Women's Spotlight

Alec Dadisman, Director of Investment Management, Catal Capital

Connect With Me: ad@catalcapital.com | Linkedin

I am the Director of Investment Management at Catal Capital, a real estate debt fund under the Catal Group family office focused on construction and bridge financing in the middle market across all asset classes within the top 30 U.S. markets. As we work toward closing Fund I, my ever-evolving role centers on what I love most – building and nurturing relationships, from third-party partners to our investors as well as daily asset management.

A Georgia native at heart, I always had my sights set on New York, and after an unexpected layoff from my first role following graduate school, I packed up and headed north. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I spent the early part of my career working in fitness and hospitality before finding my way into real estate in 2014 at MIT National, a national title insurance agency that was acquired by Newmark in 2018. After more than a decade in operations and business development at Newmark Title, I made an intentional move to the finance side of the industry, joining Catal Capital in 2025.

CREFC has played a meaningful role in that transition – not only to expand my network, but as a genuine resource for deepening my understanding of CRE finance as someone who made a significant pivot later in her career. The Women's Network Symposium has become one of my favorite industry events. Fun Fact – at the 2024 Women’s Symposium, I met a connection that ultimately led me to my role at Catal Capital!

Fun Facts About Me:

• Favorite book: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles – I gave it a little hug after I finished it.
• Favorite vacation destination: I recently returned from two weeks traveling around Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. From the animal sightings to the welcoming locals to the power of the rushing water at Victoria Falls, it was the most life changing experience!
• Most recently binge watched… Apple’s Widow’s Bay – it is filled with both jump scares and laughs.

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Abeer Ghazaleh, Vice President, Consents Manager, K-Star Asset Management LLC

Connect With Me: abeer.ghazaleh@ksam.com | Linkedin

I joined K-Star in 2024 as Vice President, Consent Manager, overseeing performing loan consents for a $45 billion CMBS portfolio across multiple asset classes. With more than 20 years of commercial real estate finance experience, I have held roles spanning Transactions, Surveillance, Development, and Master/Special Servicing at PGIM, ORIX, and C-III Capital Partners. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Journalism from the University of Texas at Dallas.

I have been an active CREFC member since its CMSA days, contributing through panels, mentorship programs, and CRE Finance World publication.

Fun Facts About Me:

• Where I’m from: I’m of Palestinian origin, born in Chicago, Illinois. Grew up in Chislehurst, Kent in the UK with summers divided between, Lebanon Kuwait and the U.A.E.
• My ideal dinner guest(s): Brian Tyler Cohen or Jimmy Kimmel
• If I had an extra hour a day: I should be working out but would spend it playing backgammon.

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Erica Goldman, Principal, Blackstone

Connect With Me: erica.goldman@blackstone.com  | Linkedin

I am a principal at Blackstone on the Real Estate Debt Strategies team (“BREDS”) where I focus on investing across all of our debt investment vehicles from core to opportunistic strategies and across capital structures (mortgage, mezz, preferred equity). My role involves originating, structuring, and underwriting new investments, while maintaining a close pulse on market dynamics to assess relative value and identify compelling deployment opportunities. Lately I’ve spent most of my time on our housing investments which includes traditional multifamily, condos, student housing, etc. Prior to joining BREDS, I worked within Blackstone’s real estate equity business on the debt capital markets team where I worked closely with lenders to structure and execute financing solutions across all property types and on large strategic corporate transactions. I began my career at Goldman Sachs where I worked in the firm’s real estate financing business, focused on securitized and balance sheet originations.

The CREFC Women’s Network has been an invaluable resource throughout my career, particularly through its mentorship program. I was paired with a mentor early in my career, and we have remained in close contact ever since. Our conversations have ranged from practical topics such as navigating term sheet negotiations to broader discussions about building a long-term career and navigating the industry as a woman. The Women’s Network provides a meaningful forum for professionals in real estate finance to connect, share perspectives, and support one another’s growth in what can often be a highly competitive field.

Fun Facts About Me:

• My pet: A 10-year-old English bulldog named Rooney
• Favorite vacation destination: My husband and I went to Rwanda last year for our honeymoon and it was amazing. Food/culture were fantastic and I was pushed into a bush by a gorilla.
• Favorite meal I've cooked: Turkey tacos!! The ultimate weeknight comfort meal – healthy, takes minimal time to cook & easy clean up

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Zane Maraschiello, Asset Manager, CBRE Capital Markets, Inc.

Connect With Me: zane.maraschiello@cbre.com | Linkedin

I am an Asset Manager at CBRE, where I manage client relationships and support a diverse portfolio of commercial real estate loans and debt financings. My role includes reviewing loan performance, monitoring covenant compliance, cash management, construction draw reviews, collaborating with internal teams, and training team members on key asset management processes.

