Get to know some of the ULI San Francisco members who work hard behind the scenes to develop the events and initiatives our District Council is known for. These industry leaders come from a variety of real estate land use sectors and lend their expertise and time to drive the work of our committees. We’ve asked these committee co-chairs to answer questions around their involvement with ULI San Francisco.

Swathi Bonda
Vice Chair, Housing the Bay Committee
Senior Director, Brookfield Properties

Q: How did you first get involved with ULI and your committee?
I joined ULI when I was in business school and trying to gain my foothold in real estate. My involvement deepened in 2020, when I wanted to shape how our industry engages with issues of racial equity. Since then, I’ve joined ULI SF’s DEI committee and am Vice Chair for Housing the Bay.

Q: What’s a memorable connection you’ve made through ULI?
Our DEI committee meets in smaller discussion groups monthly. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with my discussion group for more intimate, personal dialogue about DEI issues. It really helps build connections, have vulnerable conversations and break up Zoom fatigue.

Q: What keeps you engaged with ULI SF and what are you most excited about in the near future?
The community! Everyone is so brilliant, well connected and committed to ULI. I learn something new at every committee meeting and networking event. I’m really excited about meeting our Housing the Bay steering committee in-person for the first time at this year’s conference.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
After opening 5M and buying my first home (in the same week), I’m just looking forward to furnishing my condo and taking a long summer vacation!

Q: What’s your leadership philosophy/style?
Balance grace and tenacity, and always remember that no hill is worth dying on. If you work hard, work together and check your ego at the door, any problem can be solved creatively and productively.

Q: Who has been an instrumental person in your career?
I was fortunate to have worked on a woman-dominated team when I started my career at Forest City. All of them taught me that is a myriad of different ways to be a successful woman and leader, there is no one archetype. They empowered me to find my own authentic voice.

Q: Outside of work and ULI, what do you enjoy doing?
I serve on the board of the Kelsey, a nonprofit that advances disability-forward housing solutions. Before I joined the board, I didn’t know a lot about disability access. Through the board, I’ve been able to share my real estate and housing expertise and learn so much from fellow board members.

Q: What has been your most unusual role, to date?
Before I became a developer, I worked in research economics and big data. Being a developer is the first job where I didn’t have to use calculus!