Her Story
About Tamara
Tamara Alexander-Johnson is a respected corporate real estate executive, independent board director, educator, and strategic advisor with more than 34 years of experience in commercial real estate, corporate governance, enterprise risk management, and organizational transformation. She began her career in the late 1980s as one of the few women in Metro Denver's commercial real estate industry, steadily advancing into senior leadership positions overseeing global real estate portfolios, complex transactions, and strategic initiatives for major corporations, including Western Union and VF Corporation. Today, she serves as CEO of Corporate Real Estate Advisory Services, LLC, an adjunct professor at the University of Denver, and a Board Director for the Credit Union of Colorado Foundation, where she provides strategic oversight and champions initiatives that promote financial empowerment and community impact.
Committed to advancing the commercial real estate profession, Alexander-Johnson was a founding member of CREW Denver and served as the organization's president in 1995. She later established its mentor-mentee program, helping cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. Her passion for education and mentorship continues through her role as an adjunct faculty member teaching graduate-level corporate real estate and facilities management at the University of Denver, as well as her involvement with the Executive Women in Business mentoring program at the University of Colorado Denver. She earned a B.B.A. in Business Administration and Management from the University of Denver and the prestigious Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR) designation from CoreNet Global, along with advanced governance training through the University of North Carolina Law School's Director Diversity Initiative.
Alexander-Johnson attributes her success to an unwavering work ethic, lifelong curiosity, and the determination to seek out mentors, sponsors, and allies while building her voice in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her career has been defined by strategic leadership, resilience, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. Today, she focuses on corporate board service for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, executive advisory work, higher education, and mentoring emerging professionals, helping organizations strengthen governance, optimize business performance, and create sustainable long-term value.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tamara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, a commitment to continuous learning, and the willingness to seek out opportunities for growth. From an early age, I was instilled with the value of hard work and perseverance, which has guided me throughout my career. In my 20s, I began to find my voice and recognize that my abilities and potential were not limited by being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated environment. I was fortunate to build relationships with mentors, sponsors, and colleagues who supported my growth, and I have carried that same responsibility forward by helping and empowering others. My success has also come from my curiosity, determination, and willingness to set ambitious goals while seeking guidance from those who can help me achieve them. I chose this career because I am passionate about the work, and I continue to challenge myself, learn, and grow with each new opportunity.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to recognize the power of mentorship, find my voice, and believe in my own leadership potential. Early in my career, a respected female leader helped me build confidence, advocate for myself, and understand the impact I could make, which shaped my lifelong commitment to supporting and empowering others. I believe mentorship is not simply a one-time connection, but a responsibility to guide, encourage, and create opportunities for future leaders. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to mentoring women entering commercial real estate and supporting emerging professionals as they develop their skills, confidence, and leadership abilities. I also believe in the importance of engaging allies, both women and men, because meaningful progress happens when we work together to create more inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to find their voice, build confidence, and never hesitate to advocate for themselves. It is important to develop the ability to communicate ideas clearly, speak with confidence, and stand firm in your perspective, even in environments where you may feel underrepresented. Recognize that you do not need to have all the answers on your own; seeking guidance, asking questions, and learning from others are essential parts of growth and success. I encourage women to build strong networks, seek out mentors, and find female allies who can provide support, encouragement, and valuable perspective throughout their careers. By embracing confidence, collaboration, and continuous learning, women can create meaningful impact and help shape the future of their industries.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field today are centered around navigating change, advancing strategic leadership, and creating more inclusive opportunities for future generations. Throughout my career in commercial real estate, I have experienced the challenges of building a leadership presence in an industry where women were historically underrepresented, often being one of the few women in executive discussions, negotiations, and major transactions. Rather than allowing those experiences to limit me, I viewed them as opportunities to demonstrate expertise, build credibility, and help reshape expectations for women in leadership. Today, I see significant opportunities for organizations to strengthen governance, embrace sustainability, improve resilience, and leverage strategic real estate decisions to drive business performance. I am also passionate about increasing diverse representation in corporate leadership and boardrooms, recognizing the value of leaders who bring broad operational experience, global perspectives, and the courage to challenge conventional thinking while fostering collaboration. I remain committed to supporting organizational transformation and empowering future leaders through mentorship, sponsorship, and expanded access to meaningful opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are confidence, collaboration, and the willingness to seek support when needed. Throughout my career, I have learned the importance of finding my voice, advocating for myself, and speaking with confidence, especially in environments where I may be the only woman in the room. I believe in recognizing when I do not have all the answers and having the humility to seek guidance from others who can help me grow. I also value the power of building connections and encouraging women to support one another, seek out mentors, and create strong networks of female allies who can inspire and empower each other.
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