How did you get started in the real estate industry? 

My first contact with the engineering and real estate market was at a communications agency between 2012 and 2014. I started as responsible for press relations and later managed all communication efforts. In 2015, I was hired by SiiLA to handle their launch event. I was one of SiiLA's first employees, and over the years, I built and structured the Communication and Marketing department and formed the team in Brazil and Mexico. 

What has been the most challenging part of establishing yourself in your career? 

I remember that there was a time while I was in college when I took on two internships. I worked from 6 am to 12 pm at one and from 2 pm to 6 pm at another, each of them in a different field of communications. At night, I went to the university to take classes. At the time, I remember being criticized by colleagues who use to say this was not worth it. However, I continued for two more years and left when I was about to graduate and landed a full-time job. It was a challenging phase, but I learned a lot, and could then bring all the experience for the next phase of my career.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

Now that I work with other countries, I see even more the importance of this day. In Mexico, it is not a celebration like it is in Brazil. Instead, it is marked by protest and resistance. As it is an international day, each country has its own culture, but they all share the same reason: we´re all fighting for the valorization of women and gender equality. I see this day as an opportunity for everyone to pause and reflect, even if only for a few moments. 

Carla Santana, Finance and HR Manager for Brazil at SiiLA 

How did you get started in the real estate industry? 

Shortly after graduating from college in 2015, I was hired by SiiLA. This year, I will complete eight years at SiiLA. I started working in the finance department, responsible for administrative tasks and office management. At the time, the team consisted of only five people. 

 What has been the most challenging part of establishing yourself in your career? 

The great challenge was starting to operate within SiiLA from scratch, with everyone learning together. Although I have not had negative experiences regarding gender issues, the majority presence of men in leadership positions is still a reality in the corporate market and real estate.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

I believe the importance of this date is to raise awareness of everything we have already achieved and what was achieved by other women in the past, but also to recognize that there is still a lot of work to do. We see many cases of violence against women in the media, wage disparity between men and women, and reproductive rights issues. More recently, we have seen a lot of hate against women. So, I see it as an opportunity to look at all of this and raise awareness among those around us. 

Carla González – Senior Research Analyst for Mexico at SiiLA 

How did you get started in the real estate industry? 

I started as a part-time trainee at a real estate consultancy in 2018, and due to my effort and dedication, I was offered a full-time position as a market research analyst in just four months. Today, I have been working for five years as a specialist in commercial real estate assets. 

What has been the most challenging part of establishing yourself in your career? 

Building relationships with people in the industry represents a challenge in my career. As a sector dominated mainly by men, there have been times when my colleagues and I have experienced harassment situations while doing research fieldwork. 

What does International Women's Day mean to you? It is a day in which the daily struggle that women face in both work and family environments can be made visible. 

Who is the most inspirational woman in your life or real estate industry, and why? 

My mother, over 50 years old, continues to fight for her dreams and goals despite the criticisms and difficulties she may face. She is a woman who has been able to get through the most challenging times. In the industry, a woman I admire is my first boss, Maribel Frías, because she inspired me to be passionate about my work.

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