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ULI New York WLI 2021 Learning from Leaders
Unlike in years past, we will take advantage of the virtual environment to hear from women across the country. Speakers will discuss their thoughts on leveraging leadership opportunities and pathways, as well as critical choices and challenges that have shaped their careers.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from the industry’s leading women! This session is limited in capacity and is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Program Speakers -
Purnima Kapur | Chief of University Planning and Design | Harvard University
Purnima Kapur is Harvard University’s inaugural Chief of University Planning and Design. She overseas Planning and Design for all of Harvard University’s Campuses in Cambridge, Allston, the Longwood Medical Area, as well as Allston Initiative - a multi-phased, multi-year large scale project. She is a visiting faculty member at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAAP).
Purnima has more than 25 years of experience in the New York City Planning Department, culminating with her appointment as the Executive Director of the City Planning Department, where she oversaw all land use planning and policies for the City of New York’s neighborhood planning studies, economic development, and resiliency initiatives. Ms. Kapur is one of the key architects of New York City’s groundbreaking Mandatory Inclusionary Housing regulation. Under her leadership, the City adopted five Integrated Neighborhood Plans in four boroughs, as well as an innovative plan for the redevelopment of Greater East Midtown. Prior to that, Ms. Kapur was a key player in the redevelopment and transformation of Brooklyn over two decades, leading high-priority and transformative projects, including the development of Greenpoint-Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn and Coney Island, among other neighborhoods.
Purnima holds a Master’s in City Planning and Architecture Studies and a Master of Science of Architecture Studies from MIT. She also holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture Delhi.
Norma Morales Perez | Senior Vice President of Brand + Culture | EDENS
Norma Morales Perez is Senior Vice President of Brand + Culture. She leads the EDENS Brand + Culture department which is comprised of creative disciplines including employee engagement, placemaking, marketing, communications, and visual media.
Norma joined EDENS in 2011 as Director of Design, where she led retail architecture and portfolio-wide strategy across design, engagement and merchandising. Her work has been implemented across the nation at EDENS places – including Union Market District in DC, Preston Royal in Dallas, and River Market in Miami. Norma’s multi-disciplinary background has merged business development, brand design and architecture for EDENS.
Prior to EDENS, Norma was a Lead Project Designer for Gensler Architecture, Design & Planning in Washington, D.C., where she worked with international lifestyle, leisure and hospitality brands on brand strategy, architecture, interior design and industrial design. Norma gained international experience as a student with RomaLab in Italy, where she focused on visual arts and multi-media.
She received a Bachelor Degree from Texas A&M University, College of Architecture and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from Georgetown University where she guest lectures. She is a fluent Spanish speaker and volunteers with Architecture in the Schools and Dress for Success.
Andrea Ponsor | President and CEO | SAHF
Andrea Ponsor is the President and CEO of Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF).
In her role as President and CEO, Ms. Ponsor works to identify, develop and advocate for key strategic issues of concern to SAHF and its members, create a level playing field for effective, mission oriented nonprofit businesses and amplify SAHF’s impact to create more sustainable properties and communities and improve the lives of residents. Ms. Ponsor joined SAHF in 2016 as Executive Vice President of Policy, bringing with her 15 years of experience in the field of housing and community development.
In her role as President and CEO, Ms. Ponsor works to identify, develop and advocate for key strategic issues of concern to SAHF and its members, create a level playing field for effective, mission oriented nonprofit businesses and amplify SAHF’s impact to create more sustainable properties and communities and improve the lives of residents. Ms. Ponsor joined SAHF in 2016 as Executive Vice President of Policy, bringing with her 15 years of experience in the field of housing and community development.
Prior to joining SAHF, Ms. Ponsor served as the Federal Policy Director for Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) where she led housing policy efforts. Previously she was a principal at Hessel, Aluise and O’Leary, P.C., a boutique law firm with a national affordable housing practice, where she represented lenders, developers and management agents in affordable housing transactions and policy matters.
Ms. Ponsor began her career as an attorney with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Atlanta, GA where she focused on multifamily mortgage closings, property disposition, program enforcement and fair housing.
Ms. Ponsor holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida College of Law and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Tulane University.
Ms. Ponsor holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida College of Law and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Tulane University.
Maria Thompson | EVP of Development and Construction | Hoffman & Associates
As Executive Vice President of Development and Construction at Hoffman & Associates, Maria Thompson oversees all projects including The Wharf Phase 2, Waterfront Station, Parcel B at Buzzard Point, Seaboard Station, RUS Bus and West Falls Church, representing over $4.5B of Hoffman’s expanding portfolio.
With nearly three decades of industry experience, Maria has managed projects totaling nearly $4B in the DC Metro Area. She previously served as Vice President of Business Acquisition at Balfour Beatty and started her career as a Project Engineer at Clark Construction.
Maria is an active member of DCBIA, currently serving on their executive board. Maria is also an active ULI member. She serves on the DEI Steering Committee and is a liaison for the Strengthening Diverse Communities initiatives in addition to being a mentor for the YLG program. Maria earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Morgan State University and M.S. in Management from the University of Maryland University College.