2B — October 2025 — Women in Business — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
W omen in B usiness
Showcasing Birdia Chambers, Kristine B. Hurlbut, and Kristen Wolansky CREW New Jersey celebrates trailblazing female business leaders
Kristen Wolansky Director, Business Dev. AWT Environmental Services Years with company/firm: 3.5 Years in field: 37 Years in CRE industry: 37
Birdia Chambers Advisor eXp Commercial Years with company/firm: 4 Years in field: 18 Years in CRE industry: 18 Real estate organizations/affiliations: CREW NJ
Kristine B. Hurlbut Senior VP, Leasing Denholtz Years with company/firm: 34 Years in field: 34 Years in CRE industry: 34 Real estate organizations/affiliations: NAIOP NJ and CREW NJ
Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today? When I started college at Rutgers, my plan was to become a veterinarian—but that dream was quickly derailed when, during my first semester, my advisor bluntly told me I’d never get into vet school and needed to pick another major. After a few meet - ings and a lot of time flipping through the course catalog (which wasn’t online back then), I landed on environmental science. Looking back, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. That unexpected pivot set me on a path that has shaped a fulfilling and dynamic career. I began in environmental consult - ing and eventually transitioned into environmental contracting, seeking a better work-life balance. Both roles, though different, consistently intersected with real estate and the complex balance between develop - ment and environmental remediation. In many ways, I Real estate organizations/affiliations: Urban Land Institute, CREW NJ, ICSC, Pipeline, Society of Women Environmental Professionals, Liscensed Site Remediation Professionals Association
What is your current position? I am an Advisor at eXp Commercial, where I guide companies across the Greater Metropolitan area to achieve strategic growth and success in the sale and lease of all as - set types. In addition, I’m the Founder and CEO of Epic Transformation, a results-driven social media agency that helps companies grow through strategic storytelling, digital marketing, and brand position - ing. Both roles allow me to do what I enjoy most - transform vision into measurable success. Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today? While working in Corporate America, I became a homeowner and investor at a young age. Like many first-time investors, I quickly realized how much I didn’t know - the right questions to ask, who to trust, or how to navigate the complexities of real estate. I encountered challenges and often felt I didn’t have the appropriate guidance to overcome them. Instead of giving up, I began researching, networking,
What unique qualities and/or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession? In our profession, which can often be challenging, I strive to find solutions where everyone may not get exactly what they want, but we can all agree on a fair outcome. I focus on being fair but tough in my dealings, guided by fairness and always striving for the best outcomes for both parties. What challenges and/or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as success- ful as you are today? One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome in my career is learning not to take things personally. In a demanding profession, it’s easy to get caught up in criticism or differing opin - ions. I’ve learned that not taking things personally and separating emotions allows me to stay focused and not get my feelings hurt. Along with this, I’m committed to always doing my best—making sure
continued on page 14B
continued on page 14B
continued on page 14B
It’s a Great Time to Join Come connect with the New Jersey chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network. With 80 chapters across the globe, our 14,000+ members represent over 70 disciplines in the CRE industry. Benefits of joining include: • Access to the global resources of CREW Network and CREWBiz to exchange resources, business leads and expertise • Opportunities for premier industry and leadership development, scholarships, internships and mentoring • Options to give back to the community through charitable programs • Professional and personal connections and relationships that can last a lifetime! We are dedicated to transforming the commercial real estate industry globally through the advancement of women in the field. Come be a part of it TODAY!
To register for events: Email crewnj@crewnj.org or call 973.250.4614
For more information, visit our website at www.crewnj.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Flickr
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker