The ICSC Foundation’s Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship has come to an end, and replacing it is the Lisa Palmer Fellowship, named for the president and CEO of Regency Centers, which funded both programs. Commerce + Communities Today contributing editor Rebecca Meiser gathered the advice that a few former Mary Lou Fiala Fellows have for others who are currently climbing. See what they had to say below.
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Grace Lewin, 2019-20 Mary Lou Fiala Fellow
Role when she applied: Brookfield Properties retail development director
Role now: Brookfield Properties logistics group vice president of development
What advice would you give someone who is midcareer and looking to move up?
Always say yes. Say yes if you’re invited to tag along to a lunch. Say yes if you’re asked to sit in on a meeting. Say yes if you’re asked to help on an assignment outside of your job description. Say yes if you’re asked to present something in a town hall. Saying yes is how you learn and how you get out of your comfort zone. It will always be a differentiator.
What was the best piece of advice from a Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship mentor that you would pass on?
While negotiating my promotion and relocation to China, the original offer came in much lower than I felt I needed. I was initially uncomfortable asking for what I wanted in compensation since the discrepancy seemed too big. [My mentor], Bedrock’s Ivy Greaner, was incredibly direct and said that other people were making “asks” of that magnitude and I needed to move ahead and make the ask. I vividly remember cringing as I typed out my ask and pressed send. But Ivy was right. My expectations were met by the time I finished negotiating. Not only did I move abroad with compensation that I felt comfortable with, I earned the respect of management along the way, which has impacted my entire career trajectory.
Maegen Akers, 2020–21 Mary Lou Fiala Fellow
Role when she applied: Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield director of leasing operations
Role now: Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield general manager for Westfield Old Orchard
What was the best piece of advice from a Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship mentor that you would pass on?
The 80/20 rule when managing your team: Lead your team in a way that they bring in something to you at 80% and you help them fill in the gaps and steer them in the right direction. It is also very important to explain the “why” when they are doing something. [Also], impostor syndrome never really goes away, and that is a good thing. If you feel completely comfortable with the role you are in and the job you are doing, then it’s time to challenge yourself with a new move/project.
Katie Doellman, 2021–22 Mary Lou Fiala Fellow
Role when she applied: RPT Realty director of leasing
Role now: Bath & Body Works director of real estate
C+CT’S profile of Doellman: Today’s Next-Gen, Tomorrow’s Executive
Why is mentorship so important?
It provides young professionals with an invaluable source of knowledge. It makes a difference having someone in your corner who has the experience you seek. After participating in the Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship, I know that mentors can also be a source of inspiration.
What was the best piece of advice from a Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship mentor that you would pass on?
The power of saying no to opportunities/people that don’t align with your values.
What advice would you give someone who is midcareer and looking to move up?
Form genuine connections with people and be curious.
Caroline Jenkins McMeans, 2022–23 Mary Lou Fiala Fellow
Role when she applied: Orchestra Partners development manager
Role now: Centennial director of development and Homepoint co-founder
C+CT’S profile of McMeans: This Young, Female Urban Developer Is Building “Civic-Minded Real Estate”
“When I applied for the fellowship, I really wanted to learn national retail and find a company with a nationwide footprint, and the relationships I built through the fellowship helped me pivot into that opportunity with Centennial.”
What was the best piece of advice from a Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship mentor that you would pass on?
[Target’s] Laurie Mahowald told me to think about my career goals in the context of what I want for my life holistically. That was the first time in a professional setting someone had challenged me to think about what I want for myself outside of my career. I had previously always planned my career in a silo, but in reality, if you’re going to be successful in your career goals, those goals need to fit in with the rest of your life because your job is a big part of it!
How did the fellowship shape your approach to leadership or your professional goals?
I started recognizing my strengths as a leader and really focused on doubling down on those characteristics which made me stronger rather than focusing on my weaknesses all the time. I realized that we all have weaknesses and strong leaders recognize those weaknesses and find support members that fill in those weaknesses so they can focus on bringing their strengths to the company.
Evie Gross, 2023–24 Mary Lou Fiala Co-Fellow
Role when she applied: Brixmor director of national accounts
Role now: Brixmor vice president of national accounts
C+CT’S profile of Gross: A Straightforward Approach to Lease Dealmaking: Don’t Fear Rejection, and Find Ways to Get a Yes
What advice would you give someone who is midcareer and looking to move up?
Find a mentor outside of your organization who can help you see your blind spots and identify ways to improve. Figure out what you enjoy or want to learn more about, and find a way to get your higher-ups to give you a stretch project to demonstrate your skills and keep learning.
How did the Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship shape your approach to leadership or your professional goals?
The fellowship cemented my desire to be a leader in the industry and be in the C-suite one day, in a COO or CEO role. I have always had that ambition, but I wasn’t sure if it was just a naive dream. I still don’t know exactly what my career path will look like, but I learned my unique strengths and areas for improvement and I have a development plan in place to continue growing and pushing myself to be my personal best.
Jasmyn Sylvester, 2023–24 Mary Lou Fiala Co-Fellow
Role when she applied: Pine Tree vice president of property management for the East
Role now: Pine Tree vice president of property management for the East
C+CT’S profile of Sylvester: Jasmyn Sylvester Has Been Telling Her Story as a Black Woman in Property Management, and It’s Making a Difference
What advice would you give someone who is midcareer and looking to move up?
Listen and don’t run away from challenges. Lean into them and find the lesson. GROW THROUGH IT! You will be better for it in the long run, as your accountability and humility will speak volumes.
How did the Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship shape your approach to leadership or your professional goals?
It really helped me realize that I am not alone in this journey. The things that I am in the midst of navigating — others have felt the same way and to some degree experienced themselves. I learned that it’s going to be OK and whatever it is will work out. I have learned to give myself grace and to use my resources. I learned to be a forever student and seek opportunities to keep growing!
Alison Johnson, 2024–25 Mary Lou Fiala Fellow
Role when she applied: Walgreens senior manager of real estate capital markets
Role now: Spotless Brands director of real estate analysis
C+CT’S profile of Johnson: Walgreens’ Alison Johnson Used Her Strategic-Thinking Brain to Land a Role That Lets Her Be Creative
Why is mentorship so important?
Mentorship is invaluable, especially early in your career, as it provides a sounding board for navigating various situations. However, as I’ve progressed, I’ve noticed that women are often over-mentored and underadvocated for. The Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship has been an incredible and refreshing experience, not only offering mentorship but also actively advocating for my success. This program has enhanced my presence in the industry, providing additional tools and resources to help me further pursue my goals and ambitions.
What was the best piece of advice from a Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship mentor that you would pass on?
Lead with emotion and passion; people will remember the way you made them feel, not just the words you said.