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Sara Yehia
Sara Yehia, AIA Architect | Founding Principal Kenzy Architects
Women's History Month Spotlight on Karen Gaabucayan
March 25, 2022
Women’s History Month—a time to both reaffirm and uphold the historical importance, achievements, and influence of women on the built environment. ULI is committed to pursuing unrelenting efforts to shape the built environment toward diverse, equitable, inclusive communities. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are the pillars of sustainable, thriving communities. We commit to leading the charge, striving to inspire widespread change by example. We will work tirelessly across the real estate industry to ensure that our communities are equitable by design.
The Institute’s commitment to addressing the industry’s gender gap is formally seen through the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI). Over the years, the WLI network has striven to support the development of women throughout their careers and increase the visibility of women leaders within ULI and beyond. This month, we are excited to celebrate these accomplishments and amplify the ongoing efforts by women and allies to gain further ground in having women’s voices be heard.
Spotlight on Karen Gaabucayan
Vice President, Senior Asset Manager
The Northern Trust Company
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career.
I got my start in the late 90’s working at Bailes and Company, a developer specializing in residential land development and construction in the Southwest. I spent fourteen years at Bailes working on a variety of products –lots, single family homes, fractional ownerships, etc. In 2013, I joined The Empire Group as their director of land acquisitions exploring infill land opportunities in the Valley. I shifted focus to Trust Real Estate when I joined Northern Trust in 2018.
Why are you a member of ULI?
Initially, I saw ULI just as a networking group. Later, I found that it also provides lots of opportunities for members to observe, discuss and experience many of the development ideas, products and projects in the Valley. It’s a really great resource for anyone who is curious and engaged in development.
What (or who) were your strongest influences in life?
My parents, of course. As immigrants, they weathered countless challenges and uncertainties to provide me with better opportunities.
What has been your favorite local ULI program, event, or committee to be involved in?
I’ve enjoyed the member-driven tours, events and discussions offered by ULI NEXT. It’s such a benefit to belong to this strong network of real estate professionals working on some of the Valley’s most exciting projects. On the other side of the spectrum is UrbanPlan, which I think is a very special program. UrbanPlan gives some lucky high school students a chance to design a fictional city block and coordinate the many moving parts required to execute a successful development. I’ve learned volumes about development from UrbanPlan students and volunteers over the years.