Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month –a time to both reaffirm and uphold the historical importance, achievements and influence of theses communities. All May long, ULI San Francisco joins the nation in commemorating this heritage month by reaffirming our commitment to acknowledging the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. We remain committed to pursuing unrelenting efforts to shape the built environment toward diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities.

ULI SF will be continuing its commemoration by highlighting key members of our district council. We are delighted to highlight the careers and contributions of Lily Ciammaichella, Stephanie Ting and Joy Woo and celebrate their leadership within our community.

Tell us about your career journey.

We made it. For AAPI month, I celebrate my parents, immigrants of Vietnam, with Diojiu (Chinese) roots, who had dreams, as many do of coming to America with a vision of a better life.  My journey to my career now is possible because of them. They are the reason I am driven, resilient, and brave. Now I am able to follow my dreams of being an Asian American Architect that envisions homes for all types of communities. Homes that are beyond just a roof, to heal, that gather, and embrace community.  Our people, Gaginang, is a melting pot of different Asian ethnicities that are instantaneously connected when we say “Gaginang.” In the same way, I hope to create space and place for all to come together and melt barriers away.

How has involvement with ULI impacted your career?

Over the years, ULI and the East Bay Programs Committee has given me the opportunity to moderate, speak, connect and learn with such a diverse range of people.  I am thankful that ULI has enabled me to broaden my perspective. To enable my voice to be heard and instantly forge connections.

Stephanie Ting’s journey in commercial real estate started in New York before moving to Hong Kong and now San Francisco, all while evaluating real estate investments. She spent a decade acquiring properties across the U.S. for Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing across all asset classes and risk profiles. She was also actively involved with the group’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy.

In 2021, Stephanie joined The Swig Company, heading investment and capital markets transactions. The Swig Company is a privately-owned real estate firm with an 80-plus year history of real estate investment and management. Stephanie also leads the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) group, which has been on the forefront of industry discussions on gender, race and disability.

Tell us about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the real estate industry.

I am a first generation immigrant who moved to the U.S. from Asia for college by myself when I was 18 years old, armed with just two suitcases and a starry-eyed passion to expand my worldview. I’ve had to adapt and assimilate while still maintaining my diverse cultural identity. Throughout my career, I have been one of the few women and people of color among my peer set.  As I progress in my career, though, I have found it especially challenging to find counterparts and role models who look like me with a seat at the table.

Yet diversity, equity and inclusion is crucial, as in my experience, the best decisions come from a diversity of views. I believe that maintaining diversity throughout the ranks – including fighting to increase it at the executive and Board levels – is integral to mentoring and retaining diverse talent. Ultimately, I want to help the next generation of diverse talent feel welcome and valued.

Share your career journey with us.

My parents immigrated to Northern California from Southern China and worked multiple jobs so my siblings and I could attend college. I went to UC Davis as a biological sciences major and considered pre-med, but after my sophomore year, the idea of putting in so many more years both of money and time redirected me. I discovered technical writing/editing in my senior year, which began my journey in the A/E/C industries as a technical editor and proposal coordinator, leading to various marketing roles, and then to strategic project leadership roles. Along the way, I got my MBA, became certified as a LEED AP and a life coach, and was recognized as an SMPS Fellow last year.

Tell us about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the real estate industry.

The real estate industry helps to provide a basic human need: shelter whether to live, work, or play. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential in ensuring that this basic need is available, accessible, and advantageous to all. The San Francisco Bay Area is rich in its diversity of people, and thus it is incumbent upon us to include everyone as we continue to design, develop, and evolve this special place.

Do you have any advice for individuals entering the industry?

Be a sponge: Observe and reflect, take in what resonates with you and what does not resonate with you. Oftentimes, by being open to what aligns with our values and what initially may not, we expand and deepen our own beliefs. Ask for advice and help, and then be that sponge. If someone says no or doesn’t respond, try someone else. At the same time, respect the insights and time you are given, and be that sponge.

Thank you to Lily, Stephanie, and Joy for sharing your experiences and journeys with us. We are grateful for your leadership and commitment to ULI San Francisco and beyond!