Overview

Breaking the Glass Ceiling is an intimate six-month program that builds relationships and offers training to lead to further career satisfaction and success in the real estate and land use fields. It is tailored for women in real estate and related land-use professions seeking to advance by working one-on-one with senior leaders in the field.

Everyone needs guidance at critical career points. This is especially true for women in real estate navigating an industry that remains especially male-dominated. Led by Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), the program matches women ULI members with industry executives (men or women) for mentorship in career advancement and leadership.

Since WLI was founded in 2013, it has been adopted in 40+ ULI District Councils, including ULI Colorado. Opportunities afforded by WLI programs have helped double the number of women ULI members in that time. ULI Colorado’s successful WLI programs have included Emerging Trends in Real Estate, quarterly Leadership Connections, View from the Top, and Tools for Transformation.

Program Overview for 2026

• January-February: Mentor Outreach & Confirmation & Mentee Call for Interest
• February 28th: Mentor Confirmation Deadline
• March 16th: Mentee Applications Open
• March 27th: Mentee Applications Close by 8PM
• April 4th: Program Participants Reviewed, Accepted, & Notified
• April 10th: Acceptance Confirmation Deadline (via email, a reminder you must become a ULI Member to participate and pay the program fee)
• May 1st: Mentee Program Payments Due
• June 11th: KICK OFF: Program launch event with all mentors and mentees, including an overview of the program, materials and resources, and mentor/mentee relationship training
• June 26th: Mentor & Mentee Matches Announced
• June – November: Monthly mentorship meetings following the Breaking the Glass Ceiling Guidebook
• August 5th: MID-PROGRAM MEETUP: Mid-program check-in with all the teams, including leadership training
• November 12th: GRADUATION: All participants come together for networking and closing remarks on next steps in mentor programming and succession planning. We will also highlight successes and lessons learned.

***There will additionally be an estimate of 3-4 optional convening(s) for mentees and mentors from June through November. Dates to be announced in the coming months. They will include coffee and/or happy hour meet-ups for the group.

Click here for program expectations for both mentors & mentees

Application Needs:

You may preview and prepare for the application by viewing this document >

• Current resume
• Professional headshot
• Current professional bio
• Goals regarding the program

Mentee Acceptance Criteria:

Women who are mid- to senior-level career professionals with 7-20 years of experience in real estate or land use fields who want to advance to the executive level. 

• You are a woman who has reached a leadership level of success within your career.
• You may be recognized for her achievements and may be seen as a respected resource in her market.
• You may have hit the proverbial “glass ceiling” and would benefit from mentorship to advance to executive levels.
• You are looking for growth in your skills as a leader, manager, and/or board member.

The program will help mentees with this transition to senior leadership, build their influence and expertise, and advance the mission of ULI as they becomes a leader in supporting responsible land use and thriving communities!

Upon acceptance, mentees must become a ULI member if not already, and pay the program fee of $450 (Private) or $400 (Public/Non-Profit).

How you and your organization can help:

• Sponsor the program! Learn more about sponsorship opportunities by contacting [email protected] or view our brochure here>
• Promote participation in the program among your peers and colleagues who are mid-career women 

BGC Program Lead:

• Denyse Airheart, Flintco, [email protected]

THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM SPONSOR:

SILVER

BRONZE