REAL ESTATE FLORIDA
WOMEN OF
INFLUENCE
Women have come a long way in commercial real estate over
the last few decades. Although they are still a minority within
the industry, that hasn’t stopped women throughout Florida
from rising in the ranks and being recognized as some of the
most knowledgeable, accomplished and respected profes-
sionals in the business. We celebrate these ladies and the
goals they have met over this past year in our first Women of
Influence feature.
Real Estate Florida’s Women of Influence honorees, listed
in alphabetical order, were selected from more than 60 nom-
inees based on career advancement, significant accomplish-
ments, scope of influence and participation in industry, civic
and charitable organizations.
Compiled by Crystal Proenza
RAJIA ACKLEY
President and COO
Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty
Kissimmee
Ackley has had a presence in the Orlando metropolitan real estate market since 1984, when
she founded her firm. In mid-2007 she acquired
a real estate company, purchased and opened a
new $1.3-million office in Kissimmee’s burgeoning Loop, and
guided CBAR to a record $100 million in closed transactions.
The company has experienced a 151% increase in sales year-to-date and is ranked among the top five Coldwell Banker companies statewide.
Outside of work, Ackley is involved in several local non-profit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of
Osceola County, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Heavenly Hoofs
and Vision 360.
“Lifestyle retail centers will continue to do well, while ethnically oriented retailers will continue to grow as our ethnic population grows,” Ackley says. “Retailers in mature trade areas will
outperform those on the urban fringe.”
SUZANNE AMADUCCI-ADAMS
Partner, Real Estate Group
Bilzin Sumberg
Miami
Amaducci-Adams has advised clients in the development of hotels and other mixed-use projects, and handled the financing, redevelopment,
construction and leasing of several major marinas in South Florida. Recently, she represented a client in the financing and redevelopment of a new luxury hotel to be built on South Beach.
The $172-million construction loan is one of the largest luxury
hotel loans in the country.
She is an active member of Commercial Real Estate Women
(CREW), serving on the South Florida chapter’s board of directors, and will become chapter president in 2009.
“The current real estate market resembles a rollercoaster
where everyone must fasten their seatbelts and hang on for the
ride,” she says. “During this tumultuous period, which may last
the next several years, there will be a significant transfer of
wealth, and cash will continue to be king.”
GAYLE BAINBRIDGE
Executive Vice President
Global Risk Solutions Inc.
Miami
Bainbridge has served the South Florida business community for more than 25 years selling
property, liability, auto and workers compensation insurance with an emphasis on risk management. She is a founding partner at Global Risk Solutions, an
independent insurance agency established this year.
Bainbridge lists her induction as CREW Miami’s 2008 president as her highest career accomplishment. She serves on the
boards of the 200 Club, an organization that helps the families of
police and firefighters killed in the line of duty, and on the Foundation Board of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.
