Wanda Chin Lee
Wanda Chin Lee is a highly experienced Senior Project Manager specializing in corporate real estate and project management. Based in Medford, Massachusetts, she currently works at VVA, part of Drees & Sommer, where she oversees complex projects from conception to completion. Her role involves coordinating general contractors and subcontractors, managing budgets and schedules, and ensuring every aspect of a project aligns with client expectations. Wanda approaches her work holistically, tracking every detail while maintaining clear communication across multiple layers of stakeholders to deliver projects efficiently and effectively.
Wanda’s career in corporate real estate began over 25 years ago when a temporary placement as a project coordinator introduced her to the industry. She quickly recognized the opportunities within real estate and progressed into project management, overseeing tenant fit-outs, owner representation, and large-scale commercial developments. Throughout her career, she has worked with a range of clients across institutional, higher education, commercial, and residential projects, developing a reputation for precision, accountability, and the ability to navigate complex, multi-faceted initiatives.
Beyond her professional achievements, Wanda is passionate about mentorship and empowering the next generation of real estate professionals. She currently serves as Co-Chair of UCREW with CREW Boston, an educational committee dedicated to helping students explore careers in commercial real estate, including finance, law, architecture, and construction. Her philosophy emphasizes honesty, compassion, and clear communication, both in her professional endeavors and personal interactions, making her a respected leader and advocate in her industry.
• Certified Leadership with Crew Boston
• Women In Leadership
• Regis College- B.A.
• Crew Boston
• Co-Chair of UCREW Committee
• Arepa - Boston Chapter
• UCREW Educational Committee - educating college students about corporate real estate careers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success through my mentors and lots of women who have supported me along the way. Some may not know they're my mentors, but when I look at their LinkedIn profile or I see their status as making strides in construction or corporate real estate, it's very powerful to me. Recently I've joined a committee where I want to empower females in the industry, students in the industry, to know that there is a profession here. But I would say my mentors would be my great attribution to where I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay focused, trust your heart and gut, and always maintain a positive outlook.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay curious and keep asking questions—there’s no such thing as a dumb question. Don’t be intimidated by being the only woman in the room, your voice and perspective matter.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say it's communicating with folks and getting your statement across. As a project owner managing under a client, trying to get that across to the end user as well as to our contractors is challenging. Because I represent the client, I need to make sure that the communication comes through loud and clear, precise and clear to what the direction is. But I think because there's so many multiple layers, sometimes communication can get missed, and it's just kind of a long process to make sure everyone is on board, as far as approval-wise and communication-wise.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty and staying true to oneself, paired with compassion—both in my professional life and at home. I also cherish quality family time, traveling, enjoying good food, and moments of quiet to recharge.