Women Leaders in Real Estate Share Bold Stories in NYC

Lucía Torres · 2026-03-22

You know, it's one thing to talk about supporting women in business. It's another to actually create a space where their stories can be heard, raw and real. That's exactly what happened in SoHo on March 12th. The Agency, a firm led by some truly inspiring women, hosted an intimate panel discussion called "Built to Be Bold" to celebrate International Women's Day. The energy in the room? It was palpable. ### The Panel of Powerhouses They gathered four of their most accomplished leaders for a candid chat. The lineup was impressive: - Juliet Clapp, SVP and Managing Partner of the North East region - Ashlie Roberson, Co-Founder of The Whitman & Roberson Team - Dana Trotter, Managing Partner of The Agency Hamptons - Erin Melson, VP of the Luxury Division for The Agency Fairfield Journalist Emma Reynolds guided the conversation, and JO-HS Gallery founder Elisabeth Johs opened her stunning space for the event. They dug into the turning points, the tough decisions, and the hard-won lessons that shaped each woman's path. You could feel the collective understanding in the room. ### The Heart of the Conversation Let's be honest, we've all been there. The panel didn't shy away from the real stuff. They talked about balancing personal dreams with professional ambition. They shared strategies for building trust in a competitive industry. And they got real about commanding respect, especially in moments when they felt underestimated. It wasn't just theory. These were lived experiences, shared with a vulnerability that made everyone lean in a little closer. Each story drew nods of agreement from the crowd. It was a reminder that the challenges we face are often shared, and the solutions can be, too. ### More Than Just a Talk After the formal discussion, the event shifted into a celebration. Guests enjoyed a champagne toast and a tour of the JO-HS Gallery. The art on the walls—work exploring identity, memory, and cultural dialogue—was the perfect backdrop for a conversation about impact and resilience. Elisabeth Johs's gracious hosting reinforced a beautiful alignment between business, art, and community. And they sent everyone home with a thoughtful touch: custom tote bags filled with goodies from women-owned brands. We're talking treats from the famous Levain Bakery, organizing insights from Kim Parker Organizing, financial wisdom from The Galconomist, and fresh catering by Maison Amie. It was a full-circle moment, supporting female entrepreneurs while celebrating female leaders. In the end, it was more than an event. It was a statement. A commitment to creating sophisticated, community-driven experiences that go beyond transactions. It was about honoring the leadership of women everywhere, not just with words, but with action, connection, and a really good glass of champagne.