An experience that transformed my career: the 2025 CREW Network Convention

An experience that transformed my career: the 2025 CREW Network Convention

There are moments in a career when everything aligns: the encounters, the conversations, the personal reflections; those rare moments that remind us why we chose this profession within our shared industry and how we want to grow within it. That is exactly what I experienced during my participation in the annual CREW Network Convention, held these past October 8 to 10. Three intense, inspiring, and deeply impactful days at the heart of a gathering that brought together more than 1,400 commercial real estate professionals from across North America and beyond.

From the very first day, you could feel the electricity in the air! A unique energy, that of a community that is caring, supportive, and determined to advance our industry while elevating the role of women within it. The CREW Network Convention goes far beyond traditional economic or real estate issues. It delves into human, social, political, and environmental dimensions, offering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of our field. I share more—and the benefits of attending—below.

Sanaa Benzakour (president of CREW M) and Evguenia Kapchii at the session on artificial intelligence (AI) in commercial real estate

Throughout the convention, renowned speakers shared valuable insights into global economic dynamics, political decisions shaping our investments, proven strategies for presenting oneself, networking, and negotiating, as well as reflections on the human and behavioral aspects of our profession. These discussions reminded me how much success in real estate today depends not only on authenticity and consistent effort, but also on a multidisciplinary global vision (economic, political, and social), emotional resilience, and a sense of collective purpose, all of which are in constant motion.

These reflections take on special meaning in today’s fast-evolving world. As markets adjust to new geopolitical, environmental, and socioeconomic realities, adopting an integrated approach becomes essential. The convention teaches precisely that: the ability to think broader, deeper, and more sustainably.

Among the many sessions I attended, some truly left a lasting mark. One, in particular, addressed the reality of women leaders facing personal upheavals, such as the birth of a child, a divorce, or sudden loss. These profoundly sincere testimonies were a powerful reminder that behind titles and goals lie human stories. Women in the room shared their experiences with courage, showing that it is possible to combine leadership with vulnerability, and that a leader’s strength is also measured by her ability to embrace life’s transitions with grace and determination, as emphasized by Jacinda Ardern, the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand, during her panel.

These discussions deeply resonated with me, as they reflect the reality of many women in our field: striving to balance everything without always granting themselves permission to be flexible. They reminded me that one of CREW’s greatest roles is to see in us something we may not yet see ourselves. The trust that the network places in each of us acts as a true catalyst: it pushes us to stretch our limits, to take bolder steps, and to realize that we are often far more ready than we believe.

Beyond the content of the sessions, the true richness of the convention lies in the human connections. I had the privilege of meeting inspiring women—leaders, investors, innovators, pioneers—all shaping the future of our cities in their own way, embodying a new vision of female leadership that is bold, collaborative, and purpose-driven.

This experience also had a more intimate and local dimension. I had the privilege of sharing it with my CREW M colleagues: Sanaa Benzakour (president of CREW M), Jenny-Kate Sgarbi (president-elect of CREW M), as well as Linda Maurice and Danielle Euzébio Heinen, both proud bursary recipients, like myself, selected by our chapter to attend this major event. Together, we took this rare opportunity to truly get to know one another, exchange on our realities, ambitions, and challenges. These authentic moments strengthened both professional and personal bonds built on genuine solidarity.

CREW Network is more than a professional organization: it is a catalyst for transformation. It creates an environment where women can develop their skills while exploring their full potential. Often, before we even realize it ourselves, the network sees in us that leadership capacity, that vision, that voice we have not yet fully embraced.

The closing words of Alison Beddard, CEO of CREW Network, still resonate with me: “Even though the glass ceiling has started to crack, the shards are still sharp.” That phrase struck a powerful chord. It perfectly captures the current reality: yes, progress is happening, but it can still be painful, as clearly shown in the latest 2025 Benchmark Study Report, which I encourage you to read on the CREW Network website. These “sharp shards” symbolize systemic barriers and persistent biases, reminding us of the need to keep supporting one another so that these breaks become not wounds, but openings for dialogue and positive evolution for everyone.

That is the true strength of CREW Network: providing a space where these conversations can exist, where women leaders can stand tall, recharge, and learn to navigate the transitions of career and life.

Attending the CREW Network Convention means immersing yourself in an international ecosystem where ideas, cultures, and best practices intersect. It also means returning home with a renewed perspective on your professional environment. The lessons drawn from this experience translate into daily life: a better understanding of macroeconomic trends, more human and inclusive management strategies, transactional insights, and a more integrated vision of best practices in commercial real estate.

For us at CREW M, this convention is a unique opportunity to showcase our expertise and chapter, while drawing on the collective knowledge of our North American peers. It’s a special moment to strengthen our influence, bring back fresh ideas to Quebec, build valuable connections, and spark new inspiration.

If I had to summarize my experience, I would say that the CREW Network Convention is not just a conference. It is a journey of both professional and personal transformation. You leave it more enlightened, more confident, and, above all, more connected to a community built on kindness and ambition.

For anyone still hesitating, I can only recommend this experience. Whether you are at the start of your career, in an executive role, or at a pivotal moment in your path, the convention will offer you a global perspective, practical tools, new ideas, and an incomparable support network.

CREW Network reminded me that leadership is not merely about holding a position: it is about how we inspire, support, and uplift others.

For those wishing to experience this for themselves, the next CREW Network Convention will take place in Miami from September 23rd to 25th, 2026, at the legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach, an iconic, vibrant, and inspiring venue, perfect for continuing our collective conversation about leadership, diversity, and the future of our industry, with an ever-stronger female presence.

And even though the cracks in the glass ceiling may still leave behind a few shards, it is together, by moving forward collectively, that we will learn to transform those shards… into light.

by Evguenia Kapchii
Director of acquisitions
Greater Montreal metropolitan area
Société immobilière Bélanger

As a seasoned commercial real estate professional, Evguenia Kapchii brings over ten years of experience in large-scale multifamily transactions. A McGill University graduate, she founded her own real estate brokerage before joining InterRent REIT and later Société immobilière Bélanger, where she has led acquisitions exceeding $300M since 2020. Quadrilingual and visionary, she plays a key role in the company’s strategic growth across Quebec. Recognized for her collaborative leadership and relational approach, she is also actively involved with CREW M as its director of communications, championing the visibility and impact of women in commercial real estate.