Her Story
About Anne-Christine
AnneChristine Zalewski is the owner of her company based in Miami, Florida. She serves as a certified urban planner and entitlements manager, providing zoning consulting services to developers and clients navigating complex city approval processes. With approximately 11 and a half years in the field, Zalewski began her career working for the city as a planning associate before advancing through planner roles. She later moved to the private sector, where a developer gave her the title of entitlements manager, and she eventually founded her own firm. Zalewski holds the AICP credential and is a member of the American Planning Association. Her work involves managing teams of architects and engineers, arguing for projects before commissions, and helping clients achieve approvals more affordably than through land use attorneys. She entered the profession motivated by a desire to improve urban environments and quality of life, drawing from her background in a third world country.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anne-Christine
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Start working for the city to gain experience, then transition to the private sector because you're more valuable with that background.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The hardest part of starting a business is the fear of the unknown like when the next paycheck will come. Don't let that stop you. Put your head to the ground and grind through it because finding clients is formulaic.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Managing people and expectations on projects, especially personalities in a male-dominated field where people push blame. Be the bigger person and see the bigger picture to prevent project delays and client losses.
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