Over the course of my career, I have worked at third party due diligence firms, primarily on the debt side of the business. I previously worked in Securitization and Loan Originations before transitioning to Asset Management in 2021. My previous experience has shaped the way I approach my work today: with strong attention to detail, understanding complex deal structures, a focus on client service, and an appreciation for the partnerships required to move transactions forward.

I joined CREFC and the CREFC Women’s Network because I value the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with other women across the commercial real estate finance industry. Over the years, the Women’s Network has been an important space for connection, support, and community. One of my favorite examples is that I met one of my current tennis teammates at an Atlanta CREFC Women’s Network speed networking event more than 10 years ago. That experience has always reminded me that organizations like CREFC can create relationships that extend well beyond a single event.

3 Fun Facts About Me:

• Favorite meal I’ve cooked: Lasagna. It was the first meal I cooked for my college roommates and also the first meal I cooked for my husband while we were dating. It is still in heavy rotation at our house.
• Growing up I wanted to be: An architect. I took CAD and architectural drafting courses in high school, and now that we live in an older home, I have drafted the plans for each of our home renovation projects.
• If I could be an Olympic athlete, I would compete in: Tennis, for sure. I play tennis recreationally and enjoy watching matches whenever I can.

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Jen Kairuz, VP of Operations, Alias Intelligence

Connect With Me: jen@aliasintelligence.com | Linkedin

As Vice President of Operations at Alias Intelligence, I support a growing platform that provides due diligence and background search services to attorneys, lenders, and other commercial real estate professionals. Since joining the firm, I have had the opportunity to contribute to a period of significant growth by collaborating across teams, supporting operational initiatives, and helping ensure the organization is positioned for continued expansion. Leveraging my commercial real estate experience and industry network, I focus on strengthening client relationships, supporting our team, and reinforcing Alias's reputation as a trusted due diligence partner.

My career began in residential appraisal, providing a strong foundation in valuation and market analysis. I later joined Freddie Mac's Multifamily Credit and Underwriting team, where I deepened my expertise in credit risk and structured finance. Before joining Alias Intelligence, I served as Director of Credit Underwriting for the CBRE Small Balance Loan platform, where I was first introduced to Alias as a client and relied on their services across our lending operations.

Drawing on my experience in lending, underwriting, and commercial real estate, I enjoy connecting operational execution with client and industry relationships while supporting both internal teams and external partners. Through CREFC and the Women's Network, I enjoy building meaningful relationships, sharing industry insights, and supporting the continued advancement of women in commercial real estate.

3 Fun Facts About Me:

• Favorite vacation destination: Turks and Caicos—between the incredible water and laid-back atmosphere, it's hard to beat.
• Best piece of advice I've ever received: Focus on what you can control and let the rest go.
• New hobby I've picked up: Mahjong! I'm still learning strategy and trying not to overthink every move, but I've really enjoyed it.

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Sahar Hakakian, Partner, Akerman LLP

Connect With Me: sahar.hakakian@akerman.com | Linkedin

I’m a real estate partner working on a range of commercial leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and financing deals, and I love being at the intersection where business and legal strategy come together. A lot of my work involves helping landlords, tenants, investors, and developers push deals across the finish line when transactions get complicated or stuck. I tend to have a very business-first approach, and I focus on practical ways to get deals done—whether that’s a $200M acquisition in Brooklyn, a data center transaction in Texas, or building systems to streamline leasing and amendment processes for large institutional lease portfolios nationwide. I’ve worked across a range of asset classes and deal structures, which keeps the work dynamic and constantly evolving.

3 Fun Facts About Me:

• Interesting Fact: Some of the most interesting stories start with a real estate deal.
• Most courageous thing I’ve ever done: The most courageous thing I’ve done is moving to Paris during college to complete a one-year international diploma at Sciences Po, where I studied and was examined entirely in French alongside native speakers, including students from diplomatic backgrounds. It was an intense and demanding environment, but I pushed through it, excelled in the program, earned my diploma, and fell in love with Paris along the way.
• Best piece of advice I've ever received: Listen to understand, not just to respond.

