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What has been your journey in Real Estate like so far? Was it a lifelong aspiration or a gradual discovery?
Dicko: The 2008 downturn sparked a shift. Seeking a more tangible industry, I joined a real estate developer as a strategy advisor. Their vision and the development process captivated me. Transforming ideas into brick-and-mortar became a passion, leading me to transition actively from the investment banking field to project management in the same company.
Could you walk us through the strategies you employed to establish a unique position in the industry and foster your professional growth?
Dicko: After successfully managing complex projects, I saw a growing demand for high-end buildings in Senegal. This insight led me to establish my own company, focusing on this clientele. Continuous learning through RICS, MIT, and UC Berkeley's MRED+D program provided industry expertise and global connections, establishing and solidifying my unique position in the industry while fostering my professional growth.
You were recently awarded the Bisnow Award for Outstanding Excellence and Influence in Commercial Real Estate (congratulations!), and elected member of the Board of Directors of the SFHDC, what objectives do you aim to pursue in addressing housing initiatives in San Francisco?
Dicko: The Bisnow Award was a wonderful surprise! It validated my transition to the Bay Area and showcased the expertise I gained developing mixed-use properties in Senegal – expertise I was eager to contribute to SFHDC as a Board member. I aim to focus on creating affordable housing options. I'm passionate about empowering residents through homeownership. This could also involve partnering with local organizations to offer educational workshops and counseling services, making homeownership a more attainable dream for many San Franciscans.
What are your forthcoming aspirations and goals both professionally and personally, within the Real Estate realm?
Dicko: My passion lies in crafting beautiful, user-centric spaces. Witnessing the final product come alive and fulfill users' needs is incredibly rewarding. As I relocated to Europe last month and embark on this exciting career shift, I seek opportunities to leverage my nearly 20 years of experience to elevate user experience in real estate.
 BREAA Member Spotlight - Success Story:
2023 BREAA Fellow Ivy found her perfect role in the industry through connections made at BREAA
Here is What Ivy has to say -
"Securing my dream role at SKS Partners was an incredible journey, with BREAA and the BREAA Fellowship playing indispensable roles in this success - financial assistance for educational pursuits, meaningful connections from events and the mentorship program were instrumental in shaping my career path. The guidance, immersive experiences at BREAA events, and fellowship camaraderie played a crucial role in expanding my network and gaining insights into the real estate industry. Thank you, BREAA, for being a cornerstone in my journey."
All about UC Berkeley:
UC Berkeley shines in national and international real estate competitions
The UC Berkeley team won second place
TEAM MEMBERS (left to right): Terence Zhenyang Chan (MBA'24), Sophia O'Neal-Roberts (MREDD'24), Hailey Christina Gil (MPP'24), Nyny Vu (MCP'24), Jono Coles (M.Arch'24)
The UC Berkeley team won honorable mention
TEAM MEMBERS: John Mooyman (MRED+D '24), (Michael) Nachapon Rujirasopon (MRED+D '24), Sehrish Fatima (MRED+D '24), Dominic Williams (MBA '24), William Dennis Kosinski (JD '24)
The UC Berkeley team competed in the NAIOP 35th
Annual Real Estate Challenge a.k.a The Golden Shovel
TEAM MEMBERS (left to right): Johnathan Pawluk (MRED+D '24), Collin Beresford (MRED+D '24), Bill Falik (mentor), Abigail Franklin (mentor), Finlay Douglas (M.Arch), Nicholas Hanoian (MRED+D '24), Siah Siabi (MRED+D '24)
A Candid Conversation with Allie Stein By Priyanka Kakoti
Allie Stein (MCP '16), former BREAA president (2021-2023) and current Advisory Board member, shares her professional journey and impact of real estate community, BREAA and Berkeley on her professional and personal development.
As Director of Development and Special Projects at Prado Group, Allie transitioned from Bridge Housing, where she gained expertise in project management, to Hines, working on major Downtown San Francisco towers. This experience at large firms equipped her with a strong foundation in established processes, which she now innovates upon at Prado.
