Her Story
About Jacquelyn
I am a senior leader in real estate, architectural design, and retail expansion, with over 12 years of experience driving growth and operational excellence for luxury brands. A trained architect, I hold a BFA in Architecture from Parsons the New School for Design and a Master of Architecture from RISD, bringing deep expertise in construction, shop drawing review, and end-to-end retail execution to ensure design intent translates into high-performing, brand-elevated environments.
Throughout my career, I have secured prime retail locations, optimized lease structures, managed $15M–$20M in annual capital investments, built and led operations teams, and streamlined processes to deliver profitable, high-performing retail environments. I thrive on developing long-term expansion strategies, introducing innovative store models, and fostering trust-based relationships with landlords, partners, and senior leadership across global, regional, and affiliate organizations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jacquelyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, dedication and a strong foundation of mentors who have guided and supported me along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to do something you love and give it your all. I have also learned the importance of keeping my head up and taking in the world around me- there is so much to notice in building details, rooftops, and cityscapes. Observing these details inspires creativity, keeps work and life engaging, and helps me stay curious.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to believe in your expertise, embrace challenges, and find your voice in every room. This is a traditionally male-dominated industry, so it’s important to be confident in your knowledge, ask questions, and contribute ideas boldly. Seek mentors, build supportive networks, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Your perspective is valuable.
Equally important is to lift others as you rise. I encourage young women to support their peers, celebrate wins together, and foster collaboration. Developing both technical expertise and leadership skills will set you apart, but maintaining integrity, resilience, and curiosity will allow you to thrive long-term. Remember, your contributions not only shape your career, they help create opportunities for the next generation of women in the industry.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Managing rising costs, inflation, tariffs, and quality standards on store installs is a key challenge in retail expansion, alongside securing prime spaces and optimal locations that drive long-term brand performance.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value staying focused and doing my work thoughtfully, while keeping an open mind and learning from the world around me. I have learned that patience, enjoying life, and building lasting relationships help me grow both professionally and personally, especially since design is always evolving.
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