listening carefully to others. She encourages them to join a CREW chapter or two, making a positive difference in the world through their involvement in commercial real estate.
