Women’s Leadership Initiative

Applications for the FY26/FY27 term are closed.

For more information on getting involved with the WLI, email [email protected]

                                                                                                                        

The WLI Council is focused on the following goals:

  • Promote the Advancement of Women, throughout their Careers, as Leaders in the Real Estate Industry.

  • Increase the number of Women who serve in Leadership Positions in the Real Estate Industry and ULI.

  • Increase the Visibility of Women Leaders in the Real Estate Industry and ULI.

  • Increase the Number of Women who are Active Full Members, and Support the Development of Young Women Members as Leaders in ULI and in their Professions.

Local Product Councils and Affinity Groups, modeled after the ULI Americas Product Councils and National Initiatives, are exclusive groups of thirty to forty mid to senior-level members who meet quarterly to network and share best practices involved locally and in the region.

WHY: These exclusive groups are how we, as a District Council, implement the Mission of ULI to:

  • CONNECT active, passionate, diverse members through the foremost global network of interdisciplinary professionals
  • INSPIRE best practices for equitable and sustainable land use through content, education, convening, mentoring, and knowledge sharing
  • LEAD in solving community and real estate challenges through applied collective global experience and philanthropic engagement

HOW: Local Product Councils and Affinity Groups offer up a format and significance that increases value and contribution for local leaders to influence change in our industry practice. In an effort to increase the esteem and takeaway from this experience, we have upgraded our format to model the Americas Product Council model.

  • LPC’s have limited membership (usually between 30 and 40 members)
  • LPC’s meet quarterly
  • LPC’s provide opportunities to hold leadership roles
  • LPC’s have a two-year term limit (Beginning July 1st, 2025 and ending June 30th 2026)
  • LPC placement incurs a  $250 annual fee ($500 for full term) with placement/selection (Excludes Young Leaders Group)

At the heart of our mission is a belief that our communities can only truly thrive if they are built on the foundations of diversity, inclusivity, and social equity. In short, our communities must work for everyone. 

The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) was established in 2011 as a global program of the Urban Land Institute. Today it has an active global Steering Committee in addition to 40 chapters in numerous countries around the world. The global WLI leaders support local programming and initiatives, helping to increase both the number and visibility of more women leaders throughout ULI’s vast network.

The Orange County/Inland Empire WLI Council formed in 2015 and currently has 31 members working to fulfill the objectives of the Women’s Leadership Initiative. The WLI Council brings experience from the public, private and non-profit sectors in finance, legal, design, planning, engineering, development, construction, marketing, and title. Together they are working to raise the visibility of Women in Real Estate by recognizing their excellence and acknowledging their accomplishments. This is a council of peers, mentors, and mentees supporting each other as they advance the WLI mission.​

All genders are welcome to this council. The WLI Council year starts July 1st – meetings held quarterly.

Interested in visiting as a guest – please contact Katie Holst at [email protected].

All ULI members are eligible to be members. Full ULI Membership is required for Leadership and Mentor positions.

Annual dues are $250 per year, paid up in full at start of two year term.