CREW Network chapter gains momentum in NWA

Local professionals have taken steps to start a Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network, a Kansas-based global business network focused on the professional development of women in the CRE industry.

Seven women make up the founding board of CREW Northwest Arkansas:

• Brie Madden — commercial manager, Waco Title Co.; board president
• Jessica Straub — group director, real estate, Sam’s Club; president-elect
• Mandy Leesch — permitting manager, Benchmark Group; secretary
• Tracy Meeks — project manager, Benchmark Group; treasurer
• Emily Northcutt — vice president of business development, Blew & Associates; delegate
• Micy Liu — owner, Mission Life Capital; director
• Megan Murdock — principal and portfolio manager, Colliers Arkansas; director

Madden and Liu began working toward founding the first CREW chapter in Arkansas in April 2023 and built the founding board based on other regional “at-large” members and women they knew in the industry.

Madden said Northwest Arkansas’ commercial real estate sector thrives because of the efforts of various professionals beyond real estate agents, such as architects, engineers, attorneys, lenders and more.

“Women are increasingly filling these roles in Northwest Arkansas and in the state as a whole,” she said. “CREW provides a network while creating opportunities to participate in professional development, leadership development and connections with other women in commercial real estate through a large referral network.”

Madden said 80 women attended CREW Northwest Arkansas’ first event in February. Since then, dues-paying members have increased from less than 10 to approximately 50 by mid-April.

While CREW Northwest Arkansas is already a fully operational nonprofit, it is eagerly awaiting chapter approval from the national delegation, a crucial step that will further solidify its presence and impact in the industry.

“In June, our board will travel to Charlotte, N.C., for the CREW Network Spring Leadership Summit.,” Madden said. “There, two delegates from each existing chapter will vote on our official affiliation to the national network.”