Allie’s interest in real estate stems from observing racial and economic segregation in Baltimore where she grew up and her volunteer work in rehab housing. Initially on a pre-law track, she shifted to city planning, driven by a passion for urban environments. At Berkeley, she customized her education to blend city planning, real estate finance, and the built environment.
Allie likes to garden, play tennis, go hiking, backpacking and camping in her free time.
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You had previously worked at well established and large companies, what was your experience working for each of them?
Allie: I started my career at Bridge Housing, one of Northern California's largest affordable housing developers. I spent three years there learning project management, development, finance, and policy. Then I transitioned to Hines, working on two towers in downtown San Francisco for four years. These seven years cumulatively at large companies taught me a lot about established processes and systems. Last year, I joined Prado Group, which is smaller compared to my former workplaces, allowed me to innovate and streamline processes more efficiently.
What brought you to real estate?
Allie: Growing up in Baltimore, I observed significant racial and economic segregation. My volunteer work focused on rehabbing buildings, made me realize the deep impact of the built environment on communities. Initially, I was pre-law with ambitions to work in policy, but after a stint at the Department of Justice, I reevaluated my interests. Urban environments have always fascinated me. I wrote my thesis on residential segregation in Baltimore, learned about zoning and city planning, and decided to further my knowledge in City Planning at Berkeley. I mixed classes from CED and Haas to understand planning, real estate finance, and the built environment, essentially creating my own MRED+D program.
How did you get introduced to BREAA and become its president?
Allie: A few people, led by Dennis Williams, MD, Northmarq, began meeting at Northmarq’s office. I joined these meetings in 2016, became the events chair with Joe South, VP, Cold Summit Development, as my co-chair, and helped plan the first BREAA Gala. I then became vice-president under Briana Harney, SVP, Northmarq, and eventually president. One of my best memories was a virtual happy hour over Zoom during the pandemic with sake tastings delivered from Pabu Izakaya. We had an unexpectedly great time which helped create lasting friendships and a strong sense of community.
For me, BREAA and particularly the Gala, is such a personal event, everyone enjoys BREAA for making them feel comfortable, it feels like a reunion.
Allie: I appreciate that at BREAA there is no pressure to network; it’s just about being part of a community. It feels natural and fosters genuine connections.
You mentioned coming to California to pursue your studies at UC Berkeley. What made you stay?
Allie: Initially, I thought I'd stay temporarily, but the state’s focus on planning, development, and housing issues, which are front-page news daily, captivated me. The public awareness and engagement here is unique compared to where I grew up, and it motivates me in my work.
How has your experience contributed to your thought process?
Allie: I started in affordable housing, which is crucial to the real estate fabric. That field of experience made me feel very strongly about planning and building balanced, mixed-income, and mixed-use communities. Eventually at Hines, I worked on a 700-unit tower with 45% inclusionary housing ranging from 30% AMI levels to 120% and luxury condos all in the same tower. Currently at Prado, I'm working on transforming the CPMC campus in Pacific Heights and UCSF Laurel Heights campus into walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods.
Do you have a project bucket list that you someday hope to work on?
Allie: I’ve always wanted to do an adaptive reuse, mixed-use project anchored by retail or food and beverage. Such projects bring communities together and revitalize diminishing structures.
Three changes you'd like to see?
Allie: First, I envision a revitalized downtown with flexible uses and community events. Second, I’m excited about the socially conscious next generation of real estate leaders. Lastly, I wish for us to think and act more like a community rather than individuals.
Any ending thoughts for BREAA members?
Allie: During my presidency, I aimed to establish an Advisory Board, which we did, successfully. We’ve also expanded our reach across various programs/departments at UC Berkeley, strengthening ties with The Fisher Center, Haas, CED, and MRED+D. Our goal is for BREAA to be the alumni organization for all Berkeley programs related to real estate. We hope to onboard Architecture, Engineering, Planning and other departments as well. Working together is how we make a big impact.
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For Job/Internship opportunities check out the BREAA JOB BOARDs
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Please contact info@breaa@gmail.com to post job/internship openings on BREAA's website.
For questions & comments, please reach out!
Priyanka Kakoti
Chair - Marketing & Communications
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