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Pamela York, Senior Asset Analyst, Grandbridge Real Estate Capital

Connect With Me: pamela.york@grandbridge.com | Linkedin

I currently work at Grandbridge Real Estate Capital as a Senior Asset Analyst, where I manage Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan portfolios and focus on maintaining strong asset performance. I began my career in Commercial Real Estate at Regions Bank, where I gained foundational experience and developed a lasting interest in the industry. That early exposure helped shape my understanding of commercial real estate finance and the importance of thoughtful asset management. What I enjoy most about my current role is the collaborative environment and the opportunity to work alongside talented, supportive colleagues. I appreciate the balance of analytical work and relationship driven problem solving that my position provides. Commercial real estate continues to motivate me because it blends finance, problem-solving, and real-world outcomes in meaningful ways. I value being part of an industry that has a tangible impact on communities and long-term investments.

That same focus on growth and collaboration is why I enjoy being part of the CREFC Women’s Network. It provides a strong platform to connect with other women in commercial real estate and build lasting professional relationships.

3 Fun Facts About Me:

• Fun fact about me: I used to teach Hot Yoga. One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences.
• New hobby: I am currently trying to work on my sewing skills. My goal is to one day have a completely hand-made wardrobe.
• If I could have dinner with one guest, it would be: Definitely my grandmothers. I idolized my grandmothers growing up and would love to get to know them when they were young and before they were mothers.

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Radha Purohit-Luthra, Senior Closing Associate, New York Life Real Estate Investors

Connect With Me: Radha.Purohit@nylim.com | Linkedin

I am a Senior Associate on the Commercial Real Estate Closing team at New York Life Investment Management (NYLIM). In this role, I collaborate closely with loan underwriters, borrowers, brokers, legal counsel, and third-party partners to facilitate the efficient closing of transactions, while ensuring all underwriting and closing requirements are satisfied. I also oversee the system data team and partner with accounting and servicing groups to support operational alignment and accuracy. Prior to joining the Closing team, I began my career in the Real Estate Accounting division, where I focused on reporting and transaction management for commercial mortgage loans on the debt side. My experience across multiple divisions and cross-functional projects has enabled me to develop a well-rounded perspective and identify where I can most effectively apply my skills and expertise.

I joined CREFC to build meaningful connections within the industry, with a particular interest in becoming part of the Women’s Network. I am passionate about supporting women’s networks because of the vital role they play in advancing women in the workforce, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like commercial real estate. I strongly believe in fostering inclusivity and equity across the industry, and the CREFC Women’s Network supports this mission by promoting professional development, creating opportunities for connection and collaboration, and helping to empower the next generation of women in the field.

3 Fun Facts About Me:

• Most courageous thing I’ve ever done: Before I knew how to swim, I faced my intense fear of water and stepped off a boat into the open ocean off the coast of Grand Turk Island – with no land in sight. We were in 75 feet of water, and all I had was a life vest and a rope. It was both terrifying and exhilarating, but the experience was unforgettable – it truly felt like seeing the “Under the Sea” song come to life. I’m so glad I took the plunge – literally.
• Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: "If you don't ask, the answer is always no." I know now that it is a popular quote by Nora Roberts. However my at-the-time boyfriend (now husband) has repeated this to me, since 2002. He has always pushed and supported me to step out of my comfort zone and to ask for what I believe I deserve. He’s one of my biggest supporters and I truly appreciate that push he provides when needed.
• Biggest guilty pleasure: Dessert – of all kinds! I have a major sweet tooth, so I try to limit sugar whenever I can, which is often a true test of my self-control. To satisfy my cravings, I enjoy baking and creating homemade, healthy desserts for my family and friends whenever I have the time. I genuinely love cooking and baking, and it brings me a lot of joy to make others happy.

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Britt Johnson, Managing Director, Fitch Ratings

Connect With Me: britt.johnson@fitchratings.com | Linkedin

I’m the head of Fitch’s North American CMBS Surveillance team. We cover Fitch’s full book of NA CMBS transactions, along with servicer ratings and collateral manager assessments. My team monitors and updates ratings on more than 1,000 transactions across multiborrower conduit, agency, SFR, CRE CLO, large loan, and SASB deals – including data centers – and we also rate or assess nearly 80 servicer and collateral manager entities. We produce research and web content in support of the broader CMBS group. I also led our rollout of CMBS ESG Relevance Scores, which we’ve maintained across the portfolio since 2018.

I started my CMBS surveillance career more than 25 years ago and have been lucky to work with a lot of great people – both current and former Fitch analysts and many others across the industry. I attended my first CREFC events years ago and quickly found that CREFC and the Women’s Network are some of the best ways to stay connected, meet new people across the market, and keep learning.

3 Fun Facts About Me:

• Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: “Surround yourself with good people.” The people around you have more impact on your professional and personal life than anything else.
• Biggest cooking flop: A ‘pound cake’ that weighed about 25 pounds.
• New hobby I’ve picked up: I started yoga about five years ago and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done for my mental and physical health.

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