In east Austin, a new office development called WORKBENCH is currently being built by three women entrepreneurs. Jennifer Seay, Shawna Sieck, and DeLea Becker are the masterminds behind this project. Each of them runs their own businesses in Austin – Seay owns Art + Artisans, a firm that curates artwork for real estate developers, Sieck is the owner of Legacy Lighting, a lighting manufacturer representative firm, and Becker is the founder of Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate with 25 years of experience in east Austin real estate.
The goal of this development is not only to create a space for offices, retail, and restaurants but also to empower and support other women entrepreneurs. Becker mentioned that they plan to host events in the conference room focused on women’s development, sharing insights about the financial and development aspects of the project to inspire and educate others.
The timing of this initiative is crucial as reports indicate that women only make up a small percentage of commercial real estate investors globally. Becker highlighted that a mere 3% of commercial real estate worldwide is owned and managed by women, which is alarmingly low. According to a 2020 report by the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network, women constitute nearly 37% of commercial real estate professionals, a percentage that has remained relatively stagnant over the past 15 years.
Seay, Sieck, and Becker aim to challenge these statistics and pave the way for more women to enter and excel in the commercial real estate industry. They believe that through hard work, determination, and a supportive community, women can achieve great success in this field. Sieck emphasized that their doors will always be open to provide guidance and support to anyone in need, symbolizing their commitment to helping others reach their full potential.
WORKBENCH represents not only a physical space for businesses but also a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity for women in the commercial real estate sector. By sharing their experiences, knowledge, and resources, Seay, Sieck, and Becker are setting a positive example for aspiring female entrepreneurs and working towards a more gender-balanced industry. Their dedication to uplifting others and fostering a supportive environment underscores the importance of collaboration and mentorship in achieving success in any field.