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ULI New York YLG Secrets of Success with Wendy Rowden of Building for the Arts
New York and the creative arts have gone hand in hand almost since the city's inception. As live theater reemerges across the city, a vital part of New York is returning - both artistically and economically.
Building for the Arts (BFA) operates Theatre Row, an Off-Broadway multi-theater complex that serves as an affordable home for performing artist organizations, and a lively, accessible venue for diverse audiences. Through the American Playwriting Foundation, BFA presents the Relentless Award – the largest annual cash prize in American theater to a playwright in recognition of a new play. Music and the Brain brings a music literacy curriculum, whole-class keyboard instruction, and ongoing professional development to schools in under-resourced communities, empowering students to succeed academically and in life.
Join us to hear of Ms. Rowden's illustrious career in real estate investment and development, the arts, and numerous industry boards and associations.The Young Leaders Group’s Secrets of Success series is a distinctive opportunity to gain exclusive access to senior real estate industry leaders to hear about the professional experiences that have influenced these local industry icons.
Speaker bio -
Wendy Rowden is the President of non-profit Building for the Arts NY (bfany.org). Wendy has more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. Her passion is creative placemaking – using arts to make neighborhoods more vibrant and inclusive.
Prior to joining BFA, she led Jonathan Rose Companies’ Investments where she was responsible for all aspects of the firm’s investment management business. Prior to Jonathan Rose Companies, Wendy served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of The Rockefeller Group.
Wendy is an active member of the Urban Land Institute (former Trustee, Chair of 2017 Global Awards Jury, and past Chair of the Women’s Leadership Initiative). She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, where she chairs the Finance Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Actors Fund Housing Development Corporation and Gemini Arts Initiative, the developer of the Powerhouse Arts Center in Gowanus, Brooklyn.
Wendy is a past president of WX (Women Executives in Real Estate) and was the 2016 WX Woman of the Year. She is a former member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Cushman & Wakefield and has taught real estate development at Columbia Business School.
Wendy is the recipient of numerous awards, including Crain’s 2021 Notables in Non-Profits and Keen Company’s 2019 Vision Award. She holds degrees from Brown University, University of Michigan, and New York University.