Employee background:

I grew up mostly in Southern California between Corona/Riverside and Irvine before I graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Richmond in 2019. I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do after college, but I knew I had an affinity towards careers that would utilize my analytical skillset. I have a psychology research background and strong writing skills, and I eventually landed a start in my commercial real estate appraising career. Outside of work, I enjoy most things outdoors (e.g., rock climbing, skydiving, slacklining, backpacking), photography, and chess.

What is your title and what do you do at Valbridge?

I am a Real Estate Analyst and I’ve been with Valbridge since March of 2021. I assist in preparing appraisals reports of a variety of commercial properties for bank lending, property tax appeal, and other purposes that fully explain results and outline methods used. I evaluate properties to help establish market values and property ratings using proprietary resources and property ratings.

How did you become a part of Valbridge and VWC?

Prior to joining Valbridge, I had several jobs ranging from teaching children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to working as a private investigator. My roommate from college got into real estate appraising in Seattle and mentioned that my skillsets match what the profession calls for. After some extensive research, I was determined to try for a career in commercial real estate appraising so I crafted my own website (linked here) marketing my analytical skillsets and career goals. I directly emailed my website with a personalized message to appraisers in southern California asking if they were willing to take on a trainee. Despite having little to no prior real estate experience, I was contacted by Calvin, our Senior Managing Director. He was impressed by my professionalism and work ethic and graciously gave me the opportunity to begin a career in commercial real estate in March of 2021.

Once I was part of the Valbridge team, I immediately joined the Valbridge Women’s Council and eventually the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee per Calvin’s suggestion. I tried to be proactive and asked at least one thoughtful question for every guest presentation given in the women’s council meetings. My participation garnered Michele Wood’s attention and I was directly invited to join the DEI committee. It’s been wonderful to work with the LA/Inland empire office as well as being a part of a larger network of Valbridge.

What are your specialty areas?

I believe I have much to learn about commercial real estate appraisal before delving into specialties, but it’s something I’ll keep in mind for the future when I get my AG license.

What are some of the most interesting projects you've worked on at Valbridge?

Being in the LA/Inland Empire area, I found it interesting to appraise a variety of properties that are notable and recognizable in the city and in Southern California in general. I don’t have a specific project in mind since the properties are all so uniquely interesting. LA is condensed and packed with history and culture, and I love that I can discover new places or areas and learn about the different methods of valuation that take place.

What do you like most about working at Valbridge and being a member of the VWC?

In our LA/Inland Empire office, every employee is crucial for the wellbeing of the company; therefore, the company’s success hinges on experienced professionals who do quality work. I’m so grateful I get to work with and learn from such a knowledgeable group of appraisers, and I hope to never stop absorbing their wisdom and appraising experience.

The Women’s Council and the DEI committee made me realize the rich breadth of Valbridge’s extensive network across the country. Through the Val-Talks, I was able to deepen my knowledge and understanding of leadership, networking, and navigating a male-dominated field as a woman.

Thank you to the LA/Valbridge office for welcoming me to the team and letting me learn so much, and a special thank you to Calvin for giving me a chance in this fascinating career!