Commercial Real Estate Women Miami (CREW Miami) brought South Florida’s commercial real estate community together for an evening of celebration, recognition, and reflection at its annual Holiday Party & Awards. Held on Wednesday, December 10, at Lucid Art Gallery in the Miami Design District, the event marked a festive close to a year defined by leadership, education, and meaningful impact. Members and guests from across the region gathered to honor the organization’s accomplishments and the individuals helping shape the future of commercial real estate, particularly women entering and advancing within the industry.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of CREW Miami’s annual scholarships. This year, the organization awarded $15,000 to outstanding female students pursuing careers in commercial real estate–related fields, reinforcing CREW Miami’s long-standing commitment to education and access. The 2025 scholarship recipients include Peyton Recer, a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Miami School of Law, Class of 2027, and the recipient of the Roslyn K. Berrin Scholarship; Patricia Llerena Perez, an architecture student at the University of Miami, Class of 2028; and Pietra Ingletto Wagner, a finance and real estate student at the University of Miami, Class of 2027.

“Receiving this scholarship reinforces my commitment to building a career in commercial real estate,” said Pietra Ingletto Wagner. “CREW Miami’s support provides both financial assistance and encouragement as I prepare to enter the industry.”

CREW Miami’s scholarship program supports female undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in real estate-related disciplines at Miami-Dade County institutions who maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The Roslyn K. Berrin Scholarship, awarded annually, honors one of South Florida’s pioneering women in commercial real estate and is funded in perpetuity through a dedicated endowment.

As the organization looks ahead, CREW Miami leadership emphasized the collective power of connection and community. “CREW Miami is built on the belief that when women are connected, supported, and visible, the entire industry is stronger,” said Josie Legido Correa, Director of Business Development for Florida at JWR Construction and CREW Miami’s 2025 Board President. “Throughout the year, our programs—from scholarships and mentorship to educational events and signature gatherings—created spaces for learning, collaboration, and genuine relationship-building. Backed by the global reach of CREW Network, we are proud to foster a community that opens doors, advances careers, and helps women grow together in commercial real estate.”

In 2025, CREW Miami delivered a robust calendar of programming designed to educate, connect, and elevate its members and the broader commercial real estate community. The organization hosted 22 events and welcomed more than 1,000 professionals, ranging from hard hat tours and educational panels to virtual cafecitos and signature gatherings such as the annual Golf Tournament and the Tri-Chapter Anatomy of the Deal program. The year also featured fireside chats with local CRE leaders Avra Jain and Ramola Motwani, expanded next-generation outreach through UCREW events at the University of Miami and Florida International University, and paired five emerging professionals with experienced mentors for one-on-one career guidance.

Additionally, CREW Miami awarded more than $12,000 in professional development scholarships for members to attend CREW Network Convention and Leadership Summits, issued $15,000 in student scholarships, and delivered enhanced visibility and value for corporate sponsors through integrated events and strategic social media engagement. As the holiday season set the tone for the year ahead, the celebration reflected not only a successful year, but a continued commitment to opportunity, leadership, and the advancement of women across South Florida’s commercial real estate landscape.

2026 Board of Directors Announcement:

CREW Miami also announced its 2026 Board of Directors, representing leadership across development, finance, law, construction, design, and professional services:

• Emily Butler, Office Managing Partner – Miami, CohnReznick LLP; Chapter President
   
• Julia Grachova, VP of Business Development and Governmental Legal Affairs, Fuse Group Investment Companies; President-Elect
   
• Josie Legido Correa, Director of Business Development – Florida, JWR Construction; Immediate Past President
   
• Sarah Zhou, Senior Manager, BPM; Treasurer
   
• Jennifer Hernandez, Partner, Avila Rodriguez Hernandez Mena & Garro LLP; Board Secretary
   
• Melinda Sherwood, Principal, Revelie PR; Communications Director
   
• Zeynep A. Talu-Balci, Founder, Makos Real Estate; Education Director
   
• Shannon Wilson, Associate Director, Mortgage Banking, Berkadia; Programs Director
   
• Staci Merchant, Partner, Merchant Insurance Solutions; Hospitality Director
   
• Jennifer Kusek, MBA, CPA, Controller, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen); Signature Events Director
   
• Dorota Lopez, CEO & Lead Designer, GFD Design Group; Sponsorship Director
   
• Brenda Saavedra, Founding Principal, Landy Saavedra, PLLC; Legal Director
   
• Cristina Zampieri, Senior Vice President, Intercredit Bank N.A.; Membership Committee Director
   
• Wendy Ruiz Cofiño, Vice President, FALKE Atlantic Corporation; Member Services Committee Director
   

New board members for 2026 include Melinda Sherwood, Zeynep A. Talu-Balci, Jennifer Hernandez, Jennifer Kusek, and Dorota Lopez.

