Her Story
About Sarah
Sarah Delano, MRED, is an accomplished commercial real estate professional with more than two decades of experience spanning property management, sales and leasing, business development, investment analysis, and real estate transactions. She began her career in residential real estate before returning to George Mason University, where she earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in Real Estate Development. Her advanced education provided a strong foundation for her transition into commercial real estate, where she has developed expertise across a diverse range of asset classes, including retail, marinas, multifamily properties, and Class A and Class B office spaces, with more recent experience supporting opportunities within the wellness sector. Throughout her career, Sarah has demonstrated exceptional leadership, adaptability, and resilience. As a licensed real estate broker in both Florida and Virginia and a former principal broker, she has successfully managed complex transactions, business operations, and evolving market conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she stepped into a significant leadership role within the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., markets following the loss of a mentor, navigating operational challenges while maintaining a strong commitment to clients and business continuity. As Business Development Director at CRE 360 Partners, she leveraged her extensive industry knowledge to advance business development, market strategy, site selection, commercial leasing, and strategic partnerships. Her work combines market analysis, relationship development, targeted outreach, and engagement with key decision makers to identify opportunities and support sustainable growth. Sarah’s professional philosophy is grounded in integrity, honesty, perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. She believes that effective real estate leadership requires both strong analytical capabilities and the ability to cultivate authentic, long-term relationships. She remains committed to staying informed about industry trends, embracing new ideas, and bringing thoughtful, practical insight to every professional interaction. Sarah is also passionate about encouraging women to pursue careers in commercial real estate, emphasizing the importance of asking questions, taking initiative, pursuing opportunities with confidence, and remaining persistent in the face of challenges. Through her experience and leadership, she continues to make a meaningful contribution to the commercial real estate industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and staying informed about the world around me. I make a conscious effort to remain open to new opportunities, explore unfamiliar areas, and approach challenges with resourcefulness and curiosity. Staying current with evolving markets, industry trends, and emerging technologies, including AI, allows me to remain competitive and forward-thinking. Most importantly, I never allow myself to become stagnant; I continually seek opportunities to grow, expand my perspective, and evolve both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to never give up and to remain persistent, especially when facing challenges or uncertainty. I believe it is equally important to stay true to yourself and protect your integrity, because doing what is right is ultimately more valuable than simply pursuing what is most profitable. When something does not feel right, I take the time to reassess the situation, consider the options, and determine the best path forward. I also believe that creativity and resourcefulness are essential in overcoming obstacles, finding solutions, and continuing to move forward with confidence.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the commercial real estate industry is to remain confident, persistent, and open to learning. Do not be discouraged by challenges or setbacks, because there is a place for everyone who brings genuine passion, determination, and drive to the profession. Never be afraid to ask questions, seek guidance, and learn from those around you. Continue putting yourself out there, building meaningful relationships, and developing your knowledge and expertise. Most importantly, believe in your abilities, pursue opportunities with purpose, and remain persistent in creating the career you want.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in commercial real estate is that the industry is highly relationship-driven, with many professional networks and long-standing connections already firmly established. Creating your own path therefore requires persistence, perseverance, and a willingness to consistently put yourself out there. I do not view hearing “no” as the end of an opportunity; instead, I see it as the possibility of a future opportunity when the timing is right. I believe the key is to remain proactive, persistent, memorable, and relevant while bringing genuine value and meaningful insight to every conversation. Establishing your own voice, demonstrating what you uniquely contribute, and building authentic relationships are essential to navigating challenges and creating opportunities for continued professional growth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are honesty, integrity, and clear communication. I believe there is nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know yet, but I’ll find out,” because providing accurate and reliable information is far more important than pretending to have all the answers. I value transparency and believe that being truthful, even when the answer may not be what someone wants to hear, builds credibility and long-term trust. Maintaining these principles helps me foster strong relationships, make informed decisions, and ensure that one difficult moment or poor decision does not compromise future opportunities.
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