The commercial real estate community in New Jersey is set to come together for a groundbreaking new event designed to empower women in the industry. Marta Person Villa, Senior Vice President of Retail Services at CBRE, will host the inaugural Rush CRE Women’s Networking Event on November 12, 2025, at the Basking Ridge Country Club in Somerset County.
The event promises to be one of the most dynamic gatherings of the year for women in commercial real estate, offering opportunities to connect, collaborate, and gain valuable insights from some of the field’s leading professionals. Inspired by the energy and organization of traditional college “rush” events, Villa’s concept aims to combine high-level networking with creativity and fun. Her goal is simple but powerful — to bring together industry professionals in a setting that fosters relationships and sparks new business opportunities.
“Amazing things can happen in a room filled with industry professionals,” Villa said in a statement ahead of the event. “We want to make this an experience that’s not only memorable and enjoyable, but also one that helps attendees leave with something tangible — whether it’s a deal, a new contact, or an idea that moves their career forward. After all, commercial real estate is still a relationship business.”
The Rush CRE Women’s Networking Event builds upon Villa’s successful annual November networking tradition, which has steadily grown in both attendance and influence. This year’s expansion will feature additional sponsors, a larger venue, and a more diverse program lineup. The 2025 edition is free to attend and supported by some of the most recognizable names in the commercial real estate sector, including CBRE, JLL, Ripco, RJ Brunelli & Co. Inc., Acrisure, Cuhaci Peterson Architect, Social Jack Media, and Appliance Palace.
In addition to high-level networking opportunities, the morning’s schedule includes a panel discussion featuring experts across multiple segments of the real estate market — from industrial and office properties to multifamily, retail, and capital markets. The session will also touch on trends in municipal economic development and lending, giving attendees a broad and informed view of the evolving commercial real estate landscape.
Confirmed speakers include Adenah Bayoh, Founder and CEO of Adenah Bayoh & Companies; Zenobia Fields, Director of the Plainfield Department of Economic Development; Karly Iacono, Senior Vice President, CBRE Capital Markets; Suzanne Macnow, Senior Vice President, CBRE; Bridget Wilcox, Partner at G.S. Wilcox & Co.; and Marta Villa herself.
One of the highlights of the morning will be a “rapid fire networking” session led by table moderators, designed to maximize connections and ensure that every participant has a chance to meet peers, mentors, and potential collaborators.
The event arrives at a critical moment for women in commercial real estate. According to the 2025 CREW Network Benchmark Study, women currently represent 38% of the commercial real estate workforce, a modest 1% increase since 2020. Although progress has been slow, events like Rush CRE underscore the growing commitment within the industry to cultivate equity, leadership, and opportunity for women at all career stages.
The Rush CRE Women’s Networking Event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Basking Ridge Country Club, 185 Madisonville Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. Attendance is free, but space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
To attend or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Marta Person Villa directly at 973-715-8385.
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