Impact Awards Program
WCREW (Wisconsin chapter of CREW Network) is the leading organization in Wisconsin for women in the commercial real estate field. CREW Network is the industry’s premier business organization, consists of 14,000 professionals in over 80 major global markets.
CREW Network is represented by professionals in all aspects of commercial real estate thereby providing members with direct access to real estate professionals across all geographies and disciplines.
WCREW members are empowered by sharing their knowledge and experience with others in their community, while also learning from the insight and know-how of others. That’s why the focus is on networking programs such as professional development breakfasts or lunches, monthly networking events such as casual happy hours and coffee connections, behind the scene tours, annual golf outings, and the signature Impact Awards (formerly known as the Showcase Award ceremony) where unique and innovative commercial real estate developments in Wisconsin are recognized at an awards banquet. By growing and strengthening member networks, WCREW aims to create more opportunities for women in commercial real estate including development of leadership skills and business referrals.
Impact Awards
Recognizing extraordinary leadership and achievement in commercial real estate
CREW recognizes extraordinary leadership and success in commercial real estate through an annual awards program and special recognition events. Our awards raise the profile and highlight the success of our members, partners and industry colleagues who are doing extraordinary things for CREW, their clients, companies, communities, and the industry.
Woman of the Year
Each year, WCREW honors a woman who has made a significant impact in Wisconsin’s commercial real estate industry through leadership, mentorship, dealmaking, diversity, or entrepreneurship. In 2025, WCREW proudly recognizes Sara Iverson Smith as Woman of the Year for her outstanding contributions.
Sara serves on multiple boards, including the Children’s Museum of Rock County and the national SPECS Advisory Board. A dedicated WCREW committee member since 2021, she has organized and spoken on industry panels covering topics such as female leadership, real estate development, and workplace innovation.
With a structured approach to mentoring interns in real estate and construction, Sara ensures that each intern gains hands-on experience, from market analysis to leadership presentations. She also fosters professional growth among her team, encouraging them to take on leadership opportunities.
Throughout her career, Sara has led high-value transactions, from multimillion-dollar site acquisitions and lease negotiations to large-scale real estate developments. She has successfully navigated complex projects across retail, healthcare, and distribution sectors.
Always looking for innovative solutions, Sara has driven new revenue opportunities through strategic leasing initiatives, and partnerships that enhance business growth.
Sara’s dedication to the industry and her embodiment of WCREW’s mission make her a deserving recipient of the 2025 Woman of the Year Award.
Project of the Year
WI Youth Symphony Orchestra
The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) proudly opened its new 40,085 SF music center, a world-class facility that includes three rehearsal halls, eight studios, and nine practice rooms. Designed with acoustics and growth in mind, the center serves over 500 young musicians and offers a permanent home for WYSO's programs, making it a cultural cornerstone in Madison's vibrant youth arts community.
Madison, WI | 40,085 SF
Owner: Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO)
Architects: Strang, Inc.
General Contractor: J.H. Findorff & Son
Community Impact
Outreach Community Health Center
The Outreach Community Health Center is a cutting-edge facility designed to improve patient care and support healthcare providers. With thoughtfully designed spaces for outreach counselors and enhanced storage for community resources, the facility is a cornerstone for both healthcare delivery and community outreach in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee, WI | 52,000 SF
Owner: Outreach Community Health Center
Architects: Continuum Architects and Planners
General Contractor: JCP Construction, LLC
Judges' Choice
Food for Health
Food For Health (FFH) transformed the historic 1892 Schuster Store into a modern, functional headquarters that combines restored architectural features with contemporary design. Highlights of the building include a demonstration kitchen, event spaces, consultation rooms, and a production kitchen for preparing medically tailored meals.
Milwaukee, WI | 34,000 SF
Owner: Food for Health
Architects: HGA
General Contractor: Catalyst Construction
People's Choice
Voting for the People's Choice coming soon.
