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Our CEO Vanessa Calderón-Rosado is Awarded as a Woman of FIRE

[caption id="attachment_4366" align="alignright" width="300"] Dr. Vanessa Calderón-Rosado[/caption] This past Friday, IBA CEO Vanessa Calderón-Rosado was honored as one of Banker & Tradesman’s Women of FIRE at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Boston. The award recognizes women who have made a lasting impact on the financial, insurance and real estate industries. Vanessa joined 13 other esteemed women, who are mentors, philanthropists, leaders and innovators, who have devoted their time to bettering the communities that they serve. Since she stepped into her role as CEO 13 years ago, Vanessa has had a monumental impact on IBA, completing a financial turnaround for a decades-old organization, which continues to grow today with new projects. In an often male-dominated industry, she has stood out as a leader, beating out large for-profit developers for business, including the BHA’s contract for the revitalization of West Newton/Rutland Streets in the South End. As Banker & Tradesman puts it, Vanessa has come to be known as “one of the most influential Latino voices in Massachusetts.” She has served as an outspoken leader on crucial topics concerning Boston’s real estate market, most importantly the need for more affordable housing. Additionally, she is a supportive voice for important policy issues including Mayor Walsh’s Boston 2030 plan, an increase in linkage fees, and the Community Preservation Act, which will be on the ballot this November. Her op-ed on why we need to pass this act can be read in the Boston Business Journal here. As Vanessa says, being a woman in the industry doesn’t come easy, and it takes a lot of hard work and determination to be considered a leader. Her advice for future leaders? “Find a mentor, network, educate yourself, show your worth. Be results driven, and be adaptable. Be flexible, and deliver!” Read more about why Vanessa is a Woman of FIRE here....