Jennifer Hernandez; Jennifer Kusek; Melinda Sherwood; Dorota Lopez, Brenda Saavedra, Sarah Zhou, Zeynep A. Talu-Balci, Staci Merchant, Julia Grachova, Mabelle Perez, Shannon Wilson, Isabela Montalvo, Emily Butler, Josie Legido Correa, Yvonne Nyakana, Cristina Zampieri.
Not pictured: Rodolfo Javier Hernandez, Holly Cohen, Wendy Ruiz Cofino

Shannon Wilson, Brenda Saavedra, Karla Damas, & Jennifer Hernandez

Patricia Llerena Perez, Pietra Ingletto Wagner, Peyton Recer

Marcie Gregorio and Payal Tak, Owner of Lucid Design District

Emily Butler, 2026 CREW Miami President and Kara Olesky CREW Miami Member

Isabela Montalvo, Finance Associate at Scout Cold Logistics, 2025 Education Committee Director_ Peyton Recer Juris Doctor candidate, University of Miami School of Law, Class of 2027, Roslyn K. Berrin Scholarship recipient_ Josie Legido

Isabela Montalvo, Finance Associate at Scout Cold Logistics, 2025 Education Committee Director_ Patricia Llerena Perez, University of Miami, Architecture, Class of 2028 _ Josie Legido Correa, Director of Business Development for Florida

Isabela Montalvo

Isabela Montalvo, Finance Associate at Scout Cold Logistics, 2025 Education Committee Director_ Patricia Llerena Perez, University of Miami, Architecture, Class of 2028 _ Josie Legido Correa, Director of Business Development for Florida

CREW Members at Holiday Party, Lucid Design District

Chef Cathy and Karla Damas

Karen Brady , Yvonne Nyakana, Heidi Roberts

Outrageous Productions Florida provided the musical entertainment_

Chef Cathy The Simple Spoon

Melinda Sherwood, Erin Cabelus, Brenda Saavedra, Stephanie Kassoy, Candace Chin Fatt, Carol Ellis Cutler, Ligia Labrada

Dan Mena, Jennifer Hernandez, George Lafitte, Manuel Rodriguez

Astrid Garcia , Isabela Montalvo, Karla Damas, Carol Surowiec

The post CREW Miami Awards $15K in Scholarships and Announces 2026 Board of Directors appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

Begin the day with a delightful brunch at GreenStreet Café, a beloved spot nestled in the heart of Coconut Grove. With its charming outdoor seating and a menu boasting both classic brunch favorites and innovative dishes, GreenStreet Café sets the stage for a memorable meal with your mom.

For moms who revel in nature’s tranquility, a visit to The Kampong, a botanical garden in Coconut Grove, offers a serene retreat. Meander through lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and serene water views, indulging in a peaceful and rejuvenating experience alongside your mom.

Indulge your mom with a shopping spree at CocoWalk, a lively shopping and entertainment hub in Coconut Grove. Browse boutique shops offering fashion, accessories, and unique gifts before relishing a leisurely meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes within CocoWalk, making it a day filled with shopping and dining delights.

Show your appreciation by treating your mom to a day of pampering and relaxation at one of Coconut Grove’s luxurious spas. From rejuvenating massages to revitalizing facials, there are myriad indulgent treatments available to help your mom unwind and feel cherished.

Embrace quality time outdoors with your mom at Peacock Park, a picturesque waterfront destination in Coconut Grove. Pack a picnic basket with her favorite treats, spread out a blanket on the lush grass, and savor the scenic views of Biscayne Bay while engaging in meaningful conversations with your mom.

Whichever way you choose to celebrate Mother’s Day in Coconut Grove, Miami, the most important thing is to show your mom how much she means to you and make her feel cherished and loved on this special day. And for those celebrating at home, don’t forget to sweeten the occasion with indulgent treats from Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, offering an array of extraordinary dessert confections to delight your mom’s taste buds, located in the Grove at at 3435 Main Highway; Telephone: (786) 502-2396.

The post Mother’s Day in the Grove appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

Rejoice in the magic of the season with The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami’s exclusive Holiday Suite Package, available through December 31st. Elevate your holiday experience with a luxurious stay in a specially decorated suite, capturing the festive spirit in every detail. This enchanting package includes a choice of a holiday-themed amenity tailored to your preferences, such as a delightful Holiday Cookie Tin, a Gingerbread House Building Kit, Hot Chocolate Bombs, a festive Holiday Cocktail Kit, or a Christmas Cupcake Decorating Kit. Awaken to a delightful start each day with a complimentary Daily American Breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children at Isabelle’s Coconut Grove restaurant, setting the perfect tone for a day filled with holiday cheer.

Reservations:https://www.marriott.com/offers/holiday-suite-package-off-93392/miarz-the-ritz-carlton-coconut-grove-miami or call  (305) 644-4684

The post Rejoice in the magic of the season